Summary calculations in facts

[wyconian]

Hi all

I've just joined a new project and have been looking at the framework.  My colleagues have set up some (not all) of the facts to use summary calculations e.g. total(net_sales) as opposed to just net sales. 

That strikes me as an odd thing to do in the framework as we're using auto aggregation.  Also it seems to be screwing up some functions (ranking, conditional rendering etc etc) when we use the measures in a report not to mention mixing the granularity in the fact.

Do you think I've got this right and we should make the effort to change the framework or do you think this is OK?

[almeids]

I'm no FM expert by any means but that strikes me as odd too.

[blom0344]

Definitely not okay! Hardcoding aggregates is not the way to go. For one thing , this makes it literally impossible to judge the aggregate behavior from the reporting tools and makes it impossible as well to change this on the fly when needed.

[wyconian]

Thanks that's exactly what I thought.  The only question now is how do I tell them they should redesign, at least part of, the framework and rework the reports? Big breathe ...

[blom0344]

Big chance that your colleagues were used to , say , designing BO universes. (Well, I was)
Took me some time to readjust and not define the facts with hardcoded aggregates..
Good luck..

[almeids]

Try diplomacy.  Don't start your request with "Hey dummies...".

[wyconian]

Well that's my normal approach gone then.

[almeids]

While I think the expression overused, LOL works here.   :D