SQL Built-In Functions for

Pricing Formulas in Oracle

Advanced Pricing
An Oracle Technical Brief
August 2011

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page 1
 SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing
Formulas in Oracle Advanced
Pricing

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this document is to demonstrate the ways some of the SQL BuiltIn
Functions can leverage functionality within Pricing Formulas, in Oracle Advanced
Pricing, to generate list prices and modifier values. The use of SQL Built-In
Functions is part of the standard applications, and this document is designed to
supplement the existing User and Implementation Guides for Advanced Pricing
11.5.10 and Release 12.

Introduction
The following document has been collated to provide an overview guide to establish
what is possible with SQL Built-In functions and Pricing Formulas. Unfortunately,
although information is available about SQL Built-In functions with respect to
PL/SQL coding, there was nothing that detailed the use within pricing formulas.
An example of the complexity is where a client sold licences to businesses to enable
recorded music to be played to the general public. Each different type of business
would have different „tariff‟ types, to enable a fairer generation of licence fees,
rather than a flat rate for all.
Using Quoting and Configurator the client was able to capture a wide range of
commercial details, such as Audible Area, Average Attendance, Number of
Performances, Licence Period, etc. Although the Ordered Quantity was only 1
Licence sold, there could be numerous parameters in determining the fee. Pricing
Attributes linked through Configurator would capture the values that the Pricing
Formula would use to calculate the fee.
Pricing Formulas in Advanced Pricing apply basic mathematical formulae, using a
variety of data sources, to assist in the calculation of list prices and modifier values.
A Pricing Formula is structured with two elements:

• Formula
• Formula Steps
Within the formula, a standard mathematical calculation is defined using traditional
mathematical operators (+ - / * etc). However, rather than the actual figures in the
calculation, the formula references the formula steps that are listed in the form.

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The example screenshot below displays how the Formula Steps are related in the
Formula Line, “DECODE” and “NVL” are examples of SQL Built-In Functions.

Each step can be the same or a different data source or type, for example,
„Numeric Constant‟ (step 7)
„Pricing Attribute‟ (step 6)
The formula could be defined as (7+6), not („Numeric Constant‟ + „Pricing
Attribute‟ ). See Oracle Advanced Pricing User’s Guide for more details on the Pricing
Formula set up and usage.
Included in the structure of the mathematical formula, is the ability to add SQL Built-
In Functions. In standard SQL programming these are seeded functions to help you
manipulate data. These built-in functions fall into the following categories:

• Numeric
• Character Functions Returning Character Values
• NLS Character
• Character Functions Returning Number Values
• Datetime
• General Comparison
• Conversion
• Large Object
• Collection
• Heirarchical
• Data Mining

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 • Encoding and Decoding
• NULL-Related
• Aggregate
Historically, the Advanced Pricing User Guide mentions SQL Built-In Functions and
lists, „NVL‟ , „SQRT‟ , and „MOD‟ as examples and further provides an example
in the use of the „SQRT‟ (Square Root) command. In later releases of Advanced
Pricing, an example of the „GREATEST‟ SQL Built-In Function is seeded as part
of a minimum fee pricing formula.
The User Guide describes the following example:
“For example, the valid formula (1+2*SQRT(3))/4 contains:
• Operands: 1, 2, 3, and 4
• Mathematical operators: +, *, and /
• Built-in function: SQRT
• Parentheses: to group the operands and operators
For each preceding step number, you need to create four formula lines since the
formula has four step numbers.
Oracle Advanced Pricing uses the formula line and evaluates it to obtain the value
of the operand and calculates a formula. It does not use the face value of the step
number.”
A list of all SQL Built-In Functions can be found in the PL/SQL User's Guide and
Reference.
Not all of the SQL Built-In Functions are suitable for use directly within Pricing
Formulas formulae, generally those listed in the „Number‟ and some in the
„Miscellaneous‟ categories can be used directly into the formula line. This does not
preclude the other functions being used within other formula steps elements such as
Pricing Attributes packages and functions or Get_Custom_Price.

Formulas v Modifiers
Some of the functions listed later could be replicated using functionality available
through modifiers, e.g. Recurring Price Breaks. However the expanding commercial
use of Oracle Applications could mean that modifiers may not necessarily be suited
for the required pricing calculations. For example, where a licence is sold to play
recorded music, a charge to show live satellite sports, or even calculate the cost of
legal aid cases, the transaction quantity is always 1, however additional factors that
could be captured through Configurator /OA Framework forms could be used in
the calculation of the final price.
For example, music licences for businesses could be calculated based on the number
of chairs in a hairdressing salon to the number of speakers in a theme park. Likewise,
pubs and bars showing sports could be charged on the number of seats on site or the
rateable value of the premises, as well as the consumption of alcohol per unit.

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Where these complex pricing calculations are required to support different business
models, pricing formulas using the SQL Built-In Functions can satisfy the most
complex of models as opposed to trying to replicate these using modifiers.

Formulas v Customisation
Additional pricing and qualifier attributes can be defined in a custom package and
used in the pricing objects. This extends the functionality of the pricing module.
The accepted approach is to generate a custom package, e.g. XX_PRICING_PKG,
listing functions that are mapped to the pricing and qualifier attributes. There is a
temptation to use this package to derive all the complex pricing calculations, rather
than utilise the SQL Built-In Functions in a pricing formula.
Each Built-In Function will attempt to derive a value, used in the calculation. These
values can subsequently be seen in the Formula Steps within the Pricing Engine
Request Viewer, enabling much easier debugging and maintenance rather than
everything, not just the attributes, coded in the custom package. Therefore always
look to use the Built-In functions in pricing formulas ahead of any short-cut technical
calculation customisation.

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SQL BUILT-IN FUNCTIONS

Overview
There are numerous SQL Built-In Functions that can be used within standard SQL
or PL/SQL development; the complete list is displayed in Appendix A. However,
for Pricing Formulas, generally only mathematical number and some miscellaneous
functions will be used. This section considers those most likely to be used in pricing
formulas. Although discussed individually, there is nothing to prevent functions
being nested within calculations containing other functions.
The following section has been compiled with reference and acknowledgement to
Oracle® Database SQL Reference 10g.

Sql Built In Functions – ‘Numeric’

CEIL
CEIL (n)

This function enables a value or calculation to be rounded up to the nearest integer,

i.e. nearest integer greater than or equal to n, where the structure is CEIL(n).
Example:
Step 1 - Numeric Constant = 10
Step 2 - Pricing Attribute = 3
CEIL(1/2) = 3.333 = 4
CEIL(2/1) = 0.3 = 1
(CEIL(2-1)/2) = -2.333 = -2
If a pricing attribute could return a decimal value, CEIL(“pricing attribute”) will
round the attribute value up to the nearest integer.
This command is particularly useful if pricing formulas are used for calculating price
banding for a list price that cannot otherwise by controlled using recurring price
breaks, i.e. if the quantity is 1, and additional pricing attributes determine price ranges.
Business Use Example
A bar entertainment licence is priced, calculated on Area in Metre2

00 – 10 100

11 – 20 200

21 – 30 300

31 – 40 400

41 – 9999999 100 for every 10 m2 consumed additionally.

In this case the formula, would have the steps,
Step 1: Pricing Attribute – e.g. Licence Area in M2

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Step 2: Numeric Constant – 10
Step 3: List Price – 100 (derived from price list value field)
The pricing formula would be displayed as “(CEIL(1/2))*3”, such that for every 10m2
or part of consumed a price of 100 would be applied. Therefore, if 62 m2 is to be
priced, the value would be CEIL(62/10)*100 = 700 as 6.2 would be rounded to
7.

FLOOR
FLOOR (n)

This is the opposite of the “CEIL” command. This function enables a value or
calculation to be rounded down to the nearest integer, i.e. nearest integer less than or
equal to n.
Example:
Step 1 - Numeric Constant = 10
Step 2 - Pricing Attribute = 3
FLOOR(1/2) = 3.333 = 3
FLOOR(2/1) = 0.3 = 0
(FLOOR(2-1)/2) = -2.333 = -3
With pricing formulas, this could be used in ranges to calculate where whole values
had been used. The remainder would not be included in the calculation, if FLOOR
were used.
Business Use Example

Using the previous example, the pricing formula now

displayed as “(FLOOR(1/2))*3”, such that for every 10 consumed
a price of 100 would be applied. Therefore, if 62 m2 is to be priced, the value would
be FLOOR(62/10)*100 = 600 as 6.2 would be rounded to 6.
This function could also be applied to subscriptions to satellite and cable services.
The customer will renew in advance of the expiry date, but they are still charged for
a set period, e.g. one year, rather than one year plus the time in advance the payment
is made, i.e. FLOOR(licence period).

MOD
MOD (n, x)

This function will return the remainder of the calculation, where n is divided by x. In
the event that x is zero, the function will return the value of n.
Example:

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Using actual numbers instead of Formula Steps,
MOD(11.5,4) = 3
MOD(25,12) = 1
MOD((13*5),6) = (65,6) = 5
This could be used in a pricing calculation where whole Units of Measure are priced
at one rate, and decimal remainders given a premium value.
Business Use Example
Software licences are sold in sets of 10 at 100 for each licence. Where the set is split
less than 10, a surcharge of 15% is added to the licence price.
Pricing Attribute “Licence Quantity” (step 1)
List Price „100‟ (derived from price list) (step 2)
Numeric Constant “10” (step 3)
Numeric Constant “1.15” (step 4)
The pricing formula will be displayed as, ((FLOOR(1/3))*2)+(MOD(1,3)*(2*4))).
The FLOOR calculation will determine the fee based on the whole sets consumed
by the Licence Quantity. The MOD calculation will determine the cost of the
individual split set licences and charged at the increased list price. Please refer to the
REMAINDER function below regarding how MOD and REMAINDER generate
different values.

POWER
POWER (n, x)

This function will act as if nx, therefore raising the value of n by the power of x. The
value of the base value and exponent can both be any numeric value; however, if the
base is negative then it can only be raised by an integer.
Example:
Using actual numbers instead of Formula Steps,
Step 1 - Numeric Constant = 10
Step 2 - Pricing Attribute = 3
POWER(1,2) = 10*10*10 = 1000
POWER(2,1) = 3*3*3*3*3*3*3*3*3*3 = 59049
(POWER(2,1)/2) = (3*3*3*3*3*3*3*3*3*3)/3 = 19683
Business Use Example
Steel rods are sold based on the volume of each rod extruded and priced per Metre3.
The standard mathematical formula for this is “πr2l”. Pricing Attributes would be

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defined for the radius and length of the steel rod, the value of pi set at 22/7 or 3.147
etc
Numeric Constant “22” (Step 1)
Numeric Constant “7” (Step 2)
Numeric Constant “2” (Step 3)
Pricing Attribute “Rod Radius” (Step 4)
Pricing Attribute “Rod Length” (Step 5)
List Price (from Price List) (Step 6)
The pricing formula would be displayed as ((1/2)*(POWER(4,3)))*5)*6
The POWER function is used to calculate the radius squared. A function like this
could probably be most useful when calculating fluid material, e.g. concrete, into solid
objects.

REMAINDER
REMAINDER (n, x)

This function will return the remainder of the calculation n divided by x.

Example:
Using actual numbers instead of Formula Steps,
REMAINDER(11.5,4) = 4
REMAINDER(25,12) = 1
REMAINDER((13*5),6) = (65,6) = 5
Although Remainder seems similar to the MOD function, the difference between the
two functions is how the „remaining value‟ is dealt with. For the MOD function,
any remaining value is treated as a FLOOR therefore will be rounded to the lowest
integer, whereas the REMAINDER function treats the value as a ROUND, and
therefore will convert to the nearest integer, irrespective of higher or lower integer.
From the example above, the difference can be seen as,
REMAINDER(11.5,4) = 4 (3.5 ROUND to 4), whereas
MOD(11.5,4) = 3 (3.5 FLOOR to 3).
This can also be explained using the following example.
SELECT MOD(4,5) FROM DUAL
will produce a result of 4. This result can be explained using the formula,
n – (x *FLOOR(n/x))
Therefore 4 – (5 * (FLOOR(4/5)) = 4 – (5*0) = 4.
Whereas the alternate example,

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SELECT REMAINDER(4,5) FROM DUAL
will produce a result of –1. This result is explained as ROUND is used instead of
FLOOR.
n – (x *ROUND(n/x))
Therefore 4 – (5 * (ROUND(4/5)) = 4 – (5*1) = -1.
So, although MOD and REMAINDER are similar, there are some key distinctions
that need to be considered when being used in a pricing formula.

ROUND (number)
ROUND (n, z)

This function will round up or down the value of n based on the integer specified in
z. The integer determines the number of places to the right of the decimal point the
value should be rounded. If the value of z is positive, this indicates places to the right
of the point, a negative number indicates rounding to the left of the point. If there is
no integer value, i.e. ROUND(n), the value is rounded to the nearest integer.
Example:
Using actual numbers instead of Formula Steps,
ROUND(11.12345,2) = 11.12
ROUND(11.12345,4) = 11.1235
ROUND(10/3,2) = 3.33
When using this function, consideration should be given to the Rounding Factors
linked to the price list, if associated. For example, if the pricing formula rounds to 2
decimal places and the price list to 5 places, the resultant value could have additional
zeros added, i.e. n.nn000.
The ROUND command would most likely be used where a complex calculation
would require a subset of the data being calculated to be set to x decimal places,
rather than calculate the whole amount.
Business Use Example
The most common case where the ROUND function will be used is in replicating
clients‟ pricing structure, originally calculated using spreadsheets. Where a client
fixes values to 2 decimal places, they would expect to see the same value in Oracle as
they would generated using their spreadsheets. Sometimes this will not happen, as
the price is only „rounded‟ at the end of the formula calculation, however, should
the client insist on exact replication of their data, then use of the ROUND command
within the pricing formula will enable replication of rounded values from
spreadsheets.

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SQRT
SQRT (n)

This is a basic function as described in the Pricing User Guide; this function will
return the Square Root of the value n.
Example:
Using actual numbers instead of Formula Steps,
Step1 - Numeric Constant = 10
Step 2 - Pricing Attribute = 3
SQRT(1) = 3.162
SQRT(2) = 1,732
(SQRT(2)/2) = 0.577

TRUNC
TRUNC(n,x)

This function will return a decimal number truncated to the specified number of
decimal places. This value must be an integer. If this parameter is omitted, the trunc
function will truncate the number to 0 decimal places.
Example:
Using actual numbers instead of Formula Steps,
TRUNC(125.815) = 125
TRUNC(125.815,1) = 125.8
TRUNC(125.815,2) = 125.81
TRUNC(125.815,-1) = 120
Business Use Example
Taken from Note: 554674.1 Formula Setup to Round To Nearest High $100.00
A basic formula to round a number up to the nearest 100:

(trunc((F(x)-1)/100)*100)+100

where F(x) can equal a simple number or a more complex equation.

F(x) is assumed to be > 0.

An example of a formula used in the formula setup screen:

((TRUNC(((1+NVL(((2/(2+3+4+5+6)) * (7+8+9+10+11)),12))-14)/13))*13)+13

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Where Field 12 = 0 , step 12, numeric constant of 0
Field 13 = 100, step 13, numeric constant of 100
Field 14 = 1, step 14, numeric constant of 1
The other steps could be any pricing attribute or modifier value.
The functions listed above are not an exhaustive list, but the most likely to be used
in Pricing Formula calculations. Other „NUMBER‟ functions listed in Appendix A
are more pure mathematical and statistical based, but could also be used in Pricing
Formulas, should a business model require it

Sql Built In Functions – ‘Null-Related’

NVL
NVL(x,y)

This function will return the value of y, if the value of x is deemed to be NULL.
The NVL function is explained in the standard pricing user guide. Its use is to assist
the formula calculation in determining what to do if a NULL value is derived in the
pricing formula. This is most often used where values for pricing attributes are being
sourced and the system may not be able to retrieve a valid value.
If a NULL value is returned then the sales order will display a blank price or an „ERR
in formula‟ warning.
The purpose of the NVL function is to direct the calculation to another value if the
original is returned as null.
Most often another formula step line of Numeric Constant 0 or 1 is used in this
instance. The reference to this is by identifying the value or calculation that might
return a null value and then pointing to the corresponding replacement value to be
used.
Example:
NVL(1,2) = will return the value of step 2 if the value of step 1 is null
NVL((1*2),3) will return the value of step 3 if the calculation of steps(1*2) is null
NVL((1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9),10) will return the value of step 10 if the previous
calculation of formula steps returns a null value
NVL and Error Conditions
It was mentioned earlier about the impact of NULL values appearing in a pricing
formula calculation. Unless specified, using an NVL command, any calculation that
contains a NULL value, will cause a pricing formula to fail.
In Order Management, there are two messages that are likely to appear should the
system have issues with NULL values and the pricing formula.
“Error in Formula processing :
&ERR_TEXT”

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or
“Error in evaluating formula. Please supply any Pricing Attributes that may
be required by the Formula. Or alternatively, use NVL in formula for steps
that may potentially have null value. Also, check if all steps used in the
formula have been setup as formula lines”
Unfortunately, both are fairly non-descriptive, but let the user know that the formula
has failed. On the sales order line, the list price field will display a null value..
To rectify the error, use the Pricing Engine Request Viewer, and click on “Step
Values”.

(
Providing the profile option, „QP: Insert Formula Step Values into Temp Table‟
has been set to „Yes‟ , the user will be able to access the Step Values form. This lists
all formula steps that have been used in the pricing formula price list calculation.
Therefore, where particular Step numbers are missing, the user can deduce which
Steps need to have NVL commands, or the whole formula has an NVL command.
NOTE: The Step Values listed only pertain to the price list calculation and not from
any formula associated with modifiers.

This form lists the respective values used in the calculation. Therefore, values derived
from pricing attributes will be listed.

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The screenshot above shows Steps from 1 – 8, if a corrupt value was present, then
one of the Step numbers would be missing. To resolve that, locate the step in the
pricing formula and use NVL(step number, “alternate value”) in the pricing formula and
reprice.
Generally, as mentioned, a numeric constant of 0 is used as the “alternate value”,
however, that may not trigger a potential problem to an inquiring user in a price
calculation, however, using an exceptionally large value, e.g. 9999999 would
immediately indicate an problem with the price.
For example,
Pricing Attribute “Usage” Step1
Numeric Constant “9999999” Step2
Thus, pricing formula is NVL(1,2), such that if no Usage value can be determined, a
value of “9999999” is used in its place, which if installed would most likely place the
order on credit hold
With Order Management, there is always an Error message if a potential NULL value
is not catered for, and the Price field blank.
However, this feature, NVL, is particularly useful when using pricing formulas with
Configurator in Quoting, as opposed to Order Management. In Order
Management, if the pricing formula is in error, a warning will appear and a blank
displayed in the price field. The Pricing Request Viewer can then be used to
determine which step in the formula caused the error.
However, in Quoting an error in the pricing formula will cause the whole calculation
to fail and require the whole quote to be re-input. Therefore by wrapping the whole
formula in a NVL command, a value can still be forced to the Quote form, e.g. 0,
9999999999, etc. The user can then investigate errors without the need for complete
re-input of the quote.
In Quoting, an error message might be displayed indicating a NULL value or invalid
Formula Step. However, the configuration is not left on the quote with a final price
of blank, as it would in OM. Unfortunately, in Quoting, the quote will simply fail and
require the whole configuration to be submit to Quoting once the correction has
been made. On small structures, this could not be an issue, however, if this was for

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a chain of restaurants, requiring a configuration per site for the company, this could
potentially be a huge structure that would have to be re-input.
Therefore, as a good practice, if pricing is using formulas and quoting is using pricing
formulas, ALWAYS, wrap the formula with an NVL function. Again the „alternate
value‟ could 0 or 99999999 etc. But at least build in contingence for NULL values.

NVL2
NVL(z,y,x)

The NVL has a related function, NVL2. This function is an extension of NVL,
whereby instead of replacing a NULL value with another value, the expression will
return a NULL value replacement and a non-NULL value replacement. Based on the
results of an expression z, the system will return x value (if NULL), or y value (if non-
NULL).

Example:
NVL2(1,2,3) = will return the value of Step 2 if Step 1 is not null
NVL2((1*2),3,4) will return the value of Step 4 if the calculation of Steps(1*2) is null
NVL2((1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9),10,(11*12)) will return the value of Steps(11*12) if
the previous calculation returns a null value
This function would be useful if a pricing attribute was populated, a formula would
be derived, whereby if the attribute was left blank a zero or alternate values would be
returned.
This function could be considered an IF-THEN-ELSE, but restricted to the use of
identifying calculations should a NULL value be present.

Business Use Example

When calculating the cost of preparing cut wood, an additional cost must be included
where the thickness of the wood is below 1cm. Measurements of the prepared wood
are collected in the ordering process using set values, therefore the thickness is either
NULL or a set size, and the list price calculated. If wood below 1cm thickness is
required, an additional 15% is added to the price.
Pricing Attribute “Cut Length” (Step 1)
Pricing Attribute “Cut Width” (Step 2)
Pricing Attribute “Cut Thickness > 1cm” (Step 3)
Pricing Attribute “Cut Thickness < 1cm” (Step 4)
List Value 10 (from price list) (Step 5)
Numeric Constant “1.15” (Step 6)
The formula, in this example, would be NVL2(3,((1*2*3)*4),((1*2*4)*(5*6)))

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Where the thickness was input for “> 1cm”, the first price calculation would be used,
if the “> 1cm” was NULL, then the additional 15% would be added to the list price
value.

Sql Built In Functions – ‘General Comparison’

GREATEST
GREATEST(x,y)

This function used in a formula string will compare expressions of data and return
the highest value, i.e. if x is higher than y, then x is returned. The data can be a single
value, a calculation or a combination of both.
Should the datatypes of the expressions be different, then the expressions will be
converted to the datatype of the first expression, i.e. „x‟ .
Example:
Step1 - Numeric Constant = 10
Step 2 - Pricing Attribute = 3
GREATEST(1,2) = 10
GREATEST(2,1) = 10
(GREATEST(2,1)/2) = 3.333
The examples are using standard values, however, the same concept can be applied
to pricing formulas. For example, in the seeded minimum fee formula in Advanced
Pricing pricing,
Step 1: Pricing Attribute – Order Amount
Step 2: Numeric Constant – 750
Using the formula “Greatest(1,2)” will derive a value of either 750 or the actual Order
Amount dependent on which is the higher value.
Business Use Example
The traditional use of a GREATEST command is when calculating minimum values
within a pricing formula, as per the example the seeded formula loaded with
Advanced Pricing. Another business example could be,
The Licence for a Bar to show particular sports, not pay per view, is based on the
Annual Revenue of the Bar, of which the minimum fee for the licence is £500. The
Licence Fee is 5% of the Gross Revenue or £500 whichever is the greater. To gain
the licence the bar owner, must submit revenue figures to the licence authority.
To generate the fee, a Pricing Attribute of “Gross Revenue” will be defined.
Pricing Attribute “Gross Revenue” Step 1
Numeric Constant “0.05” Step 2

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Numeric Constant “500” Step 3
The Formula would be displayed as GREATEST((1*2),3). Therefore, the larger value
of 5% of Gross Revenue or £500 would be the licence fee.

LEAST
LEAST(x,y)

This function used in a formula string will compare expressions of data and return
the lowest value, i.e. if x is higher than y, then y is returned. The data can be a single
value, a calculation or a combination of both.
Should the datatypes of the expressions be different, then the expressions will be
converted to the datatype of the first expression, i.e. „x‟ . Should one of the
expressions return a NULL value that will be considered the lowest value and be
returned.
Example:
Step 1 - Numeric Constant = 10
Step 2 - Pricing Attribute = 3
Least(1,2) = 3
Least(2,1) = 3
(Least(2,1)/2) = 1
The examples are using standard values, however, the same concept can be applied
to pricing formulas. For example,
Step 1: Pricing Attribute – Order Amount
Step 2: Numeric Constant – 750
Using the formula “Least (1,2)” will derive a value of either 750 or the actual Order
Amount dependent on which is the lower value.
Business Use Example
Using the example from GREATEST, a licence authority could now apply a
maximum licence value of £500. Therefore, the charge for the licence would now be
5% of the Gross Revenue or £500 whichever is the smaller.
Sql Built In Functions – ‘Encoding and Decoding’

DECODE
DECODE(w,x,y,z)

This function operates similar to IF-THEN-ELSE expressions. This function is used

to generate “IF” statements within more complex pricing formulas.
However, rather than a basic IF-TRUE-FALSE syntax, the DECODE function will
permit a string of statements, to allow many True/False links in a single formula.

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The DECODE function requires as a minimum four elements,
1: Statement
2: Result
3: True
4: False
Such that the minimum pricing formula structure is DECODE(1,2,3,4).
Example:
DECODE(1+1,2,3,4)=3 as 1+1 equals 2, therefore result statement is 3.
DECODE(1+2,2,3,4)=4 as 1+2 equals 3, therefore result statement is 4.
This basic concept can easily be translated into pricing formulas. Generally this will
be used in collaboration with a Factor List formula step entry as the statement, and
Numeric Constant formula steps as the results.
Business Use Example
Simple
The client would like to apply a discount modifier only on a line with an ordered
quantity that is a multiple of 5.
Using a combination of DECODE and MOD.

Pricing Attribute “Ordered Quantity” (Step 1)

Modifier Value (Step 2)
Numeric Constant “0” (Step 3)
Numeric Constant “5” (Step 4)

Using the formula steps, the formula expression would be,

DECODE((MOD(1,4),0,2,3)
Where the Ordered Quantity was divisible by 5 and no remaining value, i.e. MOD=0,
then the discount value was applied linked to the modifier value. However, if MOD
produced a value greater than 0, then the modifier would still be applied, but with a
value of 0 instead.
Complex
A customer generates orders based on the attendance an end-customer has for a site.
Below 1000, uses the standard list price, anything over 1000 uses a more complex
formula.
Step 1: Factor List – ATTENDANCE
Pricing Attribute – Attendance 0 – 1000 1
Pricing Attribute – Attendance 1001 – 99999 2
Step 2: Numeric Constant 1
Step 3: Numeric Constant 2

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page 18
Step 4: List Price
Step x-y additional steps.
The pricing formula would read, DECODE(1,2,4,(x….y)). Such that where the
attendance is less than 1000, this would equal Step 2, therefore Step 4 will be used in
the calculation. If the attendance is higher, then the more complex formula (x…..y)
would be used.
This example can be expanded to build in a several different pricing formulas within
the decode statement. If another band is entered, such that 1001 – 5000 attendance
is double the list price, while 5000+ is now the complex formula.
Step 1: Factor List – ATTENDANCE
Pricing Attribute – Attendance 0 – 1000 1
Pricing Attribute – Attendance 1001 – 5000 2
Pricing Attribute – Attendance 5001 – 99999 3
Step 2: Numeric Constant 1
Step 3: Numeric Constant 2
Step 4: List Price
Step x-y additional steps.
The pricing formula would now read, DECODE(1,2,4,3,(4*3),(x…..y)). Such that if
the Attendance is less than 1000, this equals step 2, therefore List Price (Step 4) is
used. If the Attendance is between 1001 – 5000, this equals Step 3, therefore the
calculation is List Price * 2 (Step 4* Step3), if neither Attendance is satisfied, then the
complex formula (x….y) will be used.
This approach can be used for a limitless number of conditions, providing the Factor
List value has a Numeric Constant to reference by. The Factor List need not be a
range of values, the value to be mapped against the Numeric Constant is just the
adjustment factor, what derives it is dependent on the Context and Attribute within
the Factor List, e.g. values of „Yes‟ and „No‟ can be linked to adjustment factors
of 1 and 2.

CASE
CASE n WHEN x THEN y ELSE z END

The CASE built-in function is an refinement of DECODE, in that a statement and

result can provide for True and or False results. However, CASE statements are
restricted to 255 arguments, each WHEN..THEN condition counts as two
arguments. Although, a pricing formula with that many conditions would be
exceedingly rare. This is the same limit as the DECODE function.
Business Use Example
A Multi currency mark-up is defined to enable marketing rounding on public price,
If converted list price between 1-499 => then rounding up 1

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page 19
If converted list price between 500-999 => then rounding up 5
If converted list price between 1000-99999999=> then rounding up 10

CASE WHEN 1 BETWEEN 2 AND 3 THEN ((CEIL(1/4)*4)-1) WHEN 1

BETWEEN 5 AND 6 THEN ((CEIL(1/7)*7)-1) WHEN 1 BETWEEN 8 AND 9
THEN ((CEIL(1/10)*10)-1) END

List price (step 1)

Numeric Constant “1” (step 2)
Numeric Constant “499” (step 3)
Numeric Constant “1” (step 4)
Numeric Constant “500” (step 5)
Numeric Constant “999” (step 6)
Numeric Constant “5” (step 7)
Numeric Constant “1000” (step 8)
Numeric Constant “9999999” (step 9)
Numeric Constant “10” (step 10)
CASE V DECODE
When attempting IF-THEN-ELSE statements in pricing formulas, the examples
presented demonstrate that CASE and DECODE can both be used. But how to
determine which function to use in which scenario?
DECODE will only allow you to compare one value to another in the statement.
However, as in the example previously, a factor list can be used to list ranges of
values, providing there is an attribute that can be applied to the factor list. This is
where CASE can have the advantage.
CASE statements allow for > and BETWEEN comparisons, as seen in the example
above. The List Price needs to be compared to other values, as there are no other
attributes available, it is possible to compare the List Price to Numeric Constants.
If a new attribute “Converted List Price” is defined, then the above example could
be defined using DECODE.
DECODE(1,2,((CEIL(7/2)*2)-7),3,((CEIL(7/5)*5)-7),4, ((CEIL(7/6)*6)-7))

Factor List “Converted List Price” (Step 1)

Converted List Price 1 – 499 1

Converted List Price 500 – 999 2

Converted List Price 1000 – 99999 3

Numeric Constant “1” (Step 2)

Numeric Constant “2” (Step 3)

Numeric Constant “3” (Step 4)

Numeric Constant “5” (Step 5)

Numeric Constant “10” (Step 6)

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page 20
List Price (Step 7)
The CASE statement could be argued is easier to understand than DECODE.
However, with the DECODE, by using Factor Lists and Attributes, should values
need to change due to yearly rate adjustments, the effective dates linked to the Pricing
Date will enable easier maintenance.
If this does not need to be considered, then the easier option would be the CASE
statement. DECODE is a series of values within the parentheses, and can be difficult
to follow, whereas the expression WHEN x THEN y is clear.
There is no right or wrong usage of CASE and DECODE, it is dependent on the
data sources available and the data comparisons required to produce the final value.

Sql Built In Functions – ‘Aggregate’

Aggregate functions return a single result row based on groups of rows, rather than
on single rows. When used in Pricing Formulas, the functions can take the values of
a Pricing Attribute and manipulate the data to provide the required calculation.
The following lists some of the Aggregate functions and how they might be applied
to a particular situation.
Business Use Example Data
A business calculates the list price of an item based on a uplift from the purchase
price over the previous 6 month period. A pricing attribute is defined that will collate
the purchase prices for the invoiced and closed purchase order lines for the specific
item being ordered.

Item A PO Price Jan 2011 1234

Feb 2011 1256

Mar 2011 1321
Apr 2011 1378
May 2011 1398
Jun 2011 1434
AVG
AVG(x)

This function will return the average value of the expression x. If a Pricing Attribute
has been defined to return multiple rows of numeric values, the AVG function can
be used to calculate a single value for the pricing formula.

Business Use Example

The business calculates the List Price of an item being ordered on the average
purchase order price over the last six months and adds a margin of 25%.

The pricing formula will be, (AVG(1))*2

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page 21
Step 1 – Pricing Attribute “PO Price”
Step 2 – Numeric Constant 1.25

The system will calculate (1234+1256+1321+1378+1398+1434)/6 = 8021/6 =

1336.83. Therefore the calculated list price for the sales order would be 1671.04.

MAX
MAX(x)

This function will return the highest value of the expression x where the expression
evaluates a more than one row of data. If a Pricing Attribute has been defined to
return multiple rows of numeric values, the MAX function can be used to calculate
a single value for the pricing formula.

Business Use Example

For certain customers, the business calculates the List Price of an item being ordered
on the maximum purchase order price over the last six months and adds a margin of
25%.

The pricing formula will be, (MAX(1))*2

Step 1 – Pricing Attribute “PO Price”

Step 2 – Numeric Constant 1.25

The system will evaluate (1234, 1256, 1321, 1378, 1398, 1434) and return 1434.
Therefore the calculated list price for the sales order would be 1792.5.

MIN
MIN(x)

This function will return the lowest value of the expression x where the expression
evaluates a more than one row of data. If a Pricing Attribute has been defined to
return multiple rows of numeric values, the MIN function can be used to calculate a
single value for the pricing formula.

Business Use Example

For its best customers, the business calculates the List Price of an item being ordered
on the minimum purchase order price over the last six months and adds a margin of
25%.

The pricing formula will be, (MIN(1))*2

Step 1 – Pricing Attribute “PO Price”

Step 2 – Numeric Constant 1.25

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page 22
The system will evaluate (1234, 1256, 1321, 1378, 1398, 1434) and return 1234.
Therefore the calculated list price for the sales order would be 1542.5.

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page 23
EXAMPLE
The following BR.100 set up extracts is for a recorded music licence for special one off events.
The table below shows the customer data that needed to be converted into a formula. Using the formula, meant that only the List Price value was amended each
year for inflation (RPI%)
Average Attendance Fee(£)
1 - 500 10.99
501 - 2000 21.98
2001 - 3500 43.96
3501 - 5000 65.94
5001 - 6500 87.92
6501 - 8000 109.90
8001 - 9500 131.88
9501 - 11000 153.86
Fees increase pro rata £ 21.98 per band of 1,500 persons.
VAT should be added at the current rate to the above charges.
To obtain the value of the licence, three main parameters need to be recorded:
Number of People in Attendance
Number of Hours the Event will last
Here, where the Attendance is fewer than 500 people this will incur a set fee from the Price List (i.e. £10.99, whereby over 500 people a formula will calculate the
licence fee.
Name Description Effective Dates Formula

Event Tariff 01-OCT-2000 NVL(((DECODE(1,2,3,4,(CEIL((7-5)/6)*(3*4))))*NVL(8,2))*NVL(10,2),9)

Formula Type Pricing Attribute Context Pricing Attribute Component Step Reqd Flag Seeded

Factor List 002 ATTENDANCE 1

Numeric Constant 1 2
List Price 3
1

Formula Type Pricing Attribute Context Pricing Attribute Component Step Reqd Flag Seeded

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page
 Numeric Constant 2 4

Numeric Constant 500 5

Numeric Constant 1500 6

Pricing Attribute XX Criteria Average Attendance 7 Y

Pricing Attribute XX Criteria Number of Days 8 Y

Numeric Constant 0 9

Pricing Attribute XX Common Attributes Licence Days 10

Factors
Form
Name
Factors
Base Pricing Attributes
Component Base Pricing Attribute Context Base Pricing Attribute Operator Value From Value To Adjustment Start Date End Date

002 ATTENDANCE XX Criteria Average Attendance Between 1 500 1

002 ATTENDANCE XX Criteria Average Attendance Between 501 9999999 2

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page
 2

APPENDIX A

SQL Built-In Functions

Extracts from Oracle® Database SQL Reference 10g Release 2 (10.2)

Numeric Character Datetime Conversion Aggregate

ABS CHR ADD_MONTHS ASCIISTR Large Objects AVG

ACOS CONCAT CURRENT_DATE BIN_TO_NUM BFILENAME COLLECT

ASIN INITCAP CURRENT_TIMESTAMP CAST EMPTY_BLOB CORR

ATAN LOWER DBTIMEZONE CHARTOROWID EMPTY_CLOB COUNT

ATAN2 LPAD EXTRACT COMPOSE COVAR_POP

Collection
BITAND LTRIM FROM_TZ CONVERT COVAR_SAMP

CEIL NLS_INITCAP LAST_DAY DECOMPOSE CARDINALITY CUME_DIST

COS NLS_LOWER LOCALTIMESTAMP HEXTORAW COLLECT DENSE_RANK

COSH NLSSORT MONTHS_BETWEEN NUMTODSINTERVAL POWERMULTISET FIRST

EXP NLS_UPPER NEW_TIME NUMTOYMINTERVAL POWERMULTISET_BY_CARDINALITY GROUP_ID

FLOOR REGEXP_REPLACE NEXT_DAY RAWTOHEX SET GROUPING

LN REGEXP_SUBSTR NUMTODSINTERVAL RAWTONHEX GROUPING_ID

Hierarchical
LOG REPLACE NUMTOYMINTERVAL ROWIDTOCHAR LAST

MOD RPAD ROUND ROWIDTONCHAR SYS_CONNECT_BY_PATH MAX

NANVL RTRIM SESSIONTIMEZONE SCN_TO_TIMESTAMP MEDIAN

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page
 Data Mining
POWER SOUNDEX SYS_EXTRACT_UTC TIMESTAMP_TO_SCN MIN

REMAINDER SUBSTR SYSDATE TO_BINARY_DOUBLE CLUSTER_ID PERCENTILE_CONT

ROUND TRANSLATE SYSTIMESTAMP TO_BINARY_FLOAT CLUSTER_PROBABILITY PERCENTILE_DISC

Numeric Character Datetime Conversion Aggregate

SIGN TREAT TO_CHAR TO_CHAR CLUSTER_SET PERCENT_RANK

SIN TRIM TO_DSINTERVAL TO_CLOB FEATURE_ID RANK

SINH UPPER TO_TIMESTAMP TO_DATE FEATURE_SET REGR_

SQRT TO_TIMESTAMP_TZ TO_DSINTERVAL FEATURE_VALUE STATS_BINOMIAL_TEST

NLS Character
TAN TO_YMINTERVAL TO_LOB PREDICTION STATS_CROSSTAB

TANH NLS_CHARSET_DECL_LN TRUNC TO_MULTI_BYTE PREDICTION_COST STATS_F_TEST

TRUNC NLS_CHARSET_ID TZ_OFFSET TO_NCHAR PREDICTION_DETAILS STATS_KS_TEST

WIDTH_BUCKET NLS_CHARSET_NAME TO_NCLOB PREDICTION_PROBABILITY STATS_MODE

TO_NUMBER PREDICTION_SET STATS_MW_TEST

General Comparison Character Number

TO_SINGLE_BYTE STATS_ONE_WAY_ANOVA

Encoding and Decoding

GREATEST ASCII TO_TIMESTAMP STATS_T_TEST_

LEAST INSTR TO_TIMESTAMP_TZ CASE STATS_WSR_TEST

LENGTH TO_YMINTERVAL DECODE STDDEV

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page
Null – Related
REGEXP_INSTR TRANSLATE…USING DUMP STDDEV_POP

COALESCE UNISTR ORA_HASH STDDEV_SAMP

LNNVL SUM

NULLIF VAR_POP

NVL VAR_SAMP

NVL2 VARIANCE

SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing Page
SQL Built-In Functions for Pricing Formulas in Oracle Advanced Pricing
August 2011
Author: Marcus Lawrence
Contribution Acknowledgements: Stuart May, Kevin DeMartelaere, Stanislas Martin, Carolyn Graver and Pradeep Bansal

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