Time Dimensions

Applications can have a monthly or weekly Time Dimension. Time Dimension Types determine if an application uses a weekly, monthly or 12/13 period frequency, and the type of calendar (such as 445 or 454). In a new application, use a custom Time Dimension Type so users can specify the number of months in a quarter and the number of weeks in a month. 

After you create a Time Dimension, an XML file is generated. New applications use this file to implement the desired Time Dimension. If a Time Dimension Type is not assigned to a new application database, the default Standard Type is used.

NOTE: Applications created prior to 4.1.0 can convert a monthly application to weekly application using the Database Configuration Utility.  Contact Support for assistance.

Time Dimension Types

  • Time Dimension Type Standard: Creates a Monthly Time Dimension and stores data by month in the data tables.  Applications created prior to version 4.1.0 use this type.

  • StandardUsingBinaryData: Creates a Monthly Time Dimension and stores data in a binary data table.  Use this type if you may need to later convert an application to a Weekly Time Dimension.

  • M12_3333_W52_445: Creates a 12 Month, 4 quarter, 52 Week, 445 calendar Time Dimension.

  • M12_3333_W52_454: Creates a 12 Month, 4 quarter, 52 Week, 454 calendar Time Dimension.

  • M12_3333_W52_544: Creates a 12 Month, 4 quarter, 52 Week, 544 calendar Time Dimension.

  • M12_3333_W53_445: Creates a 12 Month, 4 quarter, 53 Week, 445 calendar Time Dimension.

  • M12_3333_W53_454: Creates a 12 Month, 4 quarter, 53 Week, 454 calendar Time Dimension.

  • M12_3333_W53_544: Creates a 12 Month, 4 quarter, 53 Week, 544 calendar Time Dimension.

  • Custom: Creates a Time Dimension you can use to specify the months in a quarter and the in a month. This is only available for new applications.

  • Use Weeks: If true, you can define a Custom Weekly Time Dimension. If False, you can create a Custom Monthly Time Dimension.

  • Vary Settings By Year: If True, you can specify the number of weeks in a month for each year. If False, you can apply the number of weeks per month to each year.

  • M1- M16 Number of Weeks: Specify the number of weeks per month.  This coincides with the number of months per quarter, so any additional weeks required are enabled.  If Vary Settings By Year property is True, select a year and customize the number of weeks in that year.