Creating a grouping column

Some dimension tables include grouping columns that allow data associated with those records to share common settings or be rolled up into larger groups for calculation or reporting purposes.

NOTE: If you created a custom grouping column in Axiom Rolling Forecasting version 2016.4 or earlier, you need to assign it to a data set (product). For instructions, see Assigning an existing grouping column to a dataset (product).

Here are a few guidelines for naming your columns:

  • Keep the descriptions of grouping columns short and simple.
  • Avoid using common English words in your grouping column names, such as Interface or Union. Instead, combine words to come up with column titles such as IntGroup.
  • It is good practice to fill out each grouping column for every element (table row).
  • Spaces are not allowed. Use the underscore to separate upper/lower case words.
  • Grouping columns cannot start with a number, but they may include a number.

To create a grouping column:

  1. In the Explorer task pane, in the Libraries section, click Table Library > !Dimensions.

  2. Right-click the dimension table to add the grouping column to, and select Edit table structure.

  3. In the Edit Table dialog, click the Columns tab.

  4. Above the list of column names on the left side of the tab, click the + button.

  5. In the Column Name field, type a name for the new column.

    IMPORTANT: Use only alphanumeric characters in group column labels.

  6. In the Data Type field, click the drop-down button, and select String.
  7. In the Default Value field, type a default value that displays to the user.
  8. Click Apply.
  9. In the list of columns, select the column you just added.

  10. Above the list of columns, click the Assign Columns to Data Sets button.

  11. In the Data Set Assignment dialog, select the checkbox for any Axiom Healthcare Suite products to add to the column to, and click OK.
  12. In the Edit Table dialog, click OK.
  13. To view the new column, in the Main ribbon tab, click Refresh Data.

The new grouping column now displays in the dimension.