When to use Line item VS List ?
Hi Guys
Is there an approach you guys use when deciding on line item vs list ?
for eg.
I am loading three different kinds of volume data
Volume type 1
Volume type 2
Volume type 3
Data is loaded by month
Option 1
Create a module with 3 line item and time dimension
Time
Line item Volume type 1
Line item Volume type 2
Line itme Volume type 3
Option 2
Create a module with 1 line item called Volume and 1 list ( volume type 1 , Volume type 2 , Volume type 3) and time
(Volume type List ) X Time
Volume line item
Which option would you choose and not choose and Why ?
Is there a best practise for these kind of scenarios or it doesn't really matter ?
If you have another way of doing it what is it and why ?
Thanks
Best Answer
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As above, expansion is key - The 'S' of PLANS is for sustainable; build for the future
Also, the point above about re-used. for calculations we say "calculate once, reference many times". The same applies for structures. If you need to repeat the line items many times, a list will be better
But the other aspect to bear in mind is what is the logic for Volume1, Volume2, Volume3?.
If the logic is the same or similar then a list would be simpler; One tip here. Don't write a formula like this:
IF ITEM(VolumeTypes)=VolumeTypes.Volume1 THEN xx*yyy ELSE IF ITEM(VolumeTypes)=Volume2 THEN xx/yyy ELSE.........
If is better to have a module dimensioned by Volume and have a boolean flag signifying the logic type; it is much more flexible and efficient (especially if some volume types hare the same logic)
If each type has a very different type of logic then it might be better to have line items; remember you can always bring numeric line items together using a line item subset
I hope that helps
David
6
Answers
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If you think the volume type will grow (volume type 4, 5...etc)...then you should go for a dimension. So it is easily maintainable.
Thanks
Arun
2 -
Hi,
Lists are essentially Master Data, which have the following attributes:
1. Lists can be referred by many modules, (Normally once you ask yourself the question of 'Will these items be used in many modules?', it should be quite evident)
2. Lists have properties that help with LookUp and Sum
3. Selective Access can be controlled with List
Line items are more of a measures, and are meant for containing values or calculation.
Like what @ArunManickam said, your requirement fits that of a 'List'.
Thanks,
LipChean
4
