Defining Dimensions for OLAP Analysis

In this section:

Synonyms can be modified to support Online Analytical Processing (OLAP). The Synonym Editor provides tools to create OLAP hierarchies and dimensions. OLAP enables you to drill down or roll up on hierarchical data, pivot fields from columns to rows (or vice versa), and slice-and-dice information by filtering or querying data sources based on specified criteria thresholds.

You OLAP-enable the Master File by using the Synonym Editor to create dimension(s) at the field level and associate fields with each dimension.

Note: OLAP is a reporting facility. It is not relevant to data maintenance projects.
Top of page
x
Using the Dimension Builder in the Synonym Editor Modeling View

How to:

Reference:

The Dimension Builder enables you to create logical views based on enterprise data (relational or legacy data sources) for multidimensional analysis without manually editing metadata. The Dimension Builder works with relational and FOCUS data sources. You can enable the Dimension Builder by selecting Dimension Builder from the toolbar, Tools menu, or from the Synonym menu.

x
Procedure: How to Add a Parent/Child Hierarchy
  1. From the Synonym Editor, click the Modeling View tab.

    Modeling View Tab

  2. Right-click the dimension and select Parent/Child Hierarchy from the Insert submenu.

    Note: You may also select this option by clicking the Add Parent/Child Hierarchy button from the Dimension Builder toolbar.

    The Mandatory Properties for Parent/Child Hierarchy dialog box appears.

  3. Select a field from the Field Tree and click Assign to assign a Unique ID for the hierarchy.

    Fiel Tree Selection

  4. Repeat Step 3 for the Caption and Parent hierarchy properties.
  5. Click OK to close the Mandatory Properties for Parent/Child Hierarchy dialog box.

    The Mandatory Properties are added to the Dimension Builder.

    Adding The Mandatory Properties to the Dimension Builder

  6. Use the right-click menu to rename the dimension, view properties, or view sample data for the dimension.
  7. Click Save from the File menu to save the dimension.
x
Procedure: How to Delete a Dimension

To delete a dimension, right-click a dimension and select Delete, or click the Delete button from the Dimension Builder toolbar.

x
Procedure: How to Add Levels to the Hierarchy

This process enables you to edit an existing Master File, add tables (for non-FOCUS Master Files), and create and modify dimensions.

  1. From the Synonym Editor, click the Modeling View tab.
  2. Select the Add Levels Hierarchy button from the Dimension Builder toolbar.

    A level is added to the hierarchy. Use the right-click menu to rename the dimension or keep the default name.

  3. Right-click the file icon in the Modeling View to toggle to Table View, which enables you to see columns, sample data, and sample data parent keys.

    Modeling View to Table View

    The Table View appears in the Modeling View.

    Tip: You may also double-click a file icon to open the Table View.

  4. Using the Columns tab of the Table View, drag and drop selected fields to the Dimension Builder hierarchy folder.

    Column Tab

    You may also drag and drop fields to and from other hierarchies using the Dimension Builder.

  5. Click Save from the File menu to save the dimension.

    The dimension is saved and stored in the Master File.
x
Reference: Dimension Builder Toolbar

You can access the following commands from the Dimension Builder toolbar.

Button

Definition

Adds

Adds a level hierarchy.

Enables

Enables you to create a parent/child hierarchy and assign mandatory properties for the hierarchy.

Deletes

Deletes the selected item.

Enables

Enables you to view and refresh sample data for the selected field.

Enables

Enables you to switch back to properties in the Segment and Field View tab of the Synonym Editor.

WebFOCUS