CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function in Excel. The CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function is a powerful tool for retrieving specific properties of a cube member in a multidimensional data source, such as an OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) cube. This function is particularly useful for users who work with large datasets and need to extract specific information from a cube without having to navigate through the entire data structure. We will cover the syntax, examples, tips and tricks, common mistakes, troubleshooting, and related formulae for the CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function.

CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY Syntax

The CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function has the following syntax:

=CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY(connection, member_expression, property)

Where:

• connection is the name of the workbook connection to the cube. This is usually a text string enclosed in double quotes, such as “ConnectionName”.
• member_expression is an MDX (Multidimensional Expressions) expression that returns a single cube member. This can be a reference to another cell containing a CUBEMEMBER function or a text string enclosed in double quotes.
• property is the name of the property you want to retrieve for the specified member. This is usually a text string enclosed in double quotes, such as “Property Name”.

CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY Examples

Let’s look at some examples of how to use the CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function in Excel:

Example 1: Retrieving the “Color” property of a product

=CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY(“ConnectionName”, “[Product].[Product Name].&[Bike]”, “Color”)

In this example, the CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function retrieves the “Color” property of the product “Bike” from the “Product” dimension in the cube. The result will display the color of the bike, such as “Red”.

Example 2: Using a cell reference for the member_expression

A1: =CUBEMEMBER(“ConnectionName”, “[Product].[Product Name].&[Bike]”)

A2: =CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY(“ConnectionName”, A1, “Color”)

In this example, cell A1 contains a CUBEMEMBER function that returns the “Bike” member from the “Product” dimension. Cell A2 then uses the CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function to retrieve the “Color” property of the bike, referencing cell A1 for the member_expression.

CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function:

• When working with large datasets, it’s a good idea to use cell references for the member_expression and property arguments. This makes it easier to update your formulas if the cube structure changes or if you need to retrieve different properties.
• Use the CUBESET function to create a set of members and then use the CUBERANKEDMEMBER function to retrieve individual members from the set. This can be useful for creating dynamic reports that update based on user selections.
• If you’re not sure what properties are available for a specific member, you can use the CUBEKPIMEMBER function to retrieve a list of available properties.

Common Mistakes When Using CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using the CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function:

• Not enclosing text strings in double quotes, such as the connection name, member_expression, and property. This can cause Excel to return an error.
• Using an incorrect or misspelled member_expression or property. Make sure you’re using the correct MDX syntax and that the property name is spelled correctly.
• Not specifying a valid workbook connection. Ensure that the connection name is correct and that the connection is properly set up in your workbook.

Why Isn’t My CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY Working?

If your CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function isn’t working as expected, here are some troubleshooting steps to help you identify and resolve the issue:

1. Check that the connection name is correct and that the connection is properly set up in your workbook.
2. Ensure that the member_expression and property arguments are enclosed in double quotes and that the MDX syntax is correct.
3. Verify that the property you’re trying to retrieve is available for the specified member. You can use the CUBEKPIMEMBER function to retrieve a list of available properties.
4. If you’re using cell references for the member_expression or property arguments, make sure the referenced cells contain the correct values and that there are no errors in the referenced cells.

CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY: Related Formulae

Here are some related formulae that you might find useful when working with the CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function:

• CUBEMEMBER: Retrieves a member from a cube based on an MDX expression.
• CUBEVALUE: Retrieves a value from a cube based on an MDX expression.
• CUBESET: Creates a set of members based on an MDX expression.
• CUBERANKEDMEMBER: Retrieves a specific member from a set based on its rank.
• CUBEKPIMEMBER: Retrieves a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) member or property from a cube.

By mastering the CUBEMEMBERPROPERTY function and its related formulae, you can unlock the full potential of Excel’s OLAP capabilities and create powerful, dynamic reports that help you analyze and understand your data more effectively.