Define a Hierarchical Source

Create or edit a source to include a facts table and at least one lookup table to create your hierarchical source.

Define a New Hierarchical Source

1. Log in as a user with the Administer Sources or Create New Data Sources privilege.

2. Select Sources on the UI menu () or the top-level navigation menu, or select the Sources box on the Home page The Sources page appears.

3. On the Sources page, select the Create Source button. The Source Creation work area opens.

4. Name your source, then add the first data entity, including appropriate connection, schema, and entity options or Custom SQL.

   Note:

   The first data entity can be, but does not have to be, the facts table.

5. Add the second data entity, your hierarchy lookup table, including appropriate connection, schema, and entity options or Custom SQL.

6. Select Add in the Join Definition work area to connect the hierarchy lookup table to the facts table.

7. If only one hierarchy is used, we recommend you use a left join from a hierarchy lookup table to a facts table. To configure multiple hierarchical tables on a single source, contact Technical Support.

   • Select a left join to preserve the contents and structure of the hierarchical tree, regardless of the contents of the facts table.

   • If you select an inner join, the hierarchy is limited to data in the facts table. This may break your hierarchy structure, separating nested items from parents, making the nest items top-level items.

     Note: You can visualize your joins by selecting the view icon in the Joins work area. See Visualize Joins.

8. Select Apply to create the join, then Save Source to save your source.

Next, define a hierarchy field for your source. SeeDefine a Hierarchy Field for Your Source.