Model settings

With model-based selection, you can manage and configure the sources from which your data tables originate. This simplifies the OLAP model setup and management.

These are the benefits of model-based selection:

  • Centralized configuration: Simplifies user experience through a single data source setting.
  • Life cycle management: Streamlines model management across all stages.
  • Error reduction: Minimizes complexity and errors by preventing multiple data sources within a single model.

Defining the data source restricts the available tables in OLAP Modeling to those specified in the selected model. Defining the data source does not move tables between databases. Tables can be moved between databases manually outside OLAP Modeling before you define the data source.

Model-based selection ensures that all tables within a dimension come from the same source. Mixed data sources within a single dimension are not allowed. Validation is performed to prevent errors and ensure consistency.

We recommend that you ensure consistent table sourcing within each model.

Defining the data source for a new model

When you create a new model, you are prompted to define the data source.

The default data source is Staging.

Defining the data source for existing models

On the OLAP Modeling page, click Settings and define a new data source in the Model Settings dialog box.

Changing the source allows for the manual migration of data tables from Staging to another source. For example, if you change the source of a used data table in a dimension, the selection field points to the table from the originally selected source but also offers tables from a new source.

Troubleshooting

This list shows how to troubleshoot potential issues:

  • If an Invalid Source error occurs, verify that the selected data source is valid and consistent across the model.
  • If the default model is deleted and an error is displayed, click Settings and define a valid model.
  • If mixed sources are detected on the page with hierarchy properties, the affected field shows an error and the Save button is disabled. To resolve this issue, select a table from the same source or revert to the original table. The originally selected table is remembered until all issues are resolved.
  • If mixed sources exist between the pages with dimension and hierarchy properties, no error is displayed and you can save any changes. However, the tree view shows an icon with this message: Security table and Elements Table must have the same data source at both hierarchy and dimension levels. To resolve this issue, select a table from the same source or revert to the original table.
  • If mixed sources exist across hierarchy pages of a dimension, the tree view shows an icon with this message: Elements Tables must have the same data source at the hierarchy level. To resolve this issue, select a table from the same source or revert to the original table.