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Using Custom Variables as Dimensions in Report Builder

When building reports in Ripple’s Report Builder, users have the option to include Custom Variables (CVs) as Dimensions. This feature provides flexibility in reporting study-specific data points. However, specific considerations are required when using the same Custom Variable name across multiple studies, especially when also using Global Custom Variables.

Important Note About Custom Variables in Saved Reports

If you save a report that includes a Custom Variable as a Dimension, and that variable shares the same name across multiple studies (e.g., ripplecustomvariable), the report will encounter conflicts—particularly when one instance is marked Global and another is study-specific.

Scenario Example:

  • You create and save a report using ripplecustomvariable as a Dimension for Study A.

  • Later, your team creates a Global Custom Variable also named ripplecustomvariable for Study B.

  • Or, your team marked an existing study-specificripplecustomvariable as "global" for Study C.

  • When you return to your saved report, Ripple no longer knows which ripplecustomvariable to associate with the Dimension in your report.

As a result:

  • The Dimension field in the report is cleared or appears blank.

  • Data for that Custom Variable will not appear in the report output.

What You Need to Do

To ensure your reports continue to function correctly:

  1. Review all saved reports that include Custom Variables as Dimensions.

  2. Open the report in "Open Report Builder" mode. Center Icon in the upper right.

  3. In the Dimensions section, verify that the correct instance of the Custom Variable is selected.

  4. Re-save the report with the correct Dimension if needed.

NOTE: 

This manual review is necessary whenever:

  • Custom Variables are reused across studies.
  • A study-specific CV is converted into a Global CV (or vice versa).
Best Practices

  • Use unique names for Global Custom Variables that is a variation of the study-specific custom variable used across different studies to avoid conflicts.

  • Before creating a Global Custom Variable, audit existing CVs across studies for naming overlaps.

  • Communicate with your team about naming conventions for Custom Variables to minimize unintended overwrites or data loss in reports.