Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
• Largest
Dense
dimensions
Ñ
Most members
• Smallest
Dense
dimensions
Ñ
Least members
• Smallest aggregating
Sparse
dimensions
Ñ
Least members and
usual consolidations
• Largest aggregating
Sparse
dimensions
Ñ
Most members and
usual consolidations
• Non-aggregating
Sparse
dimensions
Ñ
Can have many or few
members but little to no consolidations
By looking at the following screenshot, you will see the recommended dimension
structure, as seen in the EAS
Database Properties
screen:
Notice how even with relatively few members, the database outline has the
dimensions structured as recommended, wide at the ends and narrow in the
middle. Just like an hourglass.
The reason for this is the same as was given in Chapter 5 on calculation scripts. The
structure of the database is extremely important to the functioning of the database.
What the hourglass shape will tend to do is help keep the database block size down
to manageable levels for optimal performance during calculations and data loads.
