Multidimensional analysis uses OLAP (OnLine Analytical Processing) to organize numeric data in a clear and easy to understand format. Multidimensional reports empower decision makers by providing a more complete picture of the data and the transactions that are taking place within the company.

The images below demonstrate how a report can become exponentially more valuable by adding meaningful dimensions. For this example we’ll use the annual entertainment revenue for ticket sales at a local venue:

Traditional Reporting: A single dimension

This type of report gives us basic data for quarterly sales of show tickets.

This one-dimensional report provides insight into the audiences and how much revenue each segment generates.

This reports segments the shows into show types, which provides a bit more insight into which shows are bringing in the highest revenue.

While all three of these reports do have some value, they only provide the information in small portions. This is not the ideal presentation of data that will be analyzed to make marketing decisions. A better option is to use two dimensional reports:

Hybrid Reporting: Two dimensions

When we combine the data from tables one, two, and three we create a sort of hybrid table that can provide a more complete picture of the data.

The 3-D View: Multiple dimensions

This report highlights the capabilities of multidimensional analysis. It presents multipledimensions of data in a clean and easy to read format. An analysis can easily be made to determine which show types and which audiences provide the most revenue in each quarter.

When reports are designed with OLAP using multidimensional techniques your analysts become empowered and their understanding of your company data will present more of a 360 view of activities within your organization.