Question

MDX - Running Totals and Percent of column calulations

Asked by: WaterAid

Hi there

I'm looking to create a report that will replicate the following Excel example in our third-party OLAP application.  I'm struggling to work out the syntax that will enable me to deliver that final column however - Retention Percentage.  

Currently I have:

( ( [Measures].[Running Total],[Number of Installments made].Parent) - ( [Measures].[Running Total] ) ) / ( [Measures].[Running Total],[Number of Installments made].Parent)

But how do I reference the previous cell?  And for that top-most cell, which has no ancestor?

Essentially, I want to replicate this:

=C9/C9
=($C$9-C4)/$C$9
=($C$9-C5)/$C$9
=($C$9-C6)/$C$9
=($C$9-C7)/$C$9
=($C$9-C8)/$C$9

With thanks.

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Asked On
2009-09-28 at 09:30:54ID24767372
Tags

SQL

,

MDX

,

Syntax

,

Cube

,

Calculated Member

Topics

OLAP

,

MS SQL Server

,

Databases Miscellaneous

Participating Experts
2
Points
0
Comments
6

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Answers

 

by: srnarPosted on 2009-09-29 at 07:43:37ID: 25449573

This task best fits some end user reporting application. What are your options - can you use Reporting services? If no what is the dimension name you are using on rows axis?

 

by: WaterAidPosted on 2009-09-29 at 08:23:37ID: 25450085

Hi there...

We're using an application that runs reports off a SQL 2000 cube.  The MDX-driven pivot table is the only option for the time being.  

The dimension name we're using on rows is the Number of Installments made - sorry, that isn't so clear on the Excel screenshot.  Basically, the table looks at the number of payments that have been made on each mandate.  We want to look at how many mandates make it to 1, 2, 3, 4 payments and so on - mandate retention rates.  I've created the calculated members that contain the Running total syntax, but getting that final column together is where I'm struggling.

Thanks.

 

by: HwkrangerPosted on 2009-09-29 at 14:06:36ID: 25453466

Look at:

ParallelPeriod, Cousin, and Lag.

I believe you can use ParallelPeriod on other things other than date, atleast BOL claims that you can.

 

 

by: WaterAidPosted on 2009-10-01 at 02:13:35ID: 25466987

Hi...  Do you know how these are used syntactically?  I have to admit my understanding of these more advanced functions is pretty limited.  

I'd noted cousin, lag and ancestor as possible areas for exploration, but parallel period?

 

by: srnarPosted on 2009-10-01 at 06:05:02ID: 25468189

ParallelPeriod can give you measurement e.g. year ago. IMHO it is not usable for your issue. The family functions (lag, cousin...) on the " Number of Installments" dimension are good tips.

 

by: WaterAidPosted on 2009-10-01 at 07:32:21ID: 25469057

Hi guys...

Thanks for your thoughts - I've worked this out thourgh a bit of trial and error.  Can I award myself some points too?!

Regards.


( ( [Measures].[Running Total],[Number of Installments made].Parent) - ( [Measures].[Running Total],[Number of Installments made].currentmember.lag(1)) ) / ( [Measures].[Running Total],[Number of Installments made].Parent)

                                              
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