Situations that Do and Do Not Need a Load Rule

To load data to Essbase, you typically need a load rule, unless the source data maps perfectly to the cube (for example, if it has been exported from the cube).

You need a load rule if the source data does not map perfectly to the cube or if you are performing any of the following tasks:

• Loading data from an external source

• Building dimensions

  • Adding dimensions and members to the cube

  • Changing existing dimensions and members in the cube

• Changing the data in any way, including the following:

  • Ignoring fields or strings in the source data

  • Changing the order of fields by moving, joining, splitting, or creating fields

  • Mapping the data in the source data to the cube by changing strings

  • Changing the data values in the data source by scaling data values or by adding data values to existing data values in the source

  • Setting header records for missing values

  • Rejecting an invalid record and continuing the data load

You do not need a load rule if you are performing a data load and the data source maps perfectly to the database, as described in Sources of Data that Do Not Need a Load Rule.

Note:

If you are using a load rule, the number of fields in each record in the rule must match.