DAX Synex EARLIER Error

Hi Amos_Lim ,

The error with EARLIER in your DAX formula occurs because EARLIER needs a valid outer row context to reference, but there’s none in your calculation.

Solution

You can rewrite your formula to avoid EARLIER entirely. Use variables or ADDCOLUMN to create row contexts explicitly.

Updated Formula for a Calculated Column

If this is a calculated column:

Rank =
RANKX(
    FILTER(
        'ForkLiftData',
        'ForkLiftData'[SAP Number] = EARLIER('ForkLiftData'[SAP Number])
    ),
    'ForkLiftData'[ForkLift Name],
    ,
    ASC
)

This should work if the column is being calculated row by row. If it doesn’t, consider the alternatives below.

Alternative 1: Using VAR and ALL

To avoid EARLIER, explicitly define the context using VAR and ALL:

Rank =
VAR CurrentSAPNumber = 'ForkLiftData'[SAP Number]
RETURN
RANKX(
    FILTER(
        ALL('ForkLiftData'),
        'ForkLiftData'[SAP Number] = CurrentSAPNumber
    ),
    'ForkLiftData'[ForkLift Name],
    ,
    ASC
)

Alternative 2: Using GROUPBY (for aggregated contexts)

If you're ranking based on groups (e.g., SAP Number groups), use GROUPBY to create a new table first:

Rank =
RANKX(
    GROUPBY(
        'ForkLiftData',
        'ForkLiftData'[SAP Number],
        "ForkLiftName", MAX('ForkLiftData'[ForkLift Name])
    ),
    [ForkLiftName],
    ,
    ASC
)

When to Use These Solutions

• Use Alternative 1 if you’re creating a calculated column or need a simple row-wise ranking.
• Use Alternative 2 if you're working with aggregated groups or want more explicit control over the grouping.

Amos_Lim Try using this

Rank =
VAR CurrentSAPNumber = 'ForkLiftData'[SAP Number]
RETURN
RANKX(
FILTER('ForkLiftData', 'ForkLiftData'[SAP Number] = CurrentSAPNumber),
'ForkLiftData'[ForkLift Name],
,
ASC
)

Hi Amos_Lim 

Please share sample data (excluding sensitive information) in text format, along with your expected result and any relevant logic. For guidance, refer to

How to provide sample data in the Power BI Forum

If possible, upload a simplified .pbix file using this guide:

 How to upload PBI in Community

I have taken a screenshot of the error and would like to resolve the issue as follows:

If a user (highlighted with a red arrow) appears for both Nichiyu and TCM forklifts, their information should only be displayed once. In the second row, only "TCM" should be shown instead of repeating the user's details. This approach will make the table easier to read, especially since it is a lengthy list.

Hi Amos_Lim, 
Please try using this DAX measure.

Rank = 
RANKX(
FILTER(
'ForkLiftData',
'ForkLiftData'[SAP Number] = SELECTEDVALUE('ForkLiftData'[SAP Number])
),
'ForkLiftData'[ForkLift Name],
,
ASC
)

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Hi Amos_Lim ,

Whats is the criteria for rank? what will determine to forklift stand in first position or last? please give more details to help you