Manual configuration

This topic describes the steps necessary to set up semi-additive measures over time in OLAP. These steps will be performed by modeling tools in the future.

Before beginning the task, ensure that the data cube in question has a Calculation dimension and a Time dimension.

In one of the dimension attribute tables of the Calculation dimension, create the SAM_MODE attribute. It must be of String type and the width must be at least seven characters. The name of the dimension attribute is not case-sensitive.

Note: Dimension attribute names are never case-sensitive.
Write the calculation methods as attribute values of SAM_MODE to the corresponding elements. For example, SAM_LA to the Headcount - Last Period element. The name of the calculation method is case-sensitive.
Send the Dimension PrepareSemiAdditiveCalculations XML function. After the function is sent, these standard non-default calculation methods are available:
- Last child for SAM_LA.
- First child for SAM_FI.
- Averages weighted by the number of base descendants for SAM_AD1 and SAM_AD2. For example, an element has children, C1 and C2. C1 has three children and C2 has seven children. Then C1 is weighted 0.3 and C2 is weighted 0.7.
For non-standard semi-additive calculations, further configuration of the Time dimension is necessary:
SAM_LA and SAM_FI
1. In one of the dimension attribute tables of the Time dimension, create the SAM_LA and SAM_FI attributes. They must be of String type and must be wide enough so that each element name fits into it. We recommend the width should be at least 71 characters.
2. Write the element names, that are intended as last period children, as attribute values of SAM_LA to the parent elements. For example, March to Q1.
3. Write the element names that are intended as first period children as attribute values of SAM_FI to the parent elements. For example, April to Q2.
SAM_AD1 and SAM_AD2
1. In one of the dimension attribute tables of the Time dimension, create the attributes SAM_AD1 and SAM_AD2. They can be of type Numeric or String. Numeric is preferable because the attribute values can only be integers. Decimals are not allowed.
2. Write the weights as attribute values to the elements. For example, 31 to January, 28 to February, 31 to March, 90 to Q1, and 365 to Year.
After changes are applied to the Time dimension (attributes, attribute values or elements), you must send the Dimension PrepareSemiAdditiveCalculations XML function again.