SQL Server Analysis Services Multidimensional Modeling

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Creating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are essential components in business intelligence solutions, providing insights into business performance. In SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) multidimensional models, you can define KPIs to track critical business metrics against defined goals.

What are KPIs?

A KPI is a quantifiable measure that reflects how effectively a company is achieving key business objectives. KPIs are typically used to evaluate the success of an organization, an employee, or a specific activity.

Benefits of Using KPIs in SSAS

  • Performance Monitoring: Easily track progress towards business goals.
  • Insightful Dashboards: Power visually appealing and informative dashboards in client applications.
  • Business Alignment: Ensure that business efforts are aligned with strategic objectives.
  • Standardized Metrics: Provide a consistent view of key business metrics across the organization.

Steps to Create a KPI in SSAS

KPIs are created using SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) or Visual Studio with Analysis Services projects.

1. Define the KPI's Value

The core of a KPI is its value, which is typically a measure in your cube. You'll select an existing measure or create a new one specifically for the KPI.

Note: Ensure that the measure representing the KPI value is well-defined and aggregates correctly.

2. Define the Goal (Optional)

A goal provides a target value or measure against which the KPI's performance is compared.

You can define a goal using:

  • A fixed value.
  • Another measure in the cube.
  • An expression.

3. Define the Status Indicator (Optional)

A status indicator visually represents the KPI's performance relative to its goal. Common indicators include:

  • Icons: Traffic lights, arrows, checkmarks.
  • Colors: Green for good, yellow for caution, red for bad.

You define the thresholds for these indicators based on the KPI value and its goal.

4. Define the Trend Indicator (Optional)

A trend indicator shows the direction of the KPI over time, indicating whether performance is improving, declining, or stable.

5. Configure KPI Properties in SSDT

In your SSAS project, navigate to the KPIs folder in the Solution Explorer. Right-click and select New KPI.

The KPI designer will allow you to configure the following:

  • Name: A descriptive name for your KPI.
  • Measure Group: The measure group containing the KPI's value measure.
  • Value Expression: The MDX expression for the KPI's current value (usually referencing a measure).
  • Goal Expression: The MDX expression for the KPI's goal.
  • Status: Configure the status indicator (e.g., use a range of values, icons).
  • Trend: Configure the trend indicator.
  • Parent Measure Group: Associates the KPI with a specific measure group.
  • Formatting: Define how the KPI value should be displayed.

Example MDX for Value and Goal:

-- Example Value Expression
[Measures].[Sales Amount]

-- Example Goal Expression (comparing to a target measure)
[Measures].[Sales Target]
Tip: Use the MDX Script Editor to test your expressions and ensure they return the expected results.

6. Deploy and Process the Cube

After defining your KPIs, deploy the SSAS project to your server and process the cube to make the KPIs available to client applications.

Using KPIs in Client Applications

Once created and deployed, KPIs can be consumed by various Business Intelligence tools, such as:

  • SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS): Display KPIs using Sparklines, data bars, and indicator icons.
  • Microsoft Power BI: Integrate KPIs into interactive dashboards.
  • Excel: Connect to the SSAS cube and use KPIs in PivotTables and reports.

Client applications can access KPI values, goals, status, and trend information through the cube's metadata.

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