Mastering OLAP Reports: Parameterizing Number of 'Look Back' Periods with the MDX LastPeriods() Function, Part I

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In this article, we will get hands-on exposure to parameterizing an MDX function, LastPeriods(), within a preexisting sample OLAP report. Beginning with the general concepts, we will continue into a practice session where we set up a scenario, within which we work with a basic OLAP report, to expose the steps involved. In examining the rudiments of specific function parameterization within an OLAP report containing a matrix data region, we will:

• Open the sample Report Server project, AdventureWorks Sample Reports, and ascertain connectivity of its shared Analysis Services data source;
• Create a clone of an existing sample report, containing a matrix data region, with which to perform our practice exercise;
• Make structural modifications to the clone report, to prepare for our practice exercise session with parameters within a matrix data region;
• Perform a brief overview of the MDX LastPeriods() function, which we will use to support the stated reporting needs of a hypothetical client;
• Discuss the parameterization of MDX functions in general, and the LastPeriods() function specifically;
• Add the required query parameters to support date and function parameterization;
• Ensure the adequacy of automatically created datasets to support report parameters and meet business requirements (in Part II of this article);
• Add syntax to the TimeMonth dataset query to enforce cascading (in Part II of this article);
• Leverage the MDX LastPeriods() function, containing the month parameter placeholder(in Part II of this article);
• Discuss the interaction of the various components in supporting the runtime parameters that the end consumer sees (throughout Part I and Part II of this article);
• Discuss the results obtained with the development techniques that we exploit (throughout Part I and Part II of this article).