An analysis cube is a set of related measures and dimensions that is used to analyze data. Developers can create reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) that are based on the analysis cube data. Users can use the reports and KPIs in the client or from a Role Center to analyze the data that is modeled in the analysis cube and to identify statuses and trends based on this analysis.
Overview
Item Description
Required Optional. You may or may not use this feature, depending on how you run your business. Feature areas affected Business intelligence
Role Centers
Stakeholders Business decision makers
Technical decision makers Implementation team members ISVs/developers
Partners
New functionality
In previous versions of Microsoft Dynamics AX, analysis cubes required the user to have full license keys and access to all data; otherwise, the configuration keys had to be modified through a lengthy and difficult process. In Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, analysis cube settings are easier to modify to suit business needs and security levels. It is easier to create or update SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) projects by using the Analysis Services Project Wizard. It is also easier to model data by using views in perspectives.
Special considerations
Default cubes are available in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012. You can customize the default cubes or create new custom analysis cubes by using the provided tools.
Comparison with Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009
This feature has changed considerably since Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009. Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 includes changes to the following:
Analysis Services Project Wizard
Setup Wizard
Workflow performance cube and reports
EMS cube and Role Center
Supply chain management cubes and dimensions
OLAP modeling improvements
Analysis Services Project Wizard What can you do? Microsoft
Dynamics AX 2009
Microsoft
Dynamics AX 2012
Why is this important?
Deploy and configure
cubes. Default analysis cubes required full license and configuration keys.
The SQL Server Analysis Services Project Wizard updates projects after configuration keys are modified.
Analysis cube deployment and Role Center implementation are flexible and simplified. Create or modify SQL
Server Analysis Services projects.
The Business intelligence project generation options form was used to create or modify SQL Server Analysis Services projects.
You can use the Analysis Services Project Wizard to do the following: Create a new SQL Server Analysis Services project. Deploy an existing SQL Server Analysis Services project. Update an existing SQL Server Analysis Services project. It is easier to maintain analysis cubes. Setup Wizard
What can you do? Microsoft
Dynamics AX 2009 Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Why is this important? Install business intelligence components.
Analytics were installed without prerequisite verifications.
Installation of
prerequisite software is verified, and the user is prompted to select default SQL Server Reporting Services and SQL Server Analysis Services.
The installation and configuration processes are simplified.
Workflow performance cube and reports What can you do? Microsoft
Dynamics AX 2009
Microsoft
Dynamics AX 2012
Why is this important?
Use the workflow cube to monitor business processes.
Not supported Data is provided to track the history and current status of business processes in the user’s organization.
Inefficiencies are identified, and the business can operate more smoothly. View workflow
performance analysis reports.
Not supported Reports on workflow performance are produced to determine efficiency, and an automated process is compared with the manual processes it replaced.
Workflows are modified, and performance is optimized.
Compare an automated workflow to manual processes.
Not supported The amount of work that was completed by the workflow and the time required for completion are displayed.
Workflow performance is optimized.
EMS cube and Role Center What can you do? Microsoft
Dynamics AX 2009 Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Why is this important?
Track the environmental impact of your
organization
Not available Provides data to help track energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Provides a proactive approach to environmental issues.
Supply chain management (SCM) cubes and dimensions What can you do? Microsoft
Dynamics AX 2009 Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Why is this important?
Slice on procurement
and sales categories. Not supported The sales and procurement category dimension slices measures in the purchasing and sales cubes. Category hierarchy levels adapt to the provided hierarchy data.
Products can be grouped in procurement and sales categories, which can be organized into hierarchies.
Slice on geographic
location. Geographic slicing on purchasing and sales cube measures could only be done through the customer or vendor dimension.
A new geographic dimension is available that directly slices on the actual address in the fact table.
Users can drill down in analysis cube measures, based on the address that is specific to the source document that the fact table is based on.
OLAP modeling improvements What can you do? Microsoft
Dynamics AX 2009
Microsoft
Dynamics AX 2012
Why is this important?
Define analysis cube measures and dimensions by using Microsoft Dynamics AX views.
Analysis cube measures and dimensions were defined by using only tables.
Analysis cube measures and dimensions are defined by using tables and views.
The modeling experience is richer.
Add financial
dimensions to cubes. A limited number of dimensions was available.
Users can add any number of financial dimensions to analysis cubes.
Analysis cubes are easier to customize.
Define Gregorian calendars, and add them to analysis cubes as dimensions.
SQL Server Business Intelligence
Development Studio was required to modify the time dimension and define the calendar properties.
The Calendar builder is used to define the calendar properties.
Modification of the time dimension and calendar properties is simplified.
Add organization units, such as operating units, profit centers, and departments, to analysis cubes.
Default cubes contained limited company dimensions.
Multiple company dimensions can be included.
Analysis cubes are easier to customize.
Use layer-based customization of analysis projects.
Not available Analysis projects are saved to the AOT, and layer-based
customizations can be imported or exported.
Customization is aligned with the entire Microsoft Dynamics AX
development experience.
Business Overview Web part What can you do? Microsoft
Dynamics AX 2009 Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Why is this important?
Use default cubes. ODC files were required to connect to default cubes.
ODC files are not required to connect to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 default cubes.
Default cubes are easier to use.
Slice key performance indicators (KPIs) by time.
Not available Displayed KPIs can be