10 Build Dimensions and Load Data
Building dimensions is the process of converting source data containing information about dimensions and members into a database outline, including hierarchies, using an Essbase data source and rule file. Loading data is the process of adding data values to a cube from any number of data sources.
A data source can contain data values, information about members (such as member names, member aliases, and formulas), generation and level names, data storage properties, attributes, and user-defined attributes (UDAs). Since data sources seldom are configured solely to support dimension build and data load processes, a rule file is generally used to create Essbase-compatible directives to be applied to the data source.