Is it create or update of dimension and cube

[Moh]

I have been recently hired as a fresher TM1 Junior,so I am still exploring TM1.I have seen in our model's all the TI process starts with update_dim_customer and update_customer_cube.I have not seen any process that begins with create_dim_customer.So,I am confused whether this update process is actually is create process,We had 5 day TM1 training course the trainer did mention cube update process for data loading of actual.

If we have as our customer dimension thousands of element do we not create first create customer dimension create process and then update process for later changes.If so why Iam not seeing any create dimension process.Do we use create dimension process at all? Please share your knowlege.

[Wim Gielis]

Hello,

Most probably, someone in the past created the Customer dimension manually.
Then he/she wrote (or recorded the steps for) a TI process that updates the customer dimension.
Alternatively, use a short TI statement to create the dimension, like DimensionCreate('Customer'); Save the process, execute and you're done with creating the (empty) dimension.

Updating a dimension means: adding new customers should they become available in the Data source (relational table, text file, ...)
Also, updating covers any additional consolidiations that might be needed in the dimension.
For example, a customer at level 0 rolls up into a customer group, and all customer groups roll up into 'Total Customer' or similar top consolidation.

[Moh]

Thank you Sir,But how come I am not seeing any process with name create_customer_dim process ,For example Scenerio1:I have to create product dimension where there are large volume of products under each product type what process do I need to follow do i need to create dimension first manually or TI and follow with second TI to update it.
Scenerio2 I am creating Country dimension which has less volume of countries do I need to just write update process.
I am still not very clear on this.Please help.

[Wim Gielis]

Hello

You can use both TI and a manual approach to create and update a dimension.
Dimensions are part of cubes and will stay in the TM1 model for a long time (unless a redesign of the cube is needed).

So you can create any dimension manually and update it manually. Usually this is done for simple and short dimensions (like "measures" dimensions).
You can also use TI to both create and update the dimension. Either using the wizard to record the mappings, either by programming it yourself in the Advanced tabs of the process. DimensionCreate is a function that you can use.
Another option is to create the dimension manually, with say 1 or 0 elements, but the object of the dimension exists. After that, a TI process can use that dimension and update its elements and/or hierarchies.

As creating a dimension with few elements takes only a minute time or so, the choice over TI or manually to create the dimension (not update it) is often moot. It is just about as little effort to stick into.

[Wim Gielis]

Do you have an update/feedback on this?