Implementing Varying Attributes

Varying attributes are supported for aggregate and block storage databases. You implement varying attributes at the database level.

Use the following workflow to enable and use varying attributes:

  1. In the outline properties, enable varying attributes.

  2. In the member properties for the base dimension, go to the Attributes tab and identify the independent dimension (the dimension upon which varying attributes depend).

    For example, if the sales representative attribute association for Customer A gets changed in May, then Year would be the independent dimension.

  3. Specify the type of independent dimension: continuous or discrete. An example of a continuous independent dimension is one that is based on time. A discrete independent dimension has no continuity; for example, in a Market dimension, California, Texas, and Ohio do not have a relationship based on continuity.

  4. Associate the independent dimension with a varying attribute. Optionally select a range and an association mode.

    A range can be assigned for which the attribute association is true. For example, you can assign a time range for which the attribute association applies: Jane is an Engineer from July 2007–June 2008.

    An association mode tells Essbase how to handle conflicting associations of a varying attribute with its independent dimension. The following association modes are available: Overwrite, NoOverwrite, and Extend.

  5. Save and restructure the outline.

  6. Perform the following maintenance tasks as needed:

    • Add new varying attribute associations to independent members (for example, add a new job title for an employee).

    • Remove independent member associations.

    • View existing independent dimension member associations (for example, see for which Months the company had a replacement sales manager).

    • Disassociate attribute dimensions from base dimensions.