Define Relationships

 

Another requirement to be able to save a Cube (aside from defining the Measure member[s]) is to define the relationships between the Dimensions that will constitute the Cube. Notice that the Relationships Tab displays the Dimensions and their columns, including the Measure dimension. Note that the Dimensions are displayed in such a to show the Design tab, if derived from a Table, or the Columns tab, if derived from a View or Query.

 

The objective in this tab is to create a link between the columns of the Measure Dimension (sometimes through an intermediate Dimension) with the corresponding columns of other Dimensions .

 

To define the relationships:

1.   In the Cube Definition window, go to the Relationships Tab.

Create a link between the appropriate columns from the Measures dimension to the columns of all other Dimensions necessary to build the Cube.

2.   From the Measure Dimension, click on a column name and create a connection by dragging and dropping to the appropriate column name of the other relational table or Dimension table.

An arrow links one column of the measure table to the column of another Dimension.

3.   Continue creating links from the Measures dimension to the appropriate columns of other Dimensions.

Note that the relationship will be saved into the OLATION database after you click on the Save Cube icon, which is found on the OLATION ribbon.

 

To see an example of how to link the tables, refer to the example Create Cubes from Tables, specifically on the Step # 7.

Notes


Notice that in the Relationship Tab the Dimensions are color-coded: the Measures dimension is Blue, other Dimension tables are Red, and the Date dimension is Green. Inserting another intermediate Dimension will bring it up in this tab as another color.

Warning


If you have not properly defined the relationships between the Dimensions of the Cube, you will not be able to successfully save the Cube, and it is possible that you will be prompted with an error message. In the same manner, if you were not able to define the Measure member, you will not be allowed to save the Cube.