Model

Overview

A Model is a Data Mart entity used to define a semantic model in AnalyticsCreator. A model groups dimensions and facts so they can be maintained as metadata, imported or exported, and used to generate the related transformation structure.

Function

Use the Model entity to maintain model metadata and organize related model dimensions and facts. The Models list stores the model name and description, while model dimensions and model facts define the detailed dimensional structure below the selected model.

Models can also be created from star transformations or stars. When AnalyticsCreator creates a model from a transformation, it creates the model record when needed, adds a default calendar dimension, and adds model dimensions, model facts, measures, and fact-dimension links from the transformation metadata.

The reverse action is also supported: creating transformations from a model creates the required Data Mart prerequisites, then creates dimension and fact transformations from the model definition and refreshes the interface.

Access

Models can be opened from the repository navigation tree or from the Data mart ribbon tab. The Models node supports listing, adding, and importing models. A selected model supports editing, deleting, creating transformations, and exporting the model to a file or cloud location.

How to access

Navigation tree

Data warehouse -> Models

Toolbar

Data mart -> List -> Models

Diagram

Indirect. Use the diagram Model menu to create a model or add a star transformation to an existing model.

Visual element

Models list

Screen overview

The Models list contains the following visible fields and actions.

ID Property Description
1Search criteriaFilter area used to search model records by name or description.
2SearchRuns the filter entered in the search field. Pressing Enter in the filter field runs the same search.
3Delete filterClears the filter text and reloads the full model list.
4NameModel name shown in the list and under the Models node in the navigation tree. Model names are stored as unique repository values.
5DescriptionOptional description for the model. The description can be edited directly in the list.
6SaveSaves model list changes and refreshes the page after saving.
7CancelReturns to the previous page. If there are unsaved changes, AnalyticsCreator asks whether to save or cancel the navigation.

Model structure

  • A model contains model dimensions and model facts.
  • New model records receive a default DIM_Calendar dimension with the description Calendar dimension.
  • Model dimensions define a name, friendly name, description, historicized flag, and attribute rows with key-column marking.
  • Model facts define a name, friendly name, description, measure rows, and links to model dimensions.
  • The navigation tree shows non-calendar model dimensions and model facts below the selected model.

Model actions

  • List models and Add model open the Models list.
  • Edit model opens the Models list with the selected model highlighted.
  • Create transformations generates dimension and fact transformations from the selected model.
  • Import model from file and Import model from cloud load model structure imports.
  • Export model to file and Export model to cloud export the selected model structure.

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