Changing Dimensions

If a dimension is flagged as a changing dimension, the existing members can be renamed or the parent of member can be changed. A changing dimension is optimized for frequent changes and it permits more types of changes than standard dimensions. Changing dimensions are useful as changes can be made without interrupting the end user and end users have to have access to changes immediately. Virtual dimensions, parent-child dimensions and regular dimensions using ROLAP storage are all changing dimensions. In changing dimensions levels below the top or above the bottom can be added, modified or moved and no processing is required. The only exception is the addition of a member group where the dimension will have to be processed.

Rebuilding the Structure of a Dimension

The Rebuild the dimension structure option re-creates and loads the dimension. This processing option is required after:

The structure of the dimension is changed. For example, after a level in the hierarchy is added or removed.

Relationships between members in the dimension hierarchy are changed. For example, after the sales regions are redefined so that the cities are now in different regions.

To rebuild the structure of a shared dimension

In the Analysis Manager tree pane, under the database that contains the shared dimension, expand the Shared Dimensions folder.

Right-click the shared dimension, and then click Process.

In the Process a Dimension dialog box, click Rebuild the dimension structure, and then click OK.

In the Process dialog box, wait for the rebuild to finish processing or click Stop to halt and cancel processing.

Cubes that use the Dimension must be processed after the dimension is processed.

Next Page: Tutorial 49: MSAS - Processing Dimensions and Cubes - Page 3