AverageOfChildren - SQL 2005 Standard Edition Options

  • Is there a way to replicate the AverageOfChildren aggregate function

    using SSAS 2005 Standard Edition? It is semi-additive and only

    available in Enterprise Edition but I am wondering if there is a way

    to achieve the same result using Standard Edition, with a little more

    work of course.

  • Define your measure with an MDX expression

    Something like

    Avg(Descendants(DimensionName.CurrentMember, ChildMember level you wish to use), Measures.Measure you would like to Avg)

    Good luck.

  • So you can define one calculated measure which uses an average aggregate function for time dimension but a sum aggregate function for all other dimension types? My MDX skills are lacking, which is why I am asking this basic question.

  • jcaldwell-752832 (4/26/2010)


    So you can define one calculated measure which uses an average aggregate function for time dimension but a sum aggregate function for all other dimension types? My MDX skills are lacking, which is why I am asking this basic question.

    I think the short answer here is no, but your follow up makes me think that perhaps I did not understand your original query.

    If you create a measure that is an average, and you apply that measure across any or all of your dimensions you are still going to get an average.

  • AverageOfChildren is an AVG in a time dimension but is a SUM in all other dimension types. It is only available in Enterprise Edition. It works well for snapshot data. For example, if you count a group of people every single month at various locations, you will want SUM the population throughout your location hierarchy because they are different people in different locations; but month to month, you will want to AVG them because they are the same people, more or less. It works well for inventory snapshots as well.

  • jcaldwell-752832 (4/26/2010)


    AverageOfChildren is an AVG in a time dimension but is a SUM in all other dimension types. It is only available in Enterprise Edition. It works well for snapshot data. For example, if you count a group of people every single month at various locations, you will want SUM the population throughout your location hierarchy because they are different people in different locations; but month to month, you will want to AVG them because they are the same people, more or less. It works well for inventory snapshots as well.

    Apologies to all. Apparently I need to brush up on AverageOfChildren.

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply