Performance

Dimensions the formula doesn't use

If nothing in a formula varies by a list or by time, Anaplan still calculates and stores the same value again for every item of that dimension.

What MaxCheck detects

A formula line item of 1,000,000 cells or more with a list or time that nothing in its formula varies by: no referenced line item has it, and no ITEM(), list property or time function brings it in. Versions are never reported (switchover isn't in the blueprint). Reporting, input and export modules are skipped (users see them on pages and exports), and so is any formula with a name, function or mapping the check can't follow.

Why it hurts

Anaplan calculates and stores the same value again for every item of the unused dimension. The line item is that many times bigger and slower than it needs to be.

Example

Taken from the rule's own test cases: formulas it must flag, and formulas it must not.

WarningFlags this(a price by product copied into a monthly module)

PricesApplies To: Products
  • Price
Sales CalcApplies To: Products
  • WarningPrice x 1.1
    Prices.Price * 1.1
    • Time scale: Month
    • 2,000,000 cells

Fine (every dimension used)

PricesApplies To: Products
  • Price
DataApplies To: Products
  • Volume
    • Time scale: Month
CalcApplies To: Products
  • Revenue
    Prices.Price * Data.Volume
    • Time scale: Month
    • 2,000,000 cells

How to fix

Calculate it in a module with only the dimensions the formula uses, and have the line items that read it reference that one. Anaplan fills in the missing dimensions when they read it.

Severity
WarningCounts toward the area score.
Area
Performance
Runs in
Basic and full check
Rule ID
P_OVERDIMENSIONED
Version
Rule 1.0.0, rule set 1.4.0

Does your model do this?

Upload the line-items blueprint. This rule runs in the basic check, in your browser, with no email.

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