Time Dimension
The Time Dimension in AnalyticsCreator is used to generate a standardized hourly or minute-based reference table. This dimension provides a consistent representation of time periods within the data warehouse, enabling detailed time-based analysis of measures such as transactions, orders, or events.
Function
The Time Dimension defines a list of hourly or minute intervals within a 24-hour day. Each entry includes a unique identifier, the hour and minute components, and a descriptive label indicating the time range. This allows users to group and analyze data by specific time segments.
Access
The Time Dimension can be accessed from DWH → Transformations → Time Dimension within the main AnalyticsCreator interface.
Properties
| ID | Property | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schema | Defines the schema where the time dimension will be created (e.g., DWH). |
| 2 | Name | Specifies the name of the time dimension table (e.g., DIM_Hours). |
| 3 | Period (minutes) | Defines the duration of each time period (e.g., 60 for hourly intervals). |
| 4 | Time-to-ID function | Specifies the function used to create a unique ID for each time record (e.g., Time2ID). |
| 5 | Stars | Lists the star schemas that will be linked to this time dimension. |
| 6 | Add to Star | Adds the selected star schema to the time dimension relationship. |
| 7 | Remove from Star | Removes the selected star schema from the relationship. |
Screen Overview
The image below shows the New Time Transformation dialog with labeled properties for configuring the time dimension.
Generated Columns
The Time Dimension automatically generates the following columns:
| Column | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| SATZ_ID | Unique identifier for each time record (surrogate key). | 1 |
| Hour | Represents the hour of the day (0–23). | 8 |
| Minute | Represents the minute portion of the interval (e.g., 0 for hourly grouping). | 0 |
| Description | Text label showing the time range represented by the entry. | 08:00:00 - 08:59:59 |
Behavior
- The time dimension generates intervals based on the selected period (e.g., 60 minutes = hourly dimension).
- Each time range receives a unique key (SATZ_ID) and description.
- An “Unknown” record is included to handle missing or invalid time values.
- This dimension can be linked to multiple star schemas to provide uniform time-based analysis.
Notes
- The Time2ID function ensures that each time period is uniquely identifiable.
- Typical configurations include hourly (60 minutes) or quarter-hourly (15 minutes) time intervals.
- The DIM_Hours table is generated automatically with 24 entries representing each hour of the day.
- The “Unknown” record (SATZ_ID = 0) ensures referential integrity when no valid time is available.
