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ARTICLES ...
Introduction to MSSQL Server Analysis Services
MDX, optimization, Performance,
optimization, Island Technologies Inc., Bill Pearson, William E. Pearson,
III,
Dimension, Query, Cognos, Business
Objects, Reporting Services, Conversion, Design, Cube, model |
In the first article of the series, we used the Cube
Wizard to build an initial cube with the assistance of the Dimension Wizard.
Included in the dimensions we built through this wizard-guided process was a
calendar time dimension. In this article we will recreate the calendar time
dimension, this time focusing on the process through which the Dimension wizard
converts existing time / date fields to a time dimension, along with its
hierarchy of levels and members.
Next, we will expose ways to customize the predefined, time-related properties
that the wizard establishes in building the time dimension, suggesting options
for customization of these properties to enhance the cube, from the dual
perspectives of user-friendliness and the reporting needs of the organization.
We will create an example of an alternate time dimension for fiscal time
reporting, and then we will discuss some of the considerations surrounding the
simultaneous housing of both hierarchies in the same OLAP cube structure.
In this article, we will:
- Discuss briefly the sources of time dimension
data;
- Recreate the calendar time dimension that we built
“automatically” in Lesson One;
- Examine the setpoints of the time–related
properties that the Dimension Wizard generates as part of the dimension
build process;
- Explore the expressions that the Dimension Wizard
puts into place to create hierarchical levels from a date / time column;
- Modify the dimension properties to facilitate ease
of use by Information Consumers;
- Customize the time dimension hierarchy to fit the
business environment;
- Create a fiscal year time hierarchy;
- Explore considerations with regard to handling
multiple time hierarchies in the same cube.
Read the Article ...
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Synopsis:
MSAS Architect
Bill Pearson leads recreation of the calendar time dimension, focusing on
the process through which the Dimension wizard converts existing time / date
fields to a time dimension, along with its hierarchy of levels and members.
We customize the time-related properties that the wizard establishes, and
suggest options for property customization to enhance cube user-friendliness
and the satisfaction of enterprise reporting needs. We create an example of
an alternate time dimension for fiscal time reporting, and then discuss
considerations surrounding the simultaneous housing of both hierarchies in
the same OLAP cube structure.
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Concepts:
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Analysis Services
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Dimension
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Dimension Editor
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Dimension Properties
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Time Dimension
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Alternate Time Dimension
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About the Series:
This article is a member of the series Introduction
to MSSQL Server 2000 Analysis Services. The series is designed to
provide hands-on application of the fundamentals of MS SQL Server 2000 Analysis
Services, with each installment progressively adding features and techniques
designed to meet specific real - world needs. For more information on the
series, as well as the hardware / software requirements to prepare for the
exercises we will undertake, please see my initial article, Creating Our
First Cube.
Analysis Services, Dimension, Dimension Editor, Dimension
Properties, Time Dimension, Alternate Time Dimension
All Contents Copyright Island Technologies Inc.
®
Island Technologies® and Island Technologies Inc.®
are registered trademarks of Island Technologies
Inc., protected in the United States and other countries. For information,
contact
Island.
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