Attributes

Attributes are used as extended information about key values in pivot sheets, filter dialogs and so on. The key value can be shown with one or more attribute values as a descriptive extension. This is useful when the key value itself does not possess adequate information or when different users require different information.

The key value and any attribute values are shown as a concatenated string separated by – in the key column or drop-down list. The user configures the attributes for display of attributes, the sequence of attributes and the key value. Note that the key value must always be included to ensure unique values.

Attributes are defined for the Keys in a Dataset, or can be imported into M3 DMP from a variety of sources by using a Data Connector supported by Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects. This could be an ODBC connection to M3 BE or Microsoft Excel or any other OleDB provider.

To enable the use of Attributes, open the Dataset properties dialog box through Datasets > Properties from the main menu and specify how to use the Attributes.

  Use Description Attribute usage
Status off off The attribute is not used in the Dataset.
on off The attribute is used as a separate column in the Pivot Sheet.
on on The attribute is used but it is linked together in the Key field.

The attributes are always switched on in all Favorite views. This is the preferred way to define the key descriptions.

Once defined, the attribute import is controlled from within M3 DMP. See Import Attribute Values.