Suggested Ways to Set Up Dimensions

Using dimensions in models

When the data associated with a financial data item needs to be calculated, a model is defined using one or more of the dimensions that make up the financial data item. For example, models might be based on dimensions such as Line Item and Account. Dimensions that are used in models typically aggregate over time and do not require hierarchies because Financial Analyzer provides a Time hierarchy.

Using dimensions in hierarchies

When the data associated with a financial data item needs to be aggregated into higher and lower levels of detail, a hierarchy is defined using one or more of the dimensions that make up the financial data item. For example, hierarchies might be based on dimensions such as Organization and Product. Dimensions that are used in hierarchies typically do not aggregate over time and are not used in models.

Using dimensions as attributes

When you need to establish a relationship between two dimensions for the purpose of selecting values of one dimension by their association with another dimension, an attribute can be defined to link them. Typically, the grouping dimension of an attribute is not used to dimension any financial data item, does not aggregate over time, is not used in a model, and does not require hierarchies.

Using custom time dimensions

You can set up time periods using either the Standard Time dimension, or you can create a custom time dimension. A custom time dimension requires hierarchies to build time relationships.

Suggested properties to assign when creating dimensions

The following table recommends the properties to assign to dimensions used in models, hierarchies, attributes, and custom time dimensions.

Property	Dimension used in model	Dimension used in hierarchy	Dimension used as attribute	Custom time dimension
Dimension Type	Text	Text	Text	Time
Dimension Options	Time Aggregations B/W Variance Indicators Maintain DBA Sort Order Control Dimension Value Scaling	Maintain DBA Sort Order	Maintain DBA Sort Order	Maintain DBA Sort Order
Users Who Can Define Hierarchies	DBA EveryOne NoOne	DBA EveryOne	NoOne	DBA EveryOne
Users Who Can Define Models	DBA EveryOne	NoOne	NoOne	NoOne
Users Who Can Define Attributes	DBA EveryOne NoOne	DBA EveryOne	DBA EveryOne	NoOne