Figure 3, Member Generation and Level Numbers illustrates the following generations levels:
Generation refers to a consolidation level within a dimension. A root branch of the tree is generation 1. Generation numbers increase as you count from the root toward the leaf member. In Figure 3, Member Generation and Level Numbers, Measures is generation 1, Profit is generation 2, and Margin is generation 3. All siblings of each level belong to the same generation; for example, both Inventory and Ratios are generation 2.
Figure 4, Generations shows part of the Product dimension with its generations numbered. Product is generation 1, 100 is generation 2, 100-10 is generation 3, and 100-10-12 and 100-10-16 are generation 4.
Level also refers to a branch within a dimension; levels reverse the numerical ordering used for generations. Levels count up from the leaf member toward the root. The root level number varies depending on the depth of the branch. In Figure 3, Member Generation and Level Numbers, Sales and Cost of Goods Sold are level 0. All other leaf members are also level 0. Margin is level 1, and Profit is level 2. Notice that the level number of Measures varies depending on the branch. For the Ratios branch, Measures is level 2. For the Total Expenses branch, Measures is level 3.
Figure 5, Levels shows part of the Product dimension with its levels numbered. 100 is level 2, 100-10 is level 1, and 100-10-12 and 100-10-16 are level 0.
To ease report maintenance, you can assign a name to a generation or level and then use the name as a shorthand for all members in that generation or level. Because changes to an outline are automatically reflected in a report, when you use generation and level names, you do not need to change the report if a member name is changed or deleted from the database outline.