Model Sparsity - Combination of Dimensions

SHayes

I have a question about reducing sparsity in a model by using numbered lists to combine a series of dimensions.

I am using ledger data that has information by supplier and by department over time. If I create a module that is dimensioned by these I end up with a huge amount of sparsity as most suppliers are just used by 1 department (although some could be used by more than one). I would like to be able to create a module that each department could look at only their suppliers, reducing sparsity and also improving user experiences, whilst being able to deal with some suppliers being used across different departments.

How can I use the existing ledger data to create a space efficient list which can show the supplier costs by department over time?

Dikshant

@SHayes

This totally depends on your datasets. As you mention, most suppliers are just used by 1 department, so to keep it simpler you can create a subset of department and load your data. But yes to deal with sparsity you can create the combination list. Here is an example:

Code: Supplier Code + Department (this can change based on your requirements)

Dikshant

@SHayes Refer these two articles which has detailed explanation of sparsity and it's all possible solutions.

https://community.anaplan.com/discussion/44493/the-truth-about-sparsity-part-1

https://community.anaplan.com/discussion/44736/the-truth-about-sparsity-part-2

SHayes

thank you!