Overriding Dimension Values Data Sources

Ideally, all data for a given Metric is consolidated in a single location. A Dimensioned Metric retrieves data for every Dimension Value from one Data Source configured at the Metric level. The same fetch command (SQL query or plugin request) executes once per value within that source. However, certain scenarios—such as a recently acquired business unit—may require data to be maintained in a separate database or alternative BI tool.

The Override Data Source functionality enables users to override the Data Source for a specific Dimension Value, allowing the Metric to execute a fetch command against that designated database and subsequently assemple a comprehensive picture across multiple systems.

Use this guide to configure a Dimension Values Data Source override.

PREREQUISITES:

Create Data Sources to be used for the Dimension Values.

NOTE: A Dimension Value can be overridden only in simple Dimensions. This functionality is not available for compound Dimensions.

1. Create a New Dimension

Access Content > Dimensions

  1. [+New Dimension]
  2. Name: Give the Dimension a descriptive name.
  3. Value Source: Select the "Manual/CSV Data" option.
  4. Enclose Dimension Values in Quotes: Select this checkbox to allow the SQL command work properly.
  5. [Save]

NOTE: Do not select the Include "Total" Dimension Value checkbox. A total or custom-total Dimension Value cannot have an override, and any stored override will be nulled out for totals upon save.

1.1. Add Dimension Values

  1. [+New Dimension Value]
  2. Key Value: Enter the Value name.
  3. Display Name: Enter the name that will be displayed on Metric.
  4. [Save]

2. Connect a Data Source with Dimension Value

  1. Click the gear icon to open the Edit Dimension Value window.
  2. Override Data Source: Select the Data Source to use for this Dimension Value.
  3. Object: Select the object from the Data Source to use for the fetch command.
  4. [Save]

3. Check Data Fetch Bind Parameter

Open Advanced tab

Check the Data Fetch Bind Parameter field and copy the value. This bind parameter must be used in the fetch command to enable the Metric to collect data for each Dimension Value separately.

NOTE: The Data Fetch Bind Parameter field is available only for simple Dimensions. This field will not appear for compound Dimensions.

4. Create a Metric

Create a Metric using the standard workflow. If the Element collects data in bulk mode (i.e., a single query returns all Dimension Values simultaneously), the override will be ignored. Since External Reports always collect data in bulk, this functionality is applicable only to Metrics.

Pay attention to the following settings:

  1. Dimension it by: In the Info tab, select the Dimension created in Step 1.
  2. Query: Provide the command to fetch data for a single Dimension Value. Use the Data Fetch Bind Parameter as the :channel parameter value.

Upon completing the configuration, click [Enable & View] to view the resulting Metric.