Use the cross-dimensional operator to point to data values of specific member combinations. Create the cross-dimensional operator using a hyphen (-) and a greater-than symbol (>). Do not include a space between the cross-dimensional operator and members.
Figure 114, Specifying a Single Data Value is a simplified illustration of a multidimensional cube, in which Jan is the first column on the X axis, Sales is the fourth and top-most row on the Y axis, and Actual is the first row on the Z axis. In this example, Sales -> Jan -> Actual is the intersection of a single data value.
The following example, which allocates miscellaneous expenses to each product in each market, illustrates how to use the cross-dimensional operator. The value of Misc_Expenses for all products in all markets is known. The formula allocates a percentage of the total Misc_Expenses value to each Product -> Market combination. The allocation is based on the value of Sales for each product in each market.
Essbase cycles through the database, performing these calculations:
Divides the Sales value for the current member combination by the total Sales value for all markets and all products (Sales -> Market -> Product).
Multiplies the value calculated in step 1 by the Misc_Expenses value for all markets and all products (Misc_Expenses -> Market -> Product).
Allocates the result to Misc_Expenses for the current member combination.
Using the cross-dimensional operator can have significant performance implications. For optimization guidelines, see Using Cross-Dimensional Operators.