Alias tables are database tables that store aliases, or alternate description labels, for dimensions or members. Only Essbase enables you to define multiple alias tables. Web Analysis Studio enables you to specify which alias table to use. The alias table selection is saved as a Database user preference.
Label mode enables you to select whether a dimension member is listed by ID number, description, or both. Label mode options are data source-specific, and can be set for database connections, documents, and dimensions.
Although the label mode indicates whether the description or ID number is used, it is the database alias table that provides the displayed value.
You can set the alias table before opening a document using Database preferences.
You can set a default label mode before querying the data source using Data Layout options, and after querying using Data Display options on the Main Display panel shortcut menu.
You can specify which description label to use in dimensions, using Dimension Browser and using Data Display options on the data object shortcut menu.