Dimensions are codes to define an analysis category and are being used to group or categorize data for analyzing purpose.

This is attributes and values that categorize entries so you can track and analyze them. For example, dimensions can indicate the project or department an entry came from.

The more dimensions you use, the more detailed reports you can base your business decisions on. For example, a single sales entry can include multiple dimension information, such as:

    • Where the item was sold
    • The kind of customer who bought it

To create new Dimensions

  • Go to Dimensions List
  • In Edit List mode, enter the new dimension code into the last row OR
  • Click new to add the new dimension.

To add Dimension Values for the Dimension

  • Go to Dimensions List
  • Select the Dimension that you want to add dimension values.
  • Select Dimension, Dimension Values in Action Bar
  • Enter the Dimension Value Code and Name

To set up the new dimensions as global or shortcut dimensions

  • Go to General Ledger Setup page to set up the global/shortcut dimension.


To Change Global Dimension (Shortcut Dimension 1 and Shortcut Dimension 2)

When you change a global or shortcut dimension, all entries posted with that dimension are updated. Because this process may be time-consuming and can affect performance, two different modes are provided to adapt the process to the size of the database.

  1. Choose the Lightbulb that opens the Tell Me feature. icon, enter General Ledger Setup, and then choose the related link.

  2. Choose the Change Global Dimensions action.

  3. At the top of the page, select one of the following two modes for running the batch job.

    OptionDescription
    Sequential(Default) The change is done in one transaction that reverts all entries to the dimensions they had before the change.

    This option is recommended if the company has relatively few posted entries, in which case the batch job takes the shortest time to complete. The process locks multiple tables and blocks other users until it is done. Be aware that with large databases, the process might not complete in this mode. In that case, use the Parallel option.
    ParallelThe dimension change happens in multiple background sessions and the operation is split into multiple transactions. To use this option, turn on the Parallel Processing toggle.

    We recommended this option for large databases or companies with a lot of posted entries because it will complete in the shortest time. Note that in this mode, the update process won't start if there is more than one active database session.

  4. In the Global Dimension 1 Code and/or Global Dimension 2 Code fields, enter the new dimension(s). The current dimensions are displayed in gray behind the fields.

  5. Depending on the mode, do one of the following:

    • In Sequential mode, choose the Start action.
    • In Parallel mode, choose the Prepare action.

    The Log Entries tab is filled with information about the dimensions to be changed.

  6. Sign out of Business Central, then sign in again.

  7. Choose the Start action to begin the parallel processing of the dimension changes.

To set up Default Dimensions

  • Can set Default Dimensions under:
    Item, Customer, Vendor, Chart of Accounts
  • Value Posting
    Code Mandatory, Same Code, No Code
    For examples:
    • Code Mandatory
      Must input a code for the dimension "PROJECT", system will auto fill in "TOYOTA", but user can change manually on journal lines
    • Same Code
      Must input the dimension value "SALES" under the dimension "DEPARTMENT"
    • (blank)
      System will auto carry the dimensions value "INDUSTRIAL" under the dimension "BUSINESSGROUP" to journal lines, but user can change manually on journal lines
    • No Code
      System will block user to input any dimension value under the dimension