Calculation Groups in Tabular models are very versatile. They may for example be used to;
- avoid redundancy when creating time intelligence calculation items
- dynamic format strings
- currency conversions
- default values in filters based on UPN et cetera.
Calculation Group can be added to a deployed Tabular model (Endpoint) by executing xmla code, and run a Process Recalc command, from a PowerShell script. This can be done in TimeXtender with an External Executable that are run after processing the SSL in a Job.
This means that the calculation groups will be reapplied each time a tabular model is processed, it takes no time at all, so the impact on performance is negligible.
But there is a catch. A property in the tabular model - discourageImplicitMeasures - has to be set to true. Otherwise the calculation group can’t be created. We found now way to apply this in a script unless the entire model is replaced.
The elegant way to solve this would be a new property in the TimeXtender portal where the Tabular endpoint is created. A new check box:
Set Discourage Implicit Measures to True ⛝.
When checked the property should be applied when the tabular model is deployed.
I will not go into how to create calculation groups. There is already a lot published about it. For example, by Frank Wagner in TimeXtender Tuesday's episode 26.
But I promise to write a small article on how to create the necessary XMLA and PowerShell scripts, once the checkbox is in place in the portal 😉.
(This topic has been rewritten and moved from the Product Focus Group)
BR
Anders
