MDX Numeric Functions: The Min() Function
In this article, we will introduce another “staple” MDX numeric function, the Min() function. Min(), like Max(), is one of several aggregate functions with which we can choose to perform aggregations upon a set of values. (We introduce other aggregate functions within individual articles of the MDX Essentials series.) Min(), like the rest of these functions, aggregates a set of (one or more) measure values associated with a set of dimension members. Simple examples might include the selection of the minimum revenue from a set of products or the minimum monthly personnel headcount over a range of months.
As many of us are already aware, Min() can be leveraged throughout a wide range of activities, from the generation of minimums from simple sets of dimensional members to the composition of multidimensional juxtapositions, for more sophisticated results. As is the case with many MDX functions, Min() can serve as an excellent tool to support sophisticated conditional logic, as well as other calculations, and to deliver exactly the analysis and reporting presentations required by our clients and employers. We will introduce the function, commenting upon its operation and touching upon creative effects that we can employ it to deliver. As a part of our discussion, we will:
- Examine the syntax surrounding the function;
- Undertake illustrative examples of the uses of the function in practice exercises;
- Briefly discuss the results datasets we obtain in the practice examples.
Tags: mdx