Exclusion Dimension Possible? -
10-16-2006
, 06:19 PM
Is an exclusion dimension possible in AS 2005?
I think not but am posting here on the chance that there is a way to
implement it without using MDX or a customized browser.
Here is the scenario:
1. We have a fact table containing records that we want to include
based upon both inclusion codes and exclude based upon exclusion codes.
Thus the resultant record set would reflect both including values from
a dimension and excluding members from another.
2. Inclusion behaviour is the default for dimensions but what about
exclusion? Is there some way to do a NOT inclusion with the existing
architectural framework of dimensions that would work with a standard
cube browser (Management Studio, BIDS, etc.)?
3. More detail: The inclusion dimension would have a list of codes to
include. The exclusion dimension would have another list of codes to
not include. Thus by manipulating two dimensions one would be able to
use a standard cube browser and quickly see the result of the
inclusions and exclusions. We want to be able to do this as quickly
and easily via browsing as possible thus the desire to do it with an
existing cube browser. We need to have non-technical people be able to
use the solution. As well as to be able to quickly try many variations
in the inclusions and exclusion lists so that they can see the results
and use their expertise to judge whether the specific
inclusion/exclusion combination makes sense.
Obviously we can do this via alternate approaches including:
- Apply the exclusions to the data before cubing.
- Use MDX to easily exclude the exclusion set.
- Develop a front end to implement the exclusion dimension (i.e.
select the exclusion dimension members, generate the MDX, run the MDX,
show the results in a grid).
Given that AS 2005 is very programmable is there some way to program in
an exclusion dimension directly?
Thanks!
- Grant |