Plan types are used to store Planning application information in the Essbase database. A separate database stores data for each plan type in the application, and contains information relevant to that plan type to optimize application design, size, and performance. The default Planning plan types include Plan1, Plan2, and Plan3.
The Plan Types directory contains attribute dimensions, standard dimensions, data forms, rules files, calc scripts, substitution variables, and Calculation Manager rules artifacts.
Table 40. Plan Type Artifacts
| Artifact | Description | Last Modified Time | Last Modified User | Editable on the File System? | Dependencies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Attribute Dimensions[1] | A list of dimensions whose type enables analysis based on the attributes or qualities of dimension members | Yes | No | Yes—XML | None |
Standard Dimensions* | A list of dimensions associated with a single plan type | Yes | No | Yes—XML | Attribute Dimensions, if any |
| Data Forms | A grid display that enables users to enter data into the database from an interface such as a Web browser, and to view and analyze data or related text. Certain dimension member values are fixed, giving users a specific view into the data. Data forms can include predefined data validation rules that help implement business policies and practices. Errors or warnings are generated on the data form if entered data violates a validation rule. | Yes | No | Yes—XML | Associated menus, user variables, business rules, and dimensions |
| Rules files | Logical expressions or formulas that are created within an application to produce a preferred set of resulting values | Yes | No | No (Yes—Oracle Essbase Administration Services) | None |
| Calc Scripts | A set of commands that define how a database is consolidated or aggregated. A calculation script may also contain commands that specify allocation and other calculation rules separate from the consolidation process. | Yes | No | Yes | None |
| Substitution Variables | Global placeholders for information that changes regularly | No | No | No | None |
Calculation Manager Rules[2] | Objects that can contain templates and calculations that are grouped in components | Yes | Yes | Yes—XML | None |