Configuring Statistics

Before generating a chart, you must teach the system how to extract data from your records. This is done in two stages: defining Variables and then defining Tables.

Access: Statistics > Configuration

1. Defining Variables (config_vars.php)

A "Variable" is a piece of data extracted from a record.

1. Click Variables Configuration.
2. You will see a list of existing variables. Click New to create one.
3. Fill in the parameters:
   • Variable Code: A short internal name (e.g., AUT, YEAR).
   • Description: The human-readable label (e.g., Author Name).
   • Extraction Format (PFT): The ISIS script to get the data.
     • Example: v10^a (Extracts subfield 'a' of tag 10).
     • Advanced: (v650/) (Extracts all repeatable subjects).

tip

Variables are reusable. Once you define "Publication Year", you can use it in dozens of different tables.

2. Defining Tables (config_tables.php)

A "Table" defines the layout of your report by crossing two variables (Rows x Columns).

1. Click Tables Configuration.
2. Create a New table definition.
3. Fill in the parameters:
   • Table Code: A unique ID (e.g., SUBJ_YEAR).
   • Title: The report header (e.g., Subjects per Publication Year).
   • Row Variable: Select a variable from the list (e.g., Subjects).
   • Column Variable: Select a variable (e.g., Year).
   • Note: You can leave the Column variable empty to generate a simple Frequency List (Top list).

3. Saving

Changes are saved to configuration files (.cfg and .tab) inside the database's def folder. Ensure the web server has write permissions to this directory.