Modifying or Deleting Date-Time Dimensions

The only way to modify a date-time dimension is manually. Because of its tight structure, modifying a date-time dimension can be risky. In most cases, it is better to delete the dimension and use the Create Date-Time Dimension wizard to recreate it with the changes built in by the wizard, particularly if changes involve adding or removing members.

Even for minor changes, you must be aware of the comments structure described in Understanding Date-Time Dimensions. The TI-HIER and TI-MBR,TSPAN sections must be at the beginning of the comments field. You can add comments after the last ! mark, such as:

TI-MBR,TSPAN[1-1-2006,1-31-2006]! This is the First Month

Note:

If you edit the TI-HIER and TI-MBR,TSPAN sections in member comments, you must ensure that the correct members exist throughout the hierarchy, and you must edit dependent ranges for ancestors or descendants. For example, if you change the span of a given month, you must also change the span of the quarter.

If you delete a date-time dimension, also delete all associated attribute dimensions. Linked attributes have meaning only when they are whole; that is, all members exist and be associated in the correct sequence. An outline is invalid if you disassociate a linked attribute from only a few members.

Be aware of the verification rules summarized in the following sections.