Lists: Does the list use Properties?
This is a problem when the properties don't meet the following use case needs:
- Display Name for numbered lists
- Creating actions using numbered lists
- Export labels
- Facilitating navigation to different dashboards (classic dashboards)
- Creating driver and dependent lists
Why is this a problem?
List properties are the same as line items but have many limitations. List properties add to the overall size of the list upon load. It is easier to write formulas in modules using line items than it is to write formulas using list properties. There isn't an easy way to control the summary of properties. It is best to keep it simple. When possible, include these as line items rather than properties. This keeps the calculations in one place in the module.
How to correct:
A systems module that includes properties allows you to store the data in a central location that other model builders can use. The same can be said for a list, but keeping them in a module provides easier formula writing and the ability to control how they are summarized. To create the systems module, first, create a new list that includes the properties. Then, create a module that includes the list that the properties should be applied to. Format the line items using the list format and selecting the property list.
More information:
Model Optimization Checklist
- Step 1 - Lists
- Does the list use Time as part of the key?
- Does the list use a combination of properties as a code?
- Does the list have a code?
- Does the list use Properties?
- Are there subsets on larger lists?
- Does the subset list follow proper naming conventions?
- Does the list include a top level when it is not necessary?
- Step 2 - Modules
- What dimensions are used in the module? Are they all necessary?
- What time dimensions are being used in the module? Can a Time Range be used?
- Are the dimensions in order?
- If there are any saved views, do they use the correct filtering?
- If there are saved views, are all of the line items in the view necessary?
- Is the default view clean?
- Step 3 - Line Items
- Which line items do not need a summary?
- Are text formatted line items overused?
- Are there more than 50 line items in a module?
- Are there excessive subsidiary views?
- Are there line items used as headers where the format is not set to No Data?
- Step 4 - Formulas
- Are there line items that can be placed in a systems module rather than within a calculation module?
- Are there any formulas that that combine text strings?
- Are there any formulas that are daisy chains?
- Are there long formulas, such as complex IF THEN ELSE statements?
- Is there an excessive use of the FINDITEM function?
- Are there SUM and LOOKUP combinations?
- Is the TEXTLIST function used?
- Do any formulas use the SELECT function, especially with time?
- Do any of the line items use conditional formatting with summaries turned on?
- Step 5 - Actions
- Are all the actions necessary?
- Do any of the actions result in errors when they are run?
- Check the data sources. Are some of them lists or modules?
- Check the data sources. Does each data source have an action associated with it?
- Step 6 - Time
- Is the main time scale of the model larger than it needs to be?
- Additional Resources
- Model Optimization Tracker
- Planual