Let's Talk Dimensions & Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central | Part II
Updated: Jul 29, 2021
In this post we are going to talk a little bit more in depth about Dimensions and Dimension Values and how to create them in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Let's begin by talking about how to create a Dimension and its Dimension Values. The first thing you need to do is do a global search for Dimensions. From the Dimensions screen you can either select new or begin entering the code of your Dimension. For this example, I'll add the Dimension Code as Test, the Name as Testing Analysis and keep the auto populated fields for Code Caption and Filter Caption.
Next, I highlight the field and click Dimension Values. From this screen I can add them either by selecting new or just typing the Code. For the Code I will use Test - 1, for the Name I will use Tested Companies and for the Dimension Value Type I will select Standard.
And there you have it. We just created a Shortcut Dimension and its Dimension Values (subcategories).
Dimension Categories
Let's talk a little bit more about a Dimension's Categories. In Business Central there are 6 available options for Dimension's Categories and they are Code, Name, Code Option, Filter Option, Description and Blocked. Do not get Dimension's Categories confused with Dimension Values Categories.
Code is the short name of a Dimension.
Name is just that, the name of the Dimension.
The Code Caption category is interesting because this is the way the dimension will appear on your reports.
The Description field can be of use if you're using several similar dimensions and need to distinguish between them.
The Blocked category is useful because once you create a dimension and use it that dimension cannot be deleted. Therefore, in order to stop others from using that dimension in the future it is necessary to block it.
Dimension Values also contain Categories and they are very similar to Dimension's Categories. Dimension Value Categories contain Code, Name, Dimension Value Type, Totaling, and Blocked.
Code: A fair amount of Microsoft Partners and people will tell you that you should only use numbers as the code because it supposedly makes it easier to total when needed. However, I disagree with that. I think that using words or letters can make it just as easy for a person. What it ultimately comes down to is what your preference is and what works best for you.
Name: Just as with Dimension's Categories this is how you want to name your Dimension Value and These Dimension Value Names correspond to the Dimension's Name. Also, this is how you will see your dimensions on your report.
Dimension Value Type: A very important field.
Standard is the value you will see on your report. For example, you will see a line in your report and then you will see how much revenue is coming from Americas.
Heading: Let's say your company is using a complicated setup--Heading will come in handy for organizational purposes.
Total: This is used when you want to sum up dimension values that are not directly following one another.
Begin Total: Is the beginning of what you want to total.
End Total: Is the ending of what you want to total.
