Creating a Multidimensional Model in SQL Server Analysis Services
This article guides you through the process of creating a multidimensional model using SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) for Analysis Services. Multidimensional models are the foundation for many business intelligence solutions, enabling powerful data analysis and reporting.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Multidimensional models represent data in cubes, allowing users to slice and dice information along various dimensions. This approach is highly effective for analytical workloads, providing performance and flexibility for business users.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following installed:
- SQL Server 2022 (or later)
- SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) with Analysis Services project support
- A sample relational database (e.g., AdventureWorks) with some analytical data.
Creating a New Analysis Services Project
1. Open Visual Studio with SSDT installed.
2. Go to File > New > Project....
3. In the New Project dialog, navigate to Business Intelligence > Analysis Services.
4. Select Analysis Services Multidimensional Project.
5. Provide a project name (e.g., SalesAnalysisModel) and location, then click OK.
Defining Data Sources
1. In the Solution Explorer, right-click on Data Sources and select New Data Source....
2. The Data Source Wizard will appear. Click Next.
3. Click New... to create a new connection manager.
4. Enter your SQL Server instance name and the database name (e.g., AdventureWorksDW2019).
5. Test the connection and click OK, then Next.
6. Review the connection string and click Finish.
Creating a Data Source View
A Data Source View (DSV) provides a unified logical representation of your data from one or more relational sources.
1. In the Solution Explorer, right-click on Data Source Views and select New Data Source View....
2. The Data Source View Wizard will launch. Click Next.
3. Select the data source you defined in the previous step and click Next.
4. From the list of tables, select those relevant to your analysis (e.g., DimProduct, DimCustomer, DimDate, FactInternetSales).
5. Click Next and then Finish.
Building the Cube
The cube is the core of your multidimensional model, containing measures and dimensions.
1. In the Solution Explorer, right-click on Cubes and select New Cube....
2. The Cube Wizard will open. Click Next.
3. Choose to use a Data source view and select the DSV you created. Click Next.
4. You can choose to create the cube from a wizard or manually. For this tutorial, we'll select From existing tables.
5. Select the fact table (e.g., FactInternetSales) and click Next.
6. The wizard will suggest dimensions and measures based on the fact table's related dimension tables and fact columns. Review and select them. Click Next.
7. Provide a name for your cube (e.g., SalesCube) and click Finish.
Adding Dimensions
Dimensions provide context for your measures. You can create them directly or from existing tables.
1. In the Solution Explorer, right-click on Dimensions and select New Dimension....
2. The Dimension Wizard will start. Click Next.
3. Choose to create the dimension from a Data source view. Click Next.
4. Select the table that represents your dimension (e.g., DimProduct) and click Next.
5. Select the attribute columns that will form your dimension (e.g., ProductKey, EnglishProductName, Color).
6. Choose the key attribute (e.g., ProductKey) and set it as the primary key. Click Next.
7. Provide a name for the dimension (e.g., Product) and click Finish.
8. Repeat this process for other dimensions like Customer, Date, and SalesTerritory.
Adding Measures
Measures are the numerical values you want to analyze (e.g., sales amount, quantity).
1. Open your cube in the cube designer.
2. In the Data Source View pane, expand your fact table (e.g., FactInternetSales).
3. Drag the measure columns (e.g., SalesAmount, OrderQuantity) to the Measures folder in the cube designer.
4. You can also create calculated measures. Right-click on Measures and select New Calculated Measure....
5. Provide a name, select the aggregation function (e.g., Sum), and write the expression for your calculated measure.
SUM([FactInternetSales].[SalesAmount])
Deploying the Model
Once your model is designed, you need to deploy it to an Analysis Services instance.
1. In the Solution Explorer, right-click on the project name and select Properties.
2. Under the Configuration Properties, go to Deployment.
3. Set the Server name to your Analysis Services instance. Ensure Database name is set correctly.
4. Right-click on the project and select Deploy.
5. Monitor the build and deployment output for any errors.
Conclusion
You have successfully created a basic multidimensional model for Analysis Services. This model can now be queried using MDX or connect to reporting tools like Power BI or Excel for interactive analysis. Experiment with adding hierarchies, calculated members, and advanced aggregations to further enhance your model's capabilities.