Associations (PDM)

An association connects a fact to the dimension that defines it.

For example, the Sale fact is linked to the Time dimension by the Sale - Time association to analyze sales through the time dimension.

There can be only one association between a fact and a dimension.

Creating an Association

Associations are generally generated from operational database references. You can manually create associations from the Toolbox, Browser, or Model menu.

Use the Association tool in the Toolbox.
Select Model > Associations to access the List of Associations, and click the Add a Row tool.
Right-click the model (or a package) in the Browser, and select New > Association.

Association Properties

To view or edit an association's properties, double-click its diagram symbol or Browser or list entry. The property sheet tabs and fields listed here are those available by default, before any customization of the interface by you or an administrator.

The General tab contains the following properties:

Property	Description
Fact	Specifies the fact at the origin of the association. Use the tools to the right of the list to create, browse for, or view the properties of the currently selected object.
Dimension	Specifies the destination dimension of the association. Use the tools to the right of the list to create, browse for, or view the properties of the currently selected object.
Stereotype	Extends the semantics of the object. You can enter a stereotype directly in this field, or add stereotypes to the list by specifying them in an extension file.
Reference	Specifies the reference upon which the association is based. Click the Properties tool to view the properties of the selected reference.
Hierarchy	Specifies the default hierarchy used by the cube for the consolidation calculation. Click the Properties tool to view the properties of the selected hierarchy.
Keywords	Provide a way of loosely grouping objects through tagging. To enter multiple keywords, separate them with commas.