Slices

Slices define the data that appears on the row axis, column axis, and filters of a report. Each axis can include one or more dimensions. The selected elements from these dimensions determine the displayed values.

You can design reports using these options:

  • Lists. Lists can filter elements from a single dimension only.
  • Slices. Return axes and data in one query. Slices are faster because they reduce database calls, especially when suppressing zero or empty values. Slices support null suppression and value filtering across axes that combine elements from multiple dimensions. Use slices when you need to apply value filters across an axis with several dimensions.

Slice concepts

Use these slice concepts:

  • You can combine several dimensions on a single axis. For example, place Product and Time on the column axis to show values for each product-time combination.
  • Segments. Each axis must include at least one segment. A segment is a group of elements from one or more dimensions. You can create multiple segments to show different combinations of elements. For example, create one segment to show actual values for months up to the current period and another segment for forecast values for future periods.
  • Element lists. For each dimension and segment, click Edit List to define which elements to show.
  • Data. When you create a slice, the data is read from the database and stored in memory. Use the SLICEGET formula to retrieve and display the data.
  • Calculated slice elements. Use MDX expressions to extend the data shown by a slice.

Slice creation

Use the New Slice dialog box in the Accessories pane to create these slice types:

  • Standard slice. Use the advanced user interface to define the axes, filters, and calculations of a slice.
  • Variable slice. Use an existing XML variable that contains a slice definition. To create this variable, use slice functions that generate the required XML structure.
  • Custom MDX slice. Enter an MDX query that returns a table. You can include variables and functions in the MDX to define dynamic or complex slice logic.

Combining version and time dimensions

You can define multiple segments on an axis to compare different time periods and versions, for example:

Segment 1: Time = Previous Year, Version = Actual

Segment 2: Time = Current Year, Version = Actual, Budget

Segment 3: Time = Months up to current month, Version = Actual

Segment 4: Time = Months starting next month, Version = Forecast

Use this setup to compare historical, current, and future data across different versions.