Use a shared dimension in a cube

Use a shared dimension in a cube when you want the aggregated data to be consistent with other cubes in the same semantic model. For example, you might use a shared time dimension for all cubes that are used in time-based analysis. The shared dimension must be created before it can be used in a cube. See Create a shared dimension.

Complete the following steps to use a shared dimension in a cube:

1. Log into the Pentaho User Console (PUC).

2. Open the Semantic Model Editor by taking one of the following actions:

   • If you are using the Modern Design of PUC, in the menu on the left side of the page, click Semantic Model Editor.

   • If you are using the Classic Design of PUC, click File > Semantic Model Editor.

   The Semantic Model Editor opens.

3. Open the semantic model to which you are using a shared dimension by completing the following sub steps:

   1. In the Semantic Models list, navigate to the model you want to open by searching or scrolling through the list.

   2. Click Open. The model opens in the canvas.

4. In the canvas, locate the shared dimension you want to use and the cube in which you want to use the shared dimension.

   Note: To locate an element in a large semantic model, you can click the Model Structure tab and then navigate to the element by searching or scrolling through the list.

5. Drag and hold the shared dimension over the cube until the Do you want to: dialog opens and then drop the shared dimension onto the Use as Dimension option. The Dimension Usage Editor opens.

6. In the Dimension Name section, enter a Name that is unique in the context of the cube. The name can be the same name used for the shared dimension if it is unique in the context of the cube.

7. In the Mandatory Data section, enter information for the following options:

   Option	Description
   Source*	Table used as the source of data for the dimension. This is not editable in the Dimension Usage as it is defined in the Shared Dimension.
   Fact Table Column*	Fact table column used to connect the cube's fact table to the usage of the shared dimension in that cube.

   *Required field

8. (Optional) Expand the Optional Information section and edit one or more of the following options:

   Option	Description
   Level to Join	Level of the hierarchy in the shared dimension to connect to the cube's fact table. When not specified, joins to the lowest level of the dimension.
   Visible	Value indicating whether the hierarchy element is visible in the Pentaho Analyzer design environment. Elements that are not visible cannot be accessed directly in Pentaho Analyzer to use in reports. However, hidden elements can still be used to build expressions and conditions that are internally evaluated by the Mondrian engine for reporting. The default value is true.
   Usage Prefix	String of text added to the beginning of the column name when building collapsed dimension aggregates to indicate how the dimension is used. Usage prefixes enable the system to accurately recognize and associate columns during aggregate table matching.

9. (Optional) Expand the Describe Hierarchy section and edit one or more of the following options:

   Option	Description
   Caption	String of text that is displayed instead of the hierarchy’s name. You can use captions to provide a user-friendly label for hierarchies or for localization so that the hierarchy’s name appears in the local language.
   Description	Description of the hierarchy.

10. Click Apply. The dimension is used as a Shared Dimension node in the cube.

11. Click Save to save changes to the model.