KB42082: How to use derived metrics to concatenate two attribute forms of the report in MicroStrategy 9.4.x-10.x?

In some business scenarios, it is required to use derived metrics to concatenate two attribute forms of the report. Two examples of the scenarios that may need to use derived metrics to concatenate two attribute forms of the report:

1. The report is based on an Intelligent Cube but the user is not allowed to modify and republish the cube.
2. The report is a Freeform SQL report and it is not expected to modify the SQL.

 
For the steps below to achieve the requirement:

• In Strategy Tutorial (3-Tier) project, create a report with attributes and .
• Run the report in Grid View.
• Go to Menu -> Insert -> New Metric, and enter the formula as shown below:
  

• 
  Max(Region@DESC) {~ }

  
  
  NOTE: Use Max() function to transfer an attribute form into a derived metric which can be recognized by the string functions such as Concat().
  
• Click on OK to save the derived metric.
• Insert another derived metric, as shown below:
  

• 
  Max(Category@DESC) {~ }
  

  
   
  
  
• Insert a third derived metric to do the concatenation. Select String Functions -> Concat(), and input the formula as shown below:
  

• 
  Concat([Max Region], [Max Category])
  

  
   
  
  
• The new derived metric can display the concatenation of the two attribute forms, as shown below: