Transformation

Overview

A Transformation is a repository entity that defines how AnalyticsCreator builds a derived data object from tables, SQL logic, external output, script output, or a union of source tables. Transformations belong to a schema and can be used to generate views, persist result tables, support model objects, and feed downstream warehouse structures.

Function

Use the Transformation entity to maintain transformation metadata such as name, schema, transformation type, historization type, friendly name, description, persistence settings, object-table links, source selection, and inheritance settings.

The Definition tab controls transformation tables, output columns, references, star assignments, predefined transformations, snapshots, filters, and having conditions. The VIEW tab stores manual SQL view text or script text, depending on the transformation type.

Saving validates the transformation type, required direct source, non-empty name, non-empty column names, and duplicate column names. AnalyticsCreator then stores the definition, creates or refreshes the transformation view, refreshes the interface when the object is new or renamed, and reloads the detail page.

Access

Transformations can be opened from schema nodes in the repository navigation tree, from the Transformations list, from the ETL toolbar commands, or from transformation nodes and diagram context commands.

How to access

Navigation tree

Data warehouse -> Layers -> LAYER -> SCHEMA -> Transformations -> TRANSFORMATION

Toolbar

ETL -> List -> Transformations or ETL -> New -> New Transformation

Diagram

Transformation object -> Edit transformation

Visual element

Transformations list, Create transformation wizard, Transformation detail page, transformation nodes, and dataflow diagram transformation objects.

Screen overview

The Transformation detail page contains the following visible fields, grids, tabs, and actions.

ID Property Description
1NameTransformation name. Saving requires a non-empty value that is unique within the selected schema.
2SchemaSchema that owns the transformation.
3TransTypeTransformation type. The selected type controls which detail fields, grids, and tabs are enabled.
4Hist TypeTransformation historization type. Snapshot-related grids are enabled only for snapshot historization modes.
5Create unknown memberCreates an unknown-member row for transformation types where this option is enabled.
6Fact transformationMarks the transformation as a fact transformation.
7DistinctApplies distinct handling at transformation level when enabled for the selected type.
8Don't detect dependenciesScript-transformation option that prevents dependency detection for the script transformation.
9Persist table / Result tablePersistence target name. External and script transformations use result-table behavior instead of the standard persist-table field.
10Persist package / SSIS packagePackage name for persistence or external/script execution, depending on the transformation type.
11Hub of tableLinks the transformation to a hub table. Selecting this clears the satellite and link table selections.
12Satellite of tableLinks the transformation to a satellite table. Selecting this clears the hub and link table selections.
13Link of tableLinks the transformation to a link table. Selecting this clears the hub and satellite table selections.
14Direct sourceSource used by direct transformations. Saving a direct transformation requires a selected direct source.
15Friendly nameOptional display name for the transformation.
16DescriptionFree-text description for the transformation.
17Inherit FriendlyNameInheritance option for friendly names at transformation level and column level.
18Inherit DescriptionInheritance option for descriptions at transformation level and column level.
19Inherit DisplayFolderInheritance option for OLAP display folders.
20Snapshot group / SnapshotSnapshot assignment grid used by snapshot historization modes.
21DefinitionMain tab for tables, columns, references, stars, predefined transformations, filters, and having conditions.
22TablesGrid for transformation input tables with SeqNr., Table, Is output table, Union all, Distinct, Table Alias, join settings, reference statements, filters, subselects, and resulting joins.
23ColumnsGrid for output columns with Column Name, TableSeqNr, Reference, Statement, aggregation, default value, sequence, primary-key position, friendly name, description, and inheritance options.
24ReferencesGrid for table references between transformation table sequence numbers.
25StarsGrid for star assignments with star, view name, isFact, and filter values.
26Predefined transformationsGrid for predefined transformation assignments and the UseOnVault flag.
27Filter / HavingOptional SQL filter and having text for supported transformation types.
28VIEW / ScriptText tab for manual view definitions or script content. Script transformations can also show Script type.
29Old column name / New column nameRename table used with manual transformations when view columns are renamed.
30Create in DWHCreates or refreshes the saved transformation in the DWH. Unsaved transformations cannot be created from this action.
31SaveValidates, stores, recreates the transformation view, refreshes related interface state, and reloads the page.
32CancelReturns to the previous page. If there are unsaved changes, AnalyticsCreator asks whether to save or cancel the navigation.

List behavior

  • The Transformations list filters by schema, transformation name, or historization type text.
  • When opened from a schema node, the list is filtered to that schema.
  • The list grid shows Schema, Name, Type, Hist Type, and CreateDummyEntry.
  • Double-clicking a row opens the selected transformation in the Transformation detail page.
  • New opens the Create transformation wizard. Duplicate duplicates the selected transformation when the selected transformation type supports duplication. Delete removes the selected transformation after confirmation.

Create behavior

  • The Create transformation wizard starts on the Main tab with Type, Schema, Name, Historizing type, Main table, persistence settings, and package fields.
  • Wizard navigation depends on type. Regular, dimension, fact, and other transformations can continue through Tables, Fields, and Other. Manual transformations skip table and field setup. External, script, and union transformations use their type-specific table or script tabs before Other.
  • Finishing validates the schema, name, duplicate transformation/table names, required main table, join historization type, and persistence settings before creating the transformation.
  • For external and script transformations with a created result table, AnalyticsCreator opens the created table detail page. For other created transformations, it opens the Transformation detail page.

Transformation actions

  • The schema-level Transformations branch provides Refresh, List transformations, Add transformation, Add calendar dimension, Add time dimension, and Add snapshot dimension.
  • A selected transformation provides Locate in diagram, Set diagram filter, Add to diagram filter, Edit transformation, Delete transformation, Duplicate transformation, and model-creation actions when available.
  • Transformation nodes can expose their generated table and persist table as child objects in the navigation tree.
  • Package nodes for persisting, external, and script packages can also list the transformations connected to the package.

Related topics