Ax2009 Enus Finii 08

Chapter 8: Dimensions Hierarchy
CHAPTER 8: DIMENSIONS HIERARCHY

Objectives
The objectives are
Explain the overall concept of dimension sets, hierarchies, and rules
Create a dimension set
Create a dimension subset
Create a dimension set hierarchy
Create a dimension set rule
Introduction
You must analyze financial figures through different financial dimensions as a
supplement to voucher and account numbers. However, it can be difficult to
control the assignment of financial dimension values. Sometimes dimension
values are assigned to the wrong financial transactions, making reports and
statistics incorrect.
The implementation of dimension sets with hierarchies allows you to control the
values entered in the system, therefore ensuring more reliable data.
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8-1
Financials II in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009
Dimensions Sets, Hierarchies, and Rules

A dimension set:
Consists of one or more dimension types tied together by value.
Reflects business requirements.
Use the dimension sets, hierarchies, and rules features to:
Control and validate dimensions assigned to financial transactions.
Enable data integrity and relevancy by:

o
o
o
Preventing irrelevant dimension values in context.

Preventing unauthorized value combinations.
Helping user's entry.
Restrict dimension values on:

o
o
Entry on tables and journals.

Posting on ledger accounts.
Scenario
Ken, the Controller at Contoso, analyzes financial figures through financial
dimensions as a supplement to voucher and account numbers. However, in the
past:
It was difficult to control the entry of financial dimension values.
Dimension values were assigned incorrectly to financial transactions.
Reports and statistics were incorrect.
In the future, Ken wants to ensure that correct dimension values are assigned to
financial transactions to make reports and statistics reliable. Therefore, Ken
decides to implement the new dimension sets, hierarchies, and rules features.
The new dimension sets, hierarchies, and rules feature controls and validates
dimension values at entry time in the user's context. For example, when you set
up new vendors, you are guided to enter specific dimension values.
Overview
In Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, financial dimensions are controlled by:
8-2
Dimension sets
Dimension set hierarchy
Dimension set rules


The dimension sets, hierarchy, and rules figure shows the procedure for how to
create dimension set rules and control the dimension value entry.
FIGURE 8.1 DIMENSION SETS, HIERARCHY, AND RULES
To guide and control the user upon entry on financial dimensions on transactions,
you must:
Create dimension sets.
Set up dimension hierarchies.
Apply the rules for which dimension values to use on ledger

accounts, tables, or objects.
Dimension sets, hierarchies, and rules help avoid incorrect financial dimensions
assigned to transactions.
Dimension Sets
Use dimension sets to:
Combine one or more dimension types.
Tie dimensions together by value.

For example, a dimension set can associate department and cost
center dimensions. When the order processor creates vendor
invoices, it is only possible to select department and cost center
dimensions and not the purpose dimension.

8-3

Procedure: Create a Dimension Set
The Dimension Set form is divided into two areas:
Dimension set
Dimension set hierarchy
FIGURE 8.2 DIMENSION SETS FORM
Follow these steps to create a dimension set.

1. Click General ledger, click Setup, click Dimensions, and then click
Dimension sets.
2. In the Dimension set area on the Overview tab, press CTRL+N to
create a new record.
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3. Enter the name of the set in the Set field.
4. Enter a description of the set in the Description field.
Procedure: Define Dimension Composition

Follow these steps to define the composition of the dimension set.
1. From the Dimension sets form, click the Dimension tab to define
the composition of the set.
2. Select a dimension from the Available dimensions pane, which lists
all the dimensions available for the set and then drag the dimension
to the Selected dimensions area. Repeat this process until all the
desired dimensions are selected.
FIGURE 8.3 DIMENSION SETS FORM, DIMENSION TAB

8-5

Dimension Composition
In the Selected dimensions area, the dimensions are listed according to priority.
For example, if dimension type Department is the first dimension and Cost
center is the second, Cost center depends on Department.
The dimension relationship figure shows the dependency between the three
dimension types of department, cost center, and purpose.
FIGURE 8.4 DIMENSION RELATIONSHIP
The Dimension relationship figure shows that the cost center dimension depends
on the department dimension, and the purpose dimension depends on the cost
center dimension.
If a dimension is already used in a set, this dimension is not listed in the
Available Dimension area. You can use a dimension only once unless it is a
subset of a set.
Test Your Knowledge

1. What does a dimension set consist of?
8-6

Dimension Subsets
You can assign a dimension type to only one set, unless the set is a subset.
A subset is:
A set which contains a dimension type that is already a component of

another dimension set.
Dependent of the parent set.
The Dimension set and subset figure shows how the cost center dimension is
shared between Set 1 and Subset 1.
FIGURE 8.5 DIMENSION SET AND SUBSET
You cannot delete a dimension set that is used in a hierarchy or is the parent set
of one or more subsets. Either change the parent of the subsets or delete the
subsets before you delete the parent set.
Subsets make it possible to share dimensions between several sets. It is, for
example, useful to inquire on revenues based on cost centers and purposes and to
report on balances by department and cost center.
Dimension sets reflect business requirements. For example, certain dimensions
may be used to trace cost centers.
NOTE: There are no restrictions to the number of dimensions in a set. However,
the more dimension types, the more performance is impacted.

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Procedure: Create a Dimension Subset
Follow these steps to create a subset of a set.
Dimension sets.
2. In the Dimension set area on the Overview tab, press CTRL+N to
create a new record.
3. Enter the name of the set in the Set field.
4. Enter a description of the set in the Description field.
5. Click the Dimension tab.
6. Drag a dimension from the Available dimensions pane to the
Selected dimensions pane.
7. Click the Parent tab, and then select the parent set.
8. In the Shared dimension pane, select the dimension of the parent set
that rules the subset.
When you save, the Subset check box is selected automatically on
the Overview tab.
Test Your Knowledge

1. What is a dimension subset?
2. What is the benefit of a subset?
8-8

Dimension Set Hierarchy

Use dimension set hierarchies to:
Define a list of dimension value combinations for a set's dimensions.
If a set consists of department and cost center dimensions, the dimensions

hierarchy lists all the dimension values that belong to those departments and cost
centers.
The Dimension hierarchy figure shows the relationship between department and
cost center dimension types and the value combination.
FIGURE 8.6 DIMENSIONS HIERARCHY

8-9

In the Dimension hierarchy figure, Hierarchy 1 is composed of two dimension
types:
Cost center
Department
Department Admin authorizes cost center 1 and cost center 4. The order
processor automatically is guided to select cost center 1 or cost center 4 when,
for example, making a journal entry with an Admin Department dimension.
Procedure: Create a Dimension Set Hierarchy

Follow these steps to create a dimension set hierarchy.
Dimension sets.
2. Press CTRL+N to create a new record in the Dimension set
hierarchy area.
3. Enter the name of the hierarchy in the Hierarchy field.
4. Enter a description of the hierarchy in the Description field.
Procedure: Create a Dimension Set Hierarchy - Structure

Designer
Use the Structure designer form to select those dimension values that are
enabled for the set. The result is a table that contains all the authorized dimension
values of a set. You can display the dimension value combinations either in a
grid form or as a tree structure.
Follow these steps to use the Structure designer form to define the dimension
values enabled for the set.
1. From the Dimensions sets form, click the Structure Designer
button to set up the dimension set hierarchy.
2. Click the Tree control check box to enable the tree structure.
3. Select the authorized dimension values in the right side of the
Structure Designer form.
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4. Drag the dimensions from the Dimensions tab and drop the
dimensions in the tree structure area.
If the dimension set is composed of several dimension types, change
the dimension by selecting a new dimension in the Dimension list.
Repeat dragging dimension values to the tree structure until you have
designed the correct tree structure.
You also can create a structure type element, which makes it possible
to reuse parts of other dimension hierarchies.
FIGURE 8.7 STRUCTURE DESIGNER FORM
Procedure: Create a Dimension Set Hierarchy - Structure

Type
Follow these steps to create a structure type.
1. In the Structure designer form, click Create on the left side of the
form.
2. On the right side on the General tab, click Structure in the Type
list.
NOTE: It is only possible to create Element and Structure types in the
dimensions hierarchy. Other elements such as Group, Calculation are used in
the Financial statement.

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3. Enter a name in the Row name field. The name appears in the tree
structure.
4. Enter a name in the Print name field. The print name appears on
dimension hierarchy print outs.
5. Click the Setup tab.
6. Click a hierarchy in the Row definition list.
7. In the Branch list, click a certain branch of the dimension hierarchy.
HINT: Build expressions to mass generate authorized value combinations. Select
a dimension type in the tree presentation and then click Create to create a new
element. In the Value list on the Setup tab, write an expression such as p*. p*
means all departments starting with a 'p' are listed in the tree structure. View the
field help to obtain more information about what expressions to use. Other
examples of jokers are !,*,..,;.
Procedure: Create a Dimension Set Hierarchy - Simulate

and Update
Follow these steps to simulate and update.
1. Select the Check check box and then select the Simulate check box
to avoid duplicates and errors.
HINT: Use the Simulate check box to create all dimension value combinations
that belong to a set. Click Simulation to view all the value combinations for a
set.
2. If no errors exist, the Update button is enabled automatically. Click
the Update button to create the list of value combinations. The list is
used upon entry to ensure that the user enters the correct values.
3. Close the Structure Designer form after the dimension hierarchy
updates.
NOTE: In the Dimension set form, notice that the Updated check box is selected,
and select the Approved check box in the Dimension set hierarchy area, to
enable the dimension set hierarchy for use in the dimension set rules.
NOTE: You can attach several dimension hierarchies to a set.
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Test Your Knowledge
1. What are dimension set hierarchies used for?
Dimension Set Rules

Use dimension set rules to set up rules for which dimension values can be
assigned to:
Objects
Tables
Ledger accounts
You can apply dimension set rules, for example, to:
Journals
Customers/vendors
Ledger accounts
Overview
The rules are the connection between dimension set hierarchies and application
objects such as:
Tables
Journals
Ledger accounts

8-13

NOTE: The original dimension management solution enables setup of
mandatory dimensions on the Chart of Accounts in General Ledger. This feature
is kept to prevent loss of functionality. But it also integrates with the new
solution. This means the fields that have dimensions and their fixed values in the
Chart of Accounts can be controlled by the setup of dimension set rules.
Until you set up a rule for a ledger account and activate the dimensions sets in
the General Ledger Parameters, the already existing validation rules in the
Chart of Accounts remain in effect.
You can set up rules to control:
Tables
Journals
Ledger accounts
If a set expresses no rules, the system applies no control other than guiding the
overall authorized combination values on the set.
Procedure: Create a Dimension Set Rule

Ken, the Controller at Contoso, defines the dimension set rules to restrict
authorized value combinations. The purpose of dimension set rules is to enable
dimension value combinations to the relevant accounts, journals, or tables.
By applying dimension set rules on vendors, it is, for example, possible to control
that only specific cost centers are enabled when you create vendor transactions.
HINT: Instead of manually creating the dimension set rules, use the Wizard to
help create the rules for the dimension set.
Follow these steps to create dimension set rules.
Dimension set rules.
2. In the Dimension set rules collection area, press CTRL+N to create
a new dimension set rule.
3. Enter the code for the rule in the Code box.
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4. Enter a description of the rule in the Description box.
5. If necessary, select a Prefix to point to a specific branch of a
hierarchy. The purpose is to narrow dimension set rules to apply to a
specific part of a dimension set hierarchy instead of having rules on
too large of a hierarchy.
FIGURE 8.8 DIMENSION SET RULES FORM
Procedure: Create a Dimension Set Rule - Detailed Rules

Follow these steps to define detailed rules for the dimension set rule.
1. From the Dimension set rules form in the Detailed rules area, press
CTRL+N to create a new record.
2. In the Object type list, select objects, such as accounts, journals, or
tables.
3. In the Identification list, select a specific kind of account, journal, or
table. If, for example, journals are selected as an Object type, you
can select specific journal names from the Identification list.
NOTE: You can modify the list of identifiers through coding to adjust it to
specific customer needs.
HINT: To use dimension set rules, dimension set hierarchies must be activated
in the General ledger parameters form, as described in the Dimension Set
Hierarchy lesson.

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NOTE: Dimension sets, hierarchy, and set rules require an Advanced Ledger
license.
Procedure: Set General Ledger Parameters

Follow these steps to configure the General ledger parameters that the dimension
hierarchy features.
1. Click General ledger, click Setup, and then click Parameters.
2. In the Activate sets list in the Dimensions area, select one of the
following to activate dimension sets, hierarchy, and rules:
At posting - dimension values are controlled against ledger
account rules at posting.
At posting and update - dimension values are controlled upon

record updates in addition to being controlled upon account
posting.
3. Click the Number sequences tab.

4. Set up number sequences for the dimension hierarchy in the
Dimension priority ID.
NOTE: All dimensions activated in a company are a component of at least one
set because dimension value entry performs on sets and not on dimensions.
Test Your Knowledge

1. What can dimension set rules control? (Select all that apply)
( ) Tables
( ) Journals
( ) Ledger accounts
( ) Customers
8-16

Lab 8.1 - Dimensions, Sets, Hierarchies, and Rules

Scenario
Contoso has problems with incorrect data caused by inaccurate entry of
dimension values. Ken, the Controller, wants to ensure that the assigned
dimension values are correct when April, the Accounts Payable Administrator,
creates vendor journals. To do this, Ken decides to implement the dimension set,
hierarchy, and rules feature to control the entry of dimension values. The valid
dimension hierarchy should be department 020 - Finance, followed by cost center
0701 - Purchasing. After Ken creates the new dimension set, he creates a new
vendor to test that the dimensions are limited to those designated on the
dimension rule.
Field
Value
Hierarchy
NewHier
Description
New Hierarchy
(Dimension set rules collection) Code
New Hier
Description
New Hierarchy
Vendor Name
New Vendor
Challenge Yourself!
Help Ken create the new dimension set and vendor to test it.
Need a Little Help?

1. Set the General Ledger parameter to activate sets.
2. Create a new hierarchy. Associate Department 020, followed by cost
center 0701, to the new hierarchy. Check, simulate, update, and
approve the hierarchy.
3. Create the dimension set rule.
4. Create a new vendor and test the new dimension set rule.
Step by Step
Follow these steps to set the General Ledger parameter to activate sets.
1. Click General ledger, click Setup, and then click Parameters.
2. Click the Activate sets arrow, and then click At update and
posting.
3. Close the form.

8-17

Follow these steps to create a new Department. associate Department 020,
followed by Cost Center 0701, to the new hierarchy. Check, simulate, update,
and approve the hierarchy.
Dimension sets.
2. Click the DEPT+CC dimension set.
3. Click in the Dimension set hierarchy lines, and then click
CTRL+N.
4. In the Hierarchy field, type NewHier.
5. In the Description field, type New Hierarchy.
6. Click the Structure designer button.
7. In the right pane, drag 020 - Finance to the left pane under Company.
8. In the right pane, click the Dimension arrow, and then click Cost
center.
9. In the right pane, click and drag 0701 - Purchasing to the left-hand
pane under 020 - Finance.
10. Select the Check and Simulate check boxes.
11. Click Update.
12. The Updated check box is selected.
13. Close the form.
14. In the Dimension set hierarchy area, select the Approved check
box for the NewHier line.
15. Close the form.
Follow these steps to create the dimension set rule.
Dimension set rules.
2. Click DEPT+CC, and then click in the Dimension set rules
collection area.
3. Click CTRL+N to enter a new line.
4. In the Code field, type NewHier.
5. In the Description field, type New Hierarchy.
6. Click the Hierarchy arrow, and then select NewHier.
7. Click in the Detailed rules lines area.
8. Click CTRL+N to enter a new line.
9. Click the Object type arrow, and then click Table collection.
10. Click the Identification arrow, and then click Vendor.
11. Close the form.
8-18


Follow these steps to create a new vendor and test the new dimension set rule.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Click Accounts payable, and then click Vendor Details.

Press CTRL+N to create a new vendor.
In the Vendor account field, type New Vendor.
Click the Dimension tab.
Click the Department arrow, and notice that only 020 - Finance is
available.
6. Click the Cost center arrow, and notice that only 0701 - Purchasing
is available.

8-19
Summary
The Financial Dimension Hierarchy includes the following:
8-20
An advanced control feature to enable the driving of contextual value

restrictions on financial dimensions.
The ability for financial controllers to specifically restrict authorized

values or value combinations at the entry point on selected table
collections or journal names, or upon posting to selected ledger
accounts.
Dimension sets that combine dimension types, which you can build
to drive and control the dimension value dependencies.
Increased data reliability regarding financial dimensions across the

company and according to specific corporate needs or policies.

Test Your Knowledge

Test your knowledge with the following questions.
1. Categorize the following items:
_____ 1. What is a set which contains a
dimension type that is already a component of
another dimension set?
_____ 2. What is used to define a list of
dimension value combinations for a set's
dimensions?
_____ 3. What is one or more dimension types
that are tied together by value?
a. Dimension set
b. Dimension set
hierarchy
c. Dimension subset
2. What is the advantage of dimension sets, hierarchies, and rules?
3. In Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, what controls financial dimensions?

8-21
Quick Interaction: Lessons Learned

Take a moment and write down three key points you have learned from this
chapter
1.
2.
3.
8-22

Solutions
Dimension Sets
1. What does a dimension set consist of?
MODEL ANSWER:
A dimension set consists of one or more dimension types that are tied
together by value.
Dimension Subsets
1. What is a dimension subset?
MODEL ANSWER:
A set which contains a dimension type that is already a component of another
dimension set. Subsets depend on the parent set.
2. What is the benefit of a subset?
MODEL ANSWER:
Subsets make it possible to share dimensions between several sets.
Dimension Set Hierarchy

1. What are dimension set hierarchies used for?
MODEL ANSWER:
Dimension set hierarchies define a list of dimension value combinations for a
sets dimensions.
Dimension Set Rules

1. What can dimension set rules control? (Select all that apply)
() Tables
() Journals
() Ledger accounts
( ) Customers

8-23

Test Your Knowledge
1. Categorize the following items:
c 1. What is a set which contains a dimension
type that is already a component of another
dimension set?
b 2. What is used to define a list of dimension
value combinations for a set's dimensions?
a 3. What is one or more dimension types that
are tied together by value?
a. Dimension set
b. Dimension set
hierarchy
c. Dimension subset
2. What is the advantage of dimension sets, hierarchies, and rules?

MODEL ANSWER:
They make it possible to control the values entered in the system, ensuring
more reliable data. They help avoid the assignment of incorrect financial
dimensions to transactions.
3. In Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, what controls financial dimensions?
MODEL ANSWER:
Dimension sets, dimension set hierarchies, and dimension set rules.
8-24


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Chapter 8: Dimensions Hierarchy

CHAPTER 8: DIMENSIONS HIERARCHY

Explain the overall concept of dimension sets, hierarchies, and rules

Create a dimension set

Create a dimension subset

Create a dimension set hierarchy

Create a dimension set rule

Microsoft Official Training Materials for Microsoft Dynamics

Financials II in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

Dimensions Sets, Hierarchies, and Rules

Consists of one or more dimension types tied together by value.

Reflects business requirements.

Use the dimension sets, hierarchies, and rules features to:

Control and validate dimensions assigned to financial transactions.

Enable data integrity and relevancy by:

Preventing irrelevant dimension values in context.

Restrict dimension values on:

Entry on tables and journals.

It was difficult to control the entry of financial dimension values.

Dimension values were assigned incorrectly to financial transactions.

Reports and statistics were incorrect.

Dimension set hierarchy

Dimension set rules

Microsoft Official Training Materials for Microsoft Dynamics

Chapter 8: Dimensions Hierarchy

FIGURE 8.1 DIMENSION SETS, HIERARCHY, AND RULES

Create dimension sets.

Set up dimension hierarchies.

Apply the rules for which dimension values to use on ledger

Combine one or more dimension types.

Tie dimensions together by value.

Microsoft Official Training Materials for Microsoft Dynamics

Financials II in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

Dimension set hierarchy

FIGURE 8.2 DIMENSION SETS FORM

Follow these steps to create a dimension set.

Microsoft Official Training Materials for Microsoft Dynamics

Chapter 8: Dimensions Hierarchy

Procedure: Define Dimension Composition

FIGURE 8.3 DIMENSION SETS FORM, DIMENSION TAB

Microsoft Official Training Materials for Microsoft Dynamics

Financials II in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

FIGURE 8.4 DIMENSION RELATIONSHIP

Test Your Knowledge

Microsoft Official Training Materials for Microsoft Dynamics

Chapter 8: Dimensions Hierarchy

A set which contains a dimension type that is already a component of

Dependent of the parent set.

FIGURE 8.5 DIMENSION SET AND SUBSET

Microsoft Official Training Materials for Microsoft Dynamics

Financials II in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

Test Your Knowledge

2. What is the benefit of a subset?

Microsoft Official Training Materials for Microsoft Dynamics

Chapter 8: Dimensions Hierarchy

Dimension Set Hierarchy

Define a list of dimension value combinations for a set's dimensions.

If a set consists of department and cost center dimensions, the dimensions

FIGURE 8.6 DIMENSIONS HIERARCHY

Microsoft Official Training Materials for Microsoft Dynamics

Financials II in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009

Procedure: Create a Dimension Set Hierarchy

Procedure: Create a Dimension Set Hierarchy - Structure

Microsoft Official Training Materials for Microsoft Dynamics