Create a Dimension with Override Data Sources for its Dimension Values

Override Data Sources feature is helpful in case you need to collect data for a single element from several Data Sources of the same type (for example, Google Analytics) simultaneously.

If you have a consolidated Data Source where data for all Data Sources is maintained, there is no need to override Data Sources. The same Data Source can be used for all Dimension Values in that case. This solution is simpler since a single Dimension can be used for all Metrics and Reports.

The setup process covered in this article is applicable for account-based Data Sources where you want to provide a similar kind of dimensioned access; for example, to Facebook. In that case, you'll need to create a Dimension named 'Facebook' with separate accounts presented as Dimension Values and plug-in based Data Source to be used as a Override Data Source for each Dimension Value.

The following example is based on the assumption that you need to create an 'Hourly Website Visitors' Metric to measure traffic on five different websites simultaneously using Google Analytics as Data Source.

1. Access Content > Dimensions

Access Content > Dimensions
  1. The list of the Dimensions available in the system opens
  2. Click [+New Dimension]

The Add Dimension pop-up opens.

1.1. Define the basics

Define the basics

Originate a new Dimension as shown in the example above.

  1. Save your entry

The Dimension Editor opens.

1.2. Create Dimension Values for each entity providing data

Create Dimension Values for each entity providing data

Create a Dimension Value for each entity where data should be collected (in our case, for each Website)

Save your entry.

2. Create a connection for each Dimension Valu

Create a connection for each Dimension Valu
  1. Create a separate Data Source  for each Dimension Value. For step-by-step instructions on creating a connection to Google Analytics refer to Establish connectivity to Google Analytics
  2. Once connection to each Dimension Value Data source is created, return to the Dimension Editor (For this example, use the Dimension that was created in Step 1)

3. Assign the corresponding Override Data Source to each Dimension Value

Assign the corresponding Override Data Source to each Dimension Value
  1. Edit the Dimension Value in the grid
  2. Assign the Plug-in created for this Dimension Value as an Override Data Source

Save your changes.

NOTE: The Override Data Source setting is only available on the Edit Dimension Value pop-up when you have set Issue a data fetch command for to 'Each Individual Dimension Value'. 'Bulk' dimension fetches cannot be configured with an Override Data Source.

4. Create a Metric

Create a Metric

Create a new element with attention to these settings:

  1. Dimension it by: Choose the Dimension created in Step 1.
  2. Data Source: Select ANY of the Google Analytics Plug-in Data Sources that you have configured for the Dimension Values (here the example plug-in is used): IMPORTANT: Metric Insights will override whatever choice you make here and use the correct plug-in Data Source for each Dimension Value
  3. Plug-In Command: Write the command as if you were fetching data for only a single Dimension Value.  NOTE: The Dimension bind parameter should not appear in your fetch command.

5. Create a Group for Each Unique Dimension Value

Create a Group for Each Unique Dimension Value

Grant this Group access to the created Dimension with one or several Dimension Values (in our example, data collected from one or several Websites).

The Group settings described below are optional. They are only required if you want to restrict access so that data collected from a specific Website is only available to members of this Group. You can assign new users  to this Group in the Members tab and authorize access to specific Dimension Values in the Dimensions tab.