Essbase reports can contain symmetric or asymmetric column groups. Essbase determines the symmetry of column groups automatically, based on the members you select.
A symmetric report, shown below, is characterized by repeating, identical groups of members.
East West Budget Actual Budget Actual Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3
An asymmetric report, shown below, is characterized by groups of nested members that differ by at least one member in the nested group. There can be a difference in the number of members or the names of members.
East West Budget Actual Budget Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3
By default, Essbase creates a symmetric report unless you select the same number of members for all column dimensions.
For an example of an asymmetric report, see “Sample 13, Creating Asymmetric Columns,” in the Examples of Report Scripts page of the Oracle Essbase Technical Reference.
The Essbase evaluation of symmetry versus asymmetry takes place before any ordering, restriction on columns, or application of the effects of calculated columns.