Select a context link dimension

A context is established by relating a measure to a dimension. Some of these dimensions can be defined as time defining, and as such, contribute to the definition of the time periods for which measures are aggregated. Time-slices obtained from time defining dimensions can have an associated context. This enables you to reduce the total number of time intervals for measure records.

A context link identifies a dimension by which time-slicing will be computed. For example, if the equipment is selected as the context link dimension, time-slices identified by the time defining dimension will be grouped by equipment and stored as such in the measure table. A time-slice for equipment A will not be considered when calculating the aggregates for equipment B.

For example, a measure has two selected dimensions in the context pane. The two selected dimensions are the time defining dimension called Work Order and the Equipment dimension. The Equipment dimension link can be used to provide context-based time-slicing. To enable this, drag the Link option for the Equipment dimension. The Work Order dimension must have a dimension link to the Equipment dimension since it is the context-link dimension. Any other time defining dimension used in the context of the measure and having a dimension link to Equipment will also be sliced according to equipment at run time.

For more information about time-slicing dimensions, see Configure time-slicing for a dimension.

You can select only one dimension as a context link dimension.

Select a context link dimension

1. Under the Measures column, click the measure for which you want to select the dimensions. The measure editor appears.

2. Click the Context tab.

3. In the Changing dimensions area, under the Link column, drag the Link option to enable.

4. Click Add Dimensions.