You use the Dimension Build Properties tab to set field type, field number, and dimension for a selected field.
Fields in data sources are parts of columns that describe members. Fields can contain information about member names, member properties, and attribute associations. To enable Essbase to process field information, in the rules file, you specify field types.
The Dimension node of the Dimension Built Properties tab lists the names of the dimensions in the rules file (the dimensions being created) and the dimensions in the outline. You double-click a dimension to set it as the dimension to which members in the selected field are added.
Note: | If the Dimension node is empty, click the Outline button to associate the rules file with an outline. |
In the Type list, you double-click and, therefore, select, a field type. As you decide which type to select, consider the following:
“Duplicate generation” and “duplicate level” can be selected only if the previous field is, respectively, a generation or level field.
“Duplicate generation alias” and “Duplicate level alias” can be selected only if the previous field is, respectively, a duplicate generation or duplicate level field.
At the bottom of the list, in the "Attribute dimensions" group, attribute dimension names are listed (assuming that the rules file is associated with an outline). For Boolean, string, date, and numeric attribute dimensions, dimension type is identified. If you select a numeric attribute dimension, you can enter range information.
Note: | The solve order type is available only for aggregate storage databases. |
If, in the Type list, you selected a numeric attribute dimension, you can set a range:
Select “Place attribute members within a numeric range.”
For range size and Start value, enter positive whole numbers or positive decimal values: For example, if the range size is 10 and the start value is 15, Essbase builds the members 15-, 5-, 5, 15, 25, and so on. For example, if the range size is 10 and the start value is 0, Essbase builds the members 10-, 0, 10, and so on (Thus, by setting 0 as the start value, you define a range that includes 0.)
Set the dimension build to delete, rebuild, and re-associate the members of the dimension.
Note: | During the dimension build, all associations between base and attribute members are lost. To enable the build to recreate the associations, the source data must include all members of the base dimension that are to be associated with members of the attribute dimension. |
By default, the Number box displays the generation or level number of the previous field. As you consider whether to enter a different number, keep in mind the following:
If field type is Parent or Child, the number must be 0.
If you are creating an alias, a property, a currency category, a currency name, a formula field, or an attribute association, the number must identify the generation or level of the associated member.
You can select neither, either, or both of the following options:
Ignore field during dimension build
Delete when the field is empty—If the option is selected, Essbase considers the field as NULL or empty and deletes the associated information from the outline or resets the information to its default value. The option applies to member properties, formulas, UDAs, and attribute associations (assuming that the required dimension option is selected in the Dimension Build Settings dialog box for the relevant dimension).
“Building Attribute Dimensions and Associating Attributes” in the Oracle Essbase Database Administrator's Guide