Dimension operations

Manage the core operations available when you work with dimensions.

Dimension operations are the actions you use to keep a dimension clean, accurate, and useful over time.

Adding and Editing Dimension Values

You can manage the items within a dimension directly in the dimension view.

• Add Values: Create a new row at the bottom of the list or insert one in between existing items to add a new dimension value.
• Edit Values: Click directly into any cell to rename a dimension value or update its properties.

Linking Dimensions

Dimensions can be connected to build more complex structures and relationships using columns.

• Create Links: You can add other dimensions as columns within a base dimension. This establishes a link between them.
• Example: If you have an Employee dimension, you can add a Department dimension as a column. This allows you to assign each employee to a specific department.

Dimension Lookups

Dimension lookups allow for automatic data updates based on the relationships established between dimensions.

• Chain Links: You can create lookup columns that span multiple links. For example, if Employee is linked to Department, and Department is linked to Entity, the Employee dimension can have a lookup column that pulls the Entity value automatically based on the linked department.
• Automatic Sync: When an employee’s department is updated, any associated lookup columns (like Entity) reflect those changes immediately across your model.

Multiple Dimension Values and Relationships

Dimensions support various relationship types to handle complex business structures. Depending on the dimension configuration, you can assign values to map items in different ways:

• Many-to-One: Multiple items in one dimension map to a single item in another. This is the most common relationship.
  • Example: Mapping multiple Sales Reps to a single Sales Region.
• One-to-One: A unique relationship where one item maps strictly to one other item.
  • Example: Mapping an Employee ID uniquely to a Cost Center.
• One-to-Many: A single item maps to multiple values, allowing for complex data breakdowns.
  • Example: A single Marketing Campaign that spans multiple Advertising Channels.

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Edit with caution

If a dimension is already used in models or boards, changing the structure can affect formulas, filters, and saved views. Make structural changes in a controlled way and review the downstream impact.

Use operations to reduce clutter

Do not keep unused values, duplicate categories, or temporary naming in a production dimension. Clean dimensions make filtering and comparison much easier.