Block Size and Block Density

A data block size of 8 Kb to 100 Kb provides optimal performance in most cases.

If data blocks are much smaller than 8 KB, the index is usually very large, forcing Essbase to write to and retrieve the index from disk. This process slows calculation.

If data blocks are much larger than 100 KB, Intelligent Calculation does not work effectively. See Understanding Intelligent Calculation.

To optimize calculation performance and data storage, balance data block density and data block size by rearranging the dense and sparse dimension configuration of the database. Keep these suggestions in mind:

You can view information about a database, including the potential and actual number of data blocks and the data block size.

  To view data block information, use a tool:

Tool

Topic

Location

Administration Services

Checking Data Block Statistics

Oracle Essbase Administration Services Online Help

ESSCMD

GETDBINFO

Oracle Essbase Technical Reference