MSAS : Shared vs Private Dimensions

This tutorial explains how to create Shared dimension using Dimension Editor , Private dimension using Dimension Editor and the differences between them.

Creating Shared Dimension using Dimension Editor

1. In the Analysis Manager tree pane, expand the database in which you want to create the shared dimension.

2. Right-click the Shared Dimensions folder, point to New Dimension, and then click Editor

3. In the Choose a Dimension Table dialog box, expand a data source, click the dimension table for the dimension, and then click OK.

Dimension Editor appears with the dimension table showing in the Schema tab.

4. To add more tables to the dimension, on the Insert menu, click Tables, and then use the Select Table dialog box.

5. If the dimension contains multiple tables, ensure each is joined to another. To join two columns, in the Schema tab, drag one column to the other.

6. Create levels in the dimension. It is easiest to create the highest, most general level first and then create progressively lower, more specific levels; otherwise, if member counting is enabled, a confirmation dialog box appears each time you add a level. For each level you want to create:

• On the Insert menu, click Level.
• In the Insert Level dialog box, select the column on which the level is based, and then click OK.

As you create each level, it appears in the tree pane.

7. (Optional.) In the properties pane, modify the properties of the dimension and its levels.

8. To save the dimension, on the File menu, click Save, type a name for the dimension in the New Dimension Name dialog box, and then click OK.

To browse a shared dimension

• In the Analysis Manager tree pane, right-click a shared dimension, and then click Browse Dimension Data. -or-
• In the Cube Editor tree pane, right-click a shared dimension, and then click Browse.