Attribute Member Values in Analysis Services

In this article, we will examine the “sister” attribute member Value property, which we introduced along with attribute member Name in Dimensional Attributes: Introduction and Overview Part V. Similar to our examination of attribute member Name, we will examine the details of Value. Our focus will also similarly be upon its appropriate use in providing support for the selection and delivery of enterprise data in a more focused and consumer-friendly manner, without the unwanted effects of system performance degradation, and other unexpected or undesirable results, that can accompany the uninformed use of the property.

Our examination will include:

• A review of the nature of the attribute member Value property, and its possible roles in helping to meet the primary objectives of business intelligence.
• A review of the nature and uses of the attribute member Value from a technical perspective, including its purpose within its containing dimension within Analysis Services.
• A discussion surrounding some of the differences between attribute Value and Key properties.
• A review of the settings associated with the Value property, based upon the examination of a representative dimension attribute within our sample UDM.