For the most flexibility and functionality, use attribute dimensions to define attribute data. Using attribute dimensions provides the following features:
Sophisticated, flexible data retrieval
You can view attribute data only when you want to; you can create meaningful summaries through crosstabs; and, using type-based comparisons, you can selectively view only the data that you want to see.
Additional calculation functionality
Not only can you perform calculations on the names of members of attribute dimensions to define members of standard dimensions, you can also access five types of consolidations of attribute data—sums, counts, averages, minimums, and maximums.
Because attribute dimensions are sparse, Dynamic Calc, they are not stored as data. Compared to using shared members, outlines using attribute dimensions contain fewer members and are easier to read.