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Dimensions are values that categorise entries so you can track and analyse them on documents, such as sales orders. Dimensions can, for example, indicate the project or department an entry came from.
So, instead of setting up separate general ledger accounts for each department and project, you can use dimensions as a basis for analysis and avoid having to create a complicated chart of accounts. Learn more at Business Intelligence.
Another example is to set up a dimension called Department, then use that dimension when you post sales documents. This way, you can use business intelligence tools to see which department sold which items. The more dimensions you use, the more detailed are the reports you base your business decisions on. In fact, a single sales entry can include information from multiple dimensions, such as:
- The account the item sale was posted to.
- Where the item was sold.
- Who sold it.
- Which customer bought it.
Analysing by dimensions
Dimensions play an important role in business intelligence, such as when defining analysis views. Learn more at Analyse Data by Dimensions.
Tip
A quick way to analyse transactional data by dimensions is to use the Set Dimension Filter action to filter totals by dimensions in the chart of accounts and on pages for entries.
Note
Analysis views often use data from dimensions. If you discover an incorrect dimension has been used on posted general ledger (G/L) entries, you can correct the dimension values and update your analysis views. This helps keep your financial reports and analyses accurate. Learn more at Troubleshooting and Correcting Dimensions.
Dimension sets
A dimension set is a unique combination of dimension values. They are stored as dimension set entries in the database. Each dimension set entry represents a single dimension value. In addition, each dimension set, and dimension set entry within it, is identified by a common dimension set ID.
When you create a journal line, document header, or document line, you can specify a combination of dimension values. Instead of explicitly storing each dimension value in the database, a dimension set ID is assigned to the journal line, document header, or document line to specify the dimension set.
Setting up dimensions
You can define dimensions and dimension values to categorise journals and documents, such as sales orders and purchase orders. You set up dimensions on the Dimensions page, where you create one line for each dimension, such as Project, Department, Area, and Salesperson.
You also set up values for dimensions. Let's say values represent your company's departments. Dimension values can be set up in a hierarchical structure similar to the chart of accounts. That means data can be broken down into various levels of granularity, and subsets of dimension values can be totalled. You can define as many dimensions and dimension values as you need, and everyone in your company can use them.
When dimensions and values are set up, you can define global and shortcut dimensions on the General Ledger Setup page. These dimensions are then always available for you to select as fields on journal and document lines, and ledger entries, without opening the Dimensions page first. Learn more in the To set up global and shortcut dimensions section.
- Global Dimensions are used as filters, for example, on reports, batch jobs, and XMLports. You can use only two global dimensions, so choose dimensions you will use often.
- Shortcut Dimensions are available as fields on journals, document lines, and ledger entries. You can create up to eight of these.
Note
After you use a new dimension in any entry, such as a line or new record, you cannot delete the dimension, even if you do not post the entry. This is because Business Central immediately creates a dimension set for the line or record. Learn more in the Dimension Sets section.
To set up default dimensions for customers, suppliers, and other accounts
You can assign a default dimension for a specific account. The dimension is copied to the journal or document when you enter the account number on a line, but you can delete or change the code on the line if appropriate. You can also require a dimension for posting an entry in a specific type of account.
- Choose the
icon, enter Dimensions, then choose the related link. - On the Dimensions page, select the relevant dimension, then choose the Account Type Default Dim action.
- Fill a line in for each new default dimension you want to set up. Hover over a field to read a short description.
icon, enter Dimensions, then choose the related link.Tip
If you want to require a dimension but don't want to assign a default value to the dimension, leave the Dimension Value Code field blank, then select Code Mandatory in the Value Posting field.
Warning
If an account is used in an Adjust Exchange Rates or Post Inventory Cost to G/L batch job, do not select Code Mandatory or Same Code. These batch jobs cannot use dimension codes.
Note
If an account must have a different dimension than the default dimension assigned to the account type, you must set up a new default dimension for the account. The default dimension for the account then replaces the default dimension for the account type.
To set up default dimension priorities
Different account types, such as a customer account and an item account, can have different default dimensions. As a result, an entry might have more than one proposed default dimension. To avoid such conflicts, you can apply priority rules to the different sources.
- Choose the icon, enter Default Dimension Priorities, then choose the related link.
- On the Default Dimension Priorities page, in the Source Code field, enter the source code for the entry table to which the default dimension priorities will apply.
- Fill in a line for each default dimension priority you want for the selected source code.
- Repeat the procedure for each source code you want to set up default dimension priorities for.
Important
If you set up two tables with the same priority for the same source code, Business Central always selects the table with the lowest table ID.
To set up dimension combinations
To avoid posting entries with contradictory or irrelevant dimensions, you can block or limit specific combinations of two dimensions. A blocked dimension combination means you cannot post both dimensions on the same entry regardless of what the dimension values are. In contrast, a limited dimension combination means you can post both dimensions to the same entry, but only for certain combinations of dimension values.
Choose the
icon, enter Dimension Combinations, and then choose the related link.On the Dimension Combinations page, choose the dimension combination field you want from the following options.
Field Description No limitation This dimension combination has no restrictions. All dimensions values are allowed. Limited This dimension combination has restrictions depending on which dimension values that you enter. You must define the limitations on the Dimension Value Combination page. Blocked This dimension combination is not allowed. If you selected the Limited option, you must define which combinations of dimension values are blocked. To do this, choose the field to define the dimension value combination.
Now select a dimension value combination that is blocked and enter Blocked in the field. A blank field means the dimension value combination is allowed. Repeat if multiple combinations are blocked.
Note
The same dimensions are displayed in both rows and columns, meaning all dimension combinations appear two times. Business Central automatically displays the setting in both fields. You cannot select anything in the fields from the upper-left corner and down, because those fields have the same dimension in both rows and columns.
The selected option is not visible before you exit the field.
To show the name of the dimensions instead of the code, select the Show Column Name field.
To set up global and shortcut dimensions
Global and shortcut dimensions can be used as filters in Business Central, including on reports, batch jobs, ledger entry pages, and analysis views. Global and shortcut dimensions can be inserted directly without first opening the Dimensions page. On journal and document lines, you can select global and shortcut dimensions in a field on the line. You can set up two global dimensions and eight shortcut dimensions. Choose the dimensions that you use most frequently.
Important
Changing a global or shortcut dimension requires all entries posted with the dimension be updated. To change a global dimension, you can use the Change Global Dimensions function, but that can be time-consuming, may affect performance, and tables may be locked during the update. Make sure you choose your global and shortcut dimensions carefully so you won't have to change them later. To change a shortcut dimension, use the Change Dimensions action.
Learn more in the To change global dimensions section.
Note
When you add or change a global or shortcut dimension, you are automatically signed out and back in so the new value is prepared for use.
- Choose the icon, enter General Ledger Setup, then choose the related link.
- On the Dimensions FastTab, fill in the fields. Hover over a field to read a short description.
To change global dimensions
When you change a global or shortcut dimension, all entries posted with that dimension are updated. Because this process may be time-consuming and can affect performance, two different modes are provided to adapt the process to the size of the database.
Choose the
icon, enter General Ledger Setup, and then choose the related link.Choose the Change Global Dimensions action.
At the top of the page, select one of the following two modes for running the batch job.
Option Description Sequential (Default) The change is done in one transaction that reverts all entries to the dimensions they had before the change. This option is recommended if the company has relatively few posted entries, in which case the batch job takes the shortest time to complete. The process locks multiple tables and blocks other users until it is done. Be aware that with large databases, the process might not complete in this mode. In that case, use the Parallel option.
Parallel The dimension change happens in multiple background sessions and the operation is split into multiple transactions. To use this option, turn on the Parallel Processing toggle. We recommended this option for large databases or companies with a lot of posted entries because it will complete in the shortest time. Note that in this mode, the update process won't start if there is more than one active database session.
In the Global Dimension 1 Code and/or Global Dimension 2 Code fields, enter the new dimension(s). The current dimensions are displayed in grey behind the fields.
Depending on the mode, do one of the following:
- In Sequential mode, choose the Start action.
- In Parallel mode, choose the Prepare action.
The Log Entries tab is filled with information about the dimensions to be changed.
Sign out of Business Central, then sign in again.
Choose the Start action to begin the parallel processing of the dimension changes.
Example of dimension setup
Let's say your company wants to track transactions based on organisational structure and geographic locations. To do that, you set up two dimensions on the Dimensions page:
- AREA
- DEPARTMENT
| Code | Name | Code Caption | Filter Caption |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREA | Area | Area Code | Area Filter |
| DEPARTMENT | Department | Department Code | Department Filter |
For AREA, add the following dimension values:
| Code | Name | Dimension Value Type |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Americas | Begin-Total |
| 20 | North America | Standard |
| 30 | Pacific | Standard |
| 40 | South America | Standard |
| 50 | Americas, Total | End-Total |
| 60 | Europe | Begin-Total |
| 70 | EU | Standard |
| 80 | Non-EU | Standard |
| 90 | Europe, Total | End-Total |
For the two main geographic areas, Americas and Europe, you add subcategories for regions by indenting the dimension values. This lets you report on sales or expenses in regions, and get totals for the larger geographic areas. You could also choose to use countries, regions, counties, or cities as your dimension values, depending on your business.
Note
To set up a hierarchy, the codes must be in alphabetical order. This includes the codes of the dimension values provided in Business Central.
For DEPARTMENT, add the following dimension values:
| Code | Name | Dimension Value Type |
|---|---|---|
| ADMIN | Administration | Standard |
| PROD | Production | Standard |
| SALES | Sales | Standard |
With this setup, you can add your two dimensions as the two global dimensions on the General Ledger Setup page. This means you can use AREA and DEPARTMENT as filters for general ledger entries, as well as on all reports. Both global dimensions are also automatically available for use on entry lines and document headers as shortcut dimensions.
Getting an overview of dimensions used multiple times
The Default Dimensions-Multiple page specifies how a group of accounts uses dimensions and dimension values. You can set this up by highlighting multiple accounts, then specifying default dimensions and dimension values for them. After that, the application suggests these dimensions and dimension values whenever one of these accounts is used, such as on a journal line. This makes entry posting easier for the user, as the dimension fields are filled in automatically. Also note, however, that the dimension values suggested can be changed on, for example, a journal line.
The Default Dimensions-Multiple page contains the following fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimension Code | Shows all dimensions defined as default dimensions on one or more highlighted accounts. By choosing this field, you can see a list of all available dimensions. If you select a dimension, that dimension is defined as a default dimension for all highlighted accounts. |
| Dimension Value Code | Shows either a single dimension value or the term (Conflict). If a dimension value is shown in the field, then all highlighted accounts have the same default dimension value for a dimension. If the term (Conflict) is shown in the field, then not all highlighted accounts have the same default dimension value for a dimension. Upon choosing the Dimension Code field, you'll see a list of all available dimension values for a dimension. If you select a dimension value, it will be defined as a default dimension value for all highlighted accounts. |
| Value Posting | Shows either a single value posting rule or the term (Conflict). If a value posting rule is shown in the field, then all highlighted accounts have the same value posting rule for a dimension value. If the term (Conflict) is shown in the field, then not all the highlighted accounts have the same value posting rule for a dimension value. Upon choosing the Value Posting field, you'll see a list of value posting rules for a dimension. If you select a value posting rule, it will be applied to all highlighted accounts. |
Use dimensions
In a document such as a sales order, you can add dimension information for both an individual document line and the document itself. So on the Sales Order page, you could enter dimension values for the first two shortcut dimensions on the individual sales lines, then add more dimension information if you choose the Dimensions button.
If you work in a journal instead, you can add dimension information to an entry in the same way, if you have set up shortcut dimensions as fields directly on journal lines.
You can also set up default dimensions for accounts or account types, so dimensions and dimension values are filled in automatically.
To view global dimensions in ledger entry pages
Global dimensions are always company-defined and company-named. To see the global dimensions for your company, open the General Ledger Setup page.
In a ledger entry page, you can see whether there are global dimensions for the entries. The two global dimensions differ from your other dimensions because you can use them as filters anywhere in Business Central.
- Choose the icon, enter Chart of Accounts, then choose the related link.
- On the Chart of Accounts page, choose the Ledger Entries action.
- To see only entries that are relevant, set one or more filters on the page.
- To see all the dimensions for an entry, select the entry, then choose the Dimensions action.
Note
The Ledger Entry Dimensions page displays the dimensions one ledger entry at a time. You'll see as you scroll through the ledger entries, the content on the Ledger Entry Dimensions page changes accordingly.
See also
Business Intelligence
Finance
Analyse Data by Dimensions
Work with Business Central
FAQs
How do dimensions work in business Central? ›
A Dimension is the term used in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to define an analysis category. Dimensions are used to group, or categorize, data for the purpose of analysis. Dimensions consist of Dimension Values. A Dimension Value is a “subcategory” or a “tag” attached to data to conduct meaningful analysis.
How many dimensions can you have in business Central? ›You can use only two global dimensions, so choose dimensions you will use often. Shortcut Dimensions are available as fields on journals, document lines, and ledger entries. You can create up to eight of these.
How do you use analysis views in Business Central? ›- Choose the. ...
- On the Analysis View List page, choose the New action.
- Fill in the fields as necessary. ...
- To add other dimension codes in addition to the four on the Dimensions FastTab, choose the Filter action, fill in the fields, and then choose the OK button.
- Enter General Ledger Setup in tell me, and then choose the related link.
- Choose Change Global Dimensions… on the General Ledger Setup page.
- In the Global Dimension 1 and Global Dimension 2 fields, enter a dimension code.
- Choose Sequential -> Start on the Change Global Dimensions page.
In a nutshell, a Dimension gives you all the same information as seen above (albeit with infinitely more possibilities) and at the same time allows you to create a more streamlined aerodynamic Chart of Accounts. Using Dimensions, your Chart of Accounts would now look like this: 45000 represents GL Account – Parts Sales.
What are Dimensions in Microsoft Dynamics? ›Dimensions are attributes and values that categorize entries so you can track and analyze them. For example, dimensions can indicate the project or department an entry came from. For example, instead of setting up separate general ledger accounts for each department and project, you can use dimensions.
What are analysis views? ›The Analysis view is used to set multiple dimensions to use with the Account Schedules. The global dimensions are available in the account schedule, so we can run our reports/income statement and we can also utilize the other dimensions.
What is general ledger setup in Business Central? ›The General Ledger Setup page is where you specify a default setting for the general ledger and other application areas. General ledger setup must be completed for each company that is set up in Business Central.
How do I delete a dimension in Business Central? ›- Dimension Manager has a batch navigate change. You need to go the General Ledger Entries. Then filter for the dimension you need, select them all, then use the app (Actions -> VLDM ->Batch Navigate ..). ...
- Above action may take long time.
- After doing this you should be able to delete the dimension.
Click Human Resources > Departments > Department hierarchy. Click Edit, and then select the organization that the department should be under. Click Insert, and select Department in the list.
What are the 4 dimensions during ERP implementation method? ›
There are four simple dimensions of scalability to be aware of: utilization, platform, user count, and functionality. Assessing software options with an eye on their merits in each of these four scalability dimensions is an easy way to tangibly improve your ERP decision.
What is dimensional accounting? ›Dimensional accounting means tagging each transaction with appropriate dimensions like Branch, Business Unit, etc. This allows you to maintain each segment separately, thereby limiting the overall maintenance on GL accounts and your Chart of Accounts remains pure.
What is a financial dimension? ›Financial dimensions are data classifiers that are used for financial reporting. Financial dimensions identify information such as the purpose, cost center, and department. Financial dimensions have changed considerably since Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009.
What is meant by dimension in business? ›A dimension represents business information that is needed and used by the enterprise to define the axes on which measures are analyzed in the context of an analytical requirement. Dimensions are the basis for defining enterprise dimensions in the data models.
How many Dimensions are there in NAV? ›Types of Dimensions in Dynamics NAV. There are two principle types of Dimensions in NAV: Shortcut and Global.
How do I set Dimensions in Navision? ›How to Create Dimensions and Dimension Values in Dynamics NAV
What is VLSI analysis? ›Electromigration (EM) analysis in VLSI design refers to optimizing IC interconnects to prevent electrochemical growth. The processes governing EM in a PCB is different from what occurs in an IC, and the solutions used in each domain are different. VLSI optimization requires balancing signal speed with current density.
What is VLSI analysis view? ›An analysis view is constructed from a delay corner and a constraint mode. • A delay corner tells the tool how the delays are supposed to be calculated. Therefore it contains timing libraries and extraction rules.
What is the difference between chart of accounts and general ledger? ›General Ledger Accounts (GLs) are account numbers used to categorize types of financial transactions. Most commonly used GLs are revenues, expenses and transfers. A “chart of accounts” is a complete listing of every account in an accounting system.
What is general ledger example? ›What is a general ledger with example? There are many examples of a general ledger as they record every financial transaction of a firm. Furniture account, salary account, debtor account, owner's equity, etc., are some examples.
What is general ledger structure? ›
General ledger (GL) accounts are twenty digit numbers, made up of three segments: a fund (2 digits), a major (9 digits), and a subclass (7 digits), and take the following form: XX _ XXXXXXXXX _ XXXXXXX.
How do I create a position hierarchy in d365? ›To create a Position hierarchy: Select an environment and go to Settings > Users + Permissions > Positions. For each position, provide the name of the position, the parent of the position, and the description. Add users to this position by using the lookup field called Users in this position.
How do I create an organization hierarchy in d365? ›Go to Navigation pane > Modules > Organization administration > Organizations > Organization hierarchies. On the Action pane, click New. In the Name field, type a value. In the Purpose section, click Assign purpose.
How do you write an analysis report? ›- Identify an issue or question. Before developing your analytical report, it's important to identify an issue or question. ...
- Gather relevant information. ...
- Choose a format. ...
- Add charts and other elements. ...
- Use design practices. ...
- Make recommendations.
- Set your goals. The first step in writing this document is to set your goals. ...
- Assess the Company's Mission. ...
- Stakeholder Analysis. ...
- Review Financial Performance. ...
- Examine the “Four P's” ...
- Evaluate the Company Structure. ...
- Formatting. ...
- The Process of Investigation.
- Decide how your sales report will look. ...
- Consider your audience. ...
- Include the appropriate information. ...
- Determine your current and previous periods. ...
- Compile your data. ...
- Present your information appropriately. ...
- Double-check your data and information. ...
- Explain your data.
A simple example of Data analysis is whenever we take any decision in our day-to-day life is by thinking about what happened last time or what will happen by choosing that particular decision. This is nothing but analyzing our past or future and making decisions based on it.
What is an example of analysis? ›The definition of analysis is the process of breaking down a something into its parts to learn what they do and how they relate to one another. Examining blood in a lab to discover all of its components is an example of analysis.
How do you start a data analysis? ›- Step One: Ask The Right Questions. So you're ready to get started. ...
- Step Two: Data Collection. This brings us to the next step: data collection. ...
- Step Three: Data Cleaning. ...
- Step Four: Analyzing The Data. ...
- Step Five: Interpreting The Results.
A good outline is: 1) overview of the problem, 2) your data and modeling approach, 3) the results of your data analysis (plots, numbers, etc), and 4) your substantive conclusions. Describe the problem. What substantive question are you trying to address? This needn't be long, but it should be clear.
What are the business analysis techniques? ›
The most common types of business analysis include BPM, SWOT, MOST, CATWOE, PESTLE, and Six Hats Thinking. These planning methods can be used in a variety of industries and projects. From streamlining your operations to aligning your company's purpose, these tactics can maintain your organization's long-term success.
What is business analytics in simple words? ›Specifically, business analytics refers to: Taking in and processing historical business data. Analyzing that data to identify trends, patterns, and root causes. Making data-driven business decisions based on those insights.
How do you analyze sales data in Excel? ›- Heat Mapping. When you've got a large table of numbers in front of you, it can be hard to focus on the figures that really matter. ...
- Pivot Tables. ...
- Weighted Averaging. ...
- Trend Spotting.
It should restate the purpose of the report, highlight the major points of the report, and describe any results, conclusions, or recommendations from the report. It should include enough information so the reader can understand what is discussed in the full report, without having to read it.
What is reporting and analysis? ›Reporting includes creating, configuring, consolidating, organizing, formatting and summarizing. Analysis is based on a “pull” methodology in which a data analyst uses information to further investigate and answer business questions. Results can take the form of ad hoc responses and analysis presentations.