Virtual Fields

Virtual fields are fields that can be created through mathematical expressions by using indicators that already exist and are defined in table-fact. These virtual fields are not saved in DW, but they are calculated in execution time.

Cube virtual fields are automatically reproduced for queries that use this cube. However, you cannot change cube virtual field in the query.

Tip:

Analyze the need of virtual fields, including those ones that are generic for several queries, and create them in the cube. Leave them more specific for the queries.

To define a new virtual field, click New and enter:

• Name: Define a name for the virtual indicator.
• Description: Define a description.
• Size: Define the size (whole part).
• Decimals: Define the size of decimals.
• Mask: Define a presentation mask (the format is identical to the one used in AdvPL).
• Expression: click (...) to define the expression that composes the virtual indicator. Remember you can only use it in the expression of mathematical operations among existing indicators.

In the composition of virtual field expression, you must often use SQL expressions, such as SUM and AVG, to obtain the right result. For example:

SUM(Amount) / Sum(Price)

 

After defining the necessary virtual fields, click Next to define which dimensions are presented in this cube.