Part 3 - Models

Author: Ian Britz

Introduction

The next thing we'll need to do is use our Dimensions to create Models. Models are used to capture or report on data. In order to capture the data that's related to this assumption, we need to use the related Dimensions as part of the Model definition.

Models

Step 1. Navigate to the All Models node in the right-hand navigation pane. Select Add to create a new Model.

Step 2. We'll call this one Assumption as it will be used to enter our assumptions about the product we're selling. For example, the number of units we plan to sell and the price we plan to sell them at.

Step 3. The default Model includes both the Account and Time Dimensions. We won't be using the Account Dimension in our Assumption Model, so select it and click Remove.

Step 4. Then click the Add button and include the Metric, Product, and Scenario Dimensions. If a Dimension that we add has multiple Member Lists, we can select which one we want to use here. For the Time Dimension, we can leave the Months Member List selected, but it's possible to change to a different granularity of time.

Note: As a best practice, you should always add Dimensions through this process. The Add Role Dimension feature below is a more advanced technique with a limited use case.

Step 5. Next, return to the All Models node and create another Model. We'll call this one Expense. It will be used to track all of our operational expenses. All we need to add here is the Scenario Dimension.

Step 6. Lastly, let's create our Reporting Model. As the Expense and Reporting Models both use the same three Dimensions, they could be combined into a single Model (and their Forms combined into a single Form). However, as their purposes are very different (our Expense Model is for capturing data, while our Reporting Model is for reporting calculations), we'll separate them purely for organizational purposes.

Step 7. In the Add Model window shown above, use the Copy From field to create a copy of the Expense Model.

Step 8. Now, in order to generate the actual OLAP Cubes in the database, we need to click the Deploy  button in the top-right. If prompted, save any of the changes we've made so far.

Note: Any changes we make to the Dimensions or Models will require that we re-deploy the Application.

Next Steps

Now that we have our Dimensions combined into Models, we can start creating the first two Forms we need in our Assumption Model.

• Part 2 - Dimensions
• Part 3 - Models
• Part 4a - Cost & Price Forms