Dummy MicroStrategy Attribute With a Text or Number Value

MicroStrategy Constant Attribute

In this article, I will be providing detailed instructions on how to create dummy MicroStrategy attributes with either a fixed text or number value. In some of my past projects, I have used these attributes as placeholders in Report Services Documents to create spacing in grids, among other data visualization hacks where a fixed attribute value is required.

Once created, the attribute will return the assigned fixed value for every row of data as displayed in the grid report picture below (columns 3 and 4). To avoid any possibility of cross joins in the grid report SQL query, use a common dimension table (like a calendar dimension) as the lookup table for the dummy attribute.

MicroStrategy Web report with dummy placeholder attributes


To create an attribute in MicroStrategy with a fixed text value, follow the steps below:

1 – In MicroStrategy Developer, navigate to the folder where you wish to create the attribute, right-click in it and select New > Attribute.
2 – In the Form Expression window, select a Source table, in this case I am using the calendar dimension (LU_DAY) as the Source table.
3 – Copy and paste the pass-through expression code below into the Form expression and change N/A to your desired text value.

ApplySimple(" 'N/A' ",0)


4 – Select Manual as the Mapping method.
5 – Click the Validate button to make sure the expression is valid.
6 – Click OK, then set LU_DAY as the Lookup table.
7 – Save the Attribute.
8 – Update Schema.

Dummy MicroStrategy attribute with a fixed text value


To create an attribute in MicroStrategy with a fixed number value, follow the steps below:

1 – In MicroStrategy Developer, navigate to the folder where you wish to create the attribute, right-click in it and select New > Attribute.
2 – In the Form Expression window, select a Source table, in this case I am using the calendar dimension (LU_DAY) as the Source table.
3 – Enter the desired number value in the Form expression: 12345.
4 – Select Manual as the Mapping method.
5 – Click the Validate button to make sure the expression is valid.
6 – Click OK, then set LU_DAY as the Lookup table.
7 – Save the Attribute.
8 – Update Schema.

Dummy MicroStrategy attribute with a fixed number value


Helpful Links: Creating Attributes and MicroStrategy Project Design Guide