Slices

A slice is a specific subset of cube data defined by a combination of dimension elements. Slices help the OLAP Manager identify and retrieve the most efficient portion of data for a query, improving performance when building views. Performance can be improved by balancing the number of records across slices. For example, if most slices have around 1,000 records but one slice has 500,000 records, it indicates a significant difference in dimensions and possibly missing slices.

To make a cube self-service ready, you must create slices that cover all possible dimension combinations. This ensures that when end-users build their views, the OLAP Manager selects the most efficient slice available.

Before creating slices, you must first create dimensions.

important

You must create a Master Slice that includes all dimensions in the cube. The OLAP Manager automatically marks the slice with the most dimensions as the Master.

You can refresh slice data at any time by clicking Refresh Screen Data in the Options panel.

Create a slice

Make the cube editable

1. In the Administration page, select OLAP Manager from the sidebar.
2. In the cube list, select the cube where you want to create slices.
3. Clear the In Production checkbox.
4. Click Save.

Add a slice

1. In the Options panel on the right, click the Navigation icon.
2. Select Slices.
3. In the Options panel, click the Add Slice icon.
4. Enter a description.
5. Drag dimensions from Dimensions Available to Dimensions Selected.
6. Click Save.

important

The order of dimensions in a slice determines the index creation order. Arrange dimensions logically to optimize performance.

Slice column

Column	Description
Slice	Name of the slice.
Master	Indicator showing the Master slice that contains all dimensions.
Records	Number of records in the slice.
Dimensions	Number of dimensions included in the slice.
Parent	Slice that contains all dimensions of the current slice. The Master slice does not have a parent.

Refresh data in a slice

The parent slice must be loaded before refreshing a child slice.

1. In the slice list, select the slice you want to refresh.
2. In the Options panel on the right, click the Actions icon.
3. Select Refresh Slice Data.
4. Select an environment.
5. Click Confirm.
6. In the confirmation dialog, select the confirmation option, and then click Yes. If the process takes too long or needs to be canceled, click Stop

Edit a slice

1. In the slice list, select the slice you want to edit.
2. In the Slice Properties dialog, make your changes.
3. Click Save.

Delete a slice

1. In the slice list, select the slice you want to delete.
2. In the Options panel on the right, click the Actions icon.
3. Select Delete Slice.
4. In the confirmation dialog, select the confirmation option, and then click Yes.