Role Playing Dimensions
What is the proper way to include the date dimension table into your DSV if you plan on using multiple role-playing dimensions? It seems if you can use this dimension as a role playing dimension, and assign the "join" using the Dimension Usage tab, then it doesn't need to be joined to the fact table in the DSV... is that correct? Or should you add the Date Dim table to the DSV and join it to every date-specific fact foreign keys? I see three possibilities for the DSV:
1) Include the Date Dim table but not join to any other table in the DSV
2) Include the Date Dim table and join to at least one fact foreign key
3) Include the Date Dim table and join to all fact foreign keys for dates in the DSV
Which method would be the most appropriate (or what are the consequences of each method)?
Also, if you use a role-playing dimension, is there anyway of manipulating the levels to display the type of date. For example, of the user picks the Order Date dimension, the year level says "Order Year" but if they use the Shipped Date dimension, the year level would say "Shipped Year"... etc.?
Thanks
Kory
