Examining Property Setpoints
We can examine various setpoints at this stage to see if we need to adjust them to fit the realities of the data (upon which we can easily perform ad hoc browses, courtesy of Analysis Services). Several key setpoints exist in the Properties pane. Let's examine some of these.
8. Highlight the Category level in the Dimension tree.
9. Click the Basic tab in the Properties pane.
10. Review the setpoints, together with the explanations, for a standard dimension level, in Table 1 below.
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Basic Tab Properties
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(Standard Dimension Level)
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Name
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Explanation
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Notes / Comments
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Description
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The
level description
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Fixed
Text Value
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Member
Key Column
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The
name of the column that contains member names
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Editable
-- Syntax must be preserved
Can
be used as a sort basis, in conjunction with Member Name Column or
otherwise, among other purposes
Contains
integer keys for the member
Default
value -- same as Member
Name Column
Set
as a unique column in the source table, such as a unique ID field, the
Key setpoint prevents grouping of members with identical names, etc. (but we
would first have to set Dimension Member Names Unique property to
allow for this -- See Table 4)
Values
can consist of more than a single column name, including any SQL expression
that is understood by the relational data source, provided that the
expression returns a number or a string. (Concatenations of column
values are a common example.)
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Member
Name Column
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The
name of the column that contains member keys
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Editable -- Syntax must be preserved
Identifies
names of table and column that provide member names for the level.
Can
be used as a sort basis, in conjunction with Member Key Column or
otherwise, among other purposes
Typically
appears in heading row or columns on a report -- use meaningful terms!
Default
value -- same as Member
Key Column
Values
can consist of more than a single column name, including any SQL expression
that is understood by the relational data source, provided that the
expression returns a number or a string. (Concatenations of column values
are a common example.)
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Table 1: Level Member Properties (Standard Level) - Basic Tab
11. Click the Advanced tab in the Properties pane.
Review the setpoints, together with the explanations, for a standard dimension level, in Table 2 below.
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Advanced Tab Properties
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(Standard Dimension Level)
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Name
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Explanation
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Notes / Comments
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Member
Count
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The
estimated number of level members
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Member
Keys Unique
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Indicates
whether member keys are unique throughout the entire level
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Disabled
for a top dimension
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Member
Names Unique
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Indicates
whether member names are unique throughout the entire level
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False allows identical names, but Keys
would have to be unique to use (and in any case for a top dimension)
Keep
in mind that a False setpoint also means groups of members with
identical names are treated as a single members for purposes of numerous
properties / operations (i.e., the group would appear as a single member in
the hierarchical tree of the Schema pane - Data tab).
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Level
Type
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Indicates
the level type
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Key
Data Size
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The
size of the key column in bytes
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Key
Data Type
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The
key column data type
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Hide
Member If
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Determines
how placeholder members that should be hidden are identified
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Visible
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Determines
whether the level is visible
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Order
By
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Property
base on which members will be ordered
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Controls
sort basis --
options are Key or Name, but other options can be handled
through various means
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Custom
Rollup Formula
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MDX
expression used to override the default rollup of values in the level
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Custom
Members
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Determines
whether custom formulas can be created for individual members
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Custom
Member Options
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Determines
whether calculation options can be defined for custom members on this level
and unary operators on the following level
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Grouping
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Determines
whether members in the level are used individually or are grouped together
into group members
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Unary
Operators
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Determines
whether members have unary operators that control how individual member
values are aggregated into their parent member's value
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Great
potential for allocation and other business uses
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Table 2: Level Member Properties (Standard Level) - Advanced Tab
Page 8: Examining Property Setpoints (Continued)
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