Creating an Optional Attribute for Elements in the Account Dimension

Charlie_Geddes

Hello, 

Our raw material accounts have dollars that hit UOM = Amount, units that hit UOM = UOM, and this allows us to calculate a $/unit price. Is there a way to store what kind of unit is being used as the denominator? For example, some raw materials measure units in tons, others use gallons, and others use pounds. We don't differentiate on the numbers that are inputted into EPM, so UOM = 10 could be in 10 tons, 10 gallons, or 10 pounds, and it would be up to the user to know what unit of measure is being used. 

I was thinking a possible solution could be to add an optional attribute to the Account dimension, and we could store what UOM is used for that account. Users could then add that field to reports and adhocs to clearly label what the unit is. Any suggestions on how to approach this solution, or suggestions for different/better ways to tackle the problem, are much appreciated. 

Thanks.

0911060553270289.pdf

John Robson

Charlie

Assuming this is for a handful of accounts the approach you suggest valid. Simple solution is to create a string attribute called say UOM. The value can easily be retrieved on a report and can hence drive say conditional formatting. A slight limitation is that there is no easy way to validate entered attribute values - so one user may enter kgs, another kg and a third kg. (with a trailing period). The other downside is that you have to use multiple accounts e.g. Root Vegetable Units, Root Vegetable Average Price and Root Vegetable Cost. 

If you have many or most accounts with a UOM requirement or want avoid the second limitation, consider creating a measures dimension with elements such as Quantity, Average Price and Revenue.

You might also want to consider OLAP rules for UOM conversion e.g. 1 kg = 1000 g;. As you may be aware rules can be driven from attribute values and this may assist here. 

EPM lends itself to rapid prototypes to try out concepts so feel free to experiment.

Standard disclaimer: Other solutions are available.