User Controlled Attributes gives you the ability to define and populate master data that supplements existing core Stratum data. Add new attributes on-demand that can be used to describe Stratum dimensions and support new levels of data summarization – as done in the example below. A new attribute for the UPC Global Number dimension had a hierarchy created for it, which is then used in the rows of a YTD sales report. Master Data Import is used to update those attributes with current data and is a quick way to add new dimension key values into the Stratum Data Hub. Security built into the Data Hub maintains the integrity of attributes originating from corporate business systems while keeping track of the separate incoming streams of data for User Controlled Attributes.
Here's what can you do with User Controlled Attributes:
Add Attributes To Compliment Corporate Data – Attributes provide additional descriptive details about your dimensions. Examples are Marketing Promotions and Product Groupings that are controlled and managed outside of your corporate systems.
Import Master Data Anytime – Update or replace data for User Controlled Attributes. In seconds, import master data from Excel spreadsheets. Do so without IT assistance and without waiting for the next scheduled database update.
Define New Data Summarizations – Group data into new analytical categories by creating virtual hierarchies from User Controlled Attributes. This makes the attribute available as a level to use in rows / columns of Viewer reports. See data summarized by attributes via their virtual levels. Use them the same as all other Stratum levels. Drill, filter, build calculations, and more. Master data imported for attributes will populate their virtual hierarchies. For example, create a Customer Parent roll-up for Customer Sold-To’s as an avenue for swiftly linking like customers together.
Add New Dimension Key Values – Master Data Import functionality enhances Budget and Forecasting tasks. Add new key values for items you need to plan on that do not exist yet in corporate business systems. Is there a new Product under development that you need to account for in next year’s plan? Include rows with dimension key values in the Excel file for a Master Data Import. The import adds the new key values to Stratum. Then use Viewer’s Planning or Data Import to populate the items with budget / forecast measure data.