Adding Attributes

An attribute is a characteristic or property assigned to a dimension or element within the system, providing additional context or metadata. Attributes help to categorize and filter data for reporting, planning, and analysis purposes. For example, in financial planning, attributes can be used to specify details such as "Region," or "Product Type" for various accounts or initiatives. These attributes enable users to group and analyze financial data based on specific criteria, enhancing the granularity and flexibility of financial reports and planning models.

Imagine a financial planning initiative to launch a new sales campaign aimed at increasing revenue. When end users add this initiative via the Planning Control Panel, they must enter the campaign start date (when the activities will begin) and the end date (when the campaign is expected to conclude). These dates are attributes of the initiative. In addition, end users are required to select from a list of categories for the campaign expenses, such as "Digital Advertising," "Content Creation," and "Public Relations." A " Category" attribute is created with the List attribute type, offering these options for selection. This results in a financial initiative (to launch a sales campaign) with three key attributes: campaign start date, end date, and category for expenses.

To add the attributes, do the following:

1. Navigate to Maintenance > Planning Templates > Attributes.
   
   
2. On the Attribute List page, click the Add button.
   
   
3. Enter the Attribute Code and Attribute Name to identify the attribute.
   
   
4. Select Attribute Type from the following:
   
   1. Text- indicates end users will enter text in the attribute field available when adding an initiative via the Planning Control Panel.
   2. Date -indicates end users will select a date from the date picker for this attribute field available when adding an initiative via the Planning Control Panel.
   3. Numeric Data - indicates budget end users will enter a number in the attribute field available when adding an initiative via the Planning Control Panel.
   4. List - indicates end users will pick an option from a list box in the attribute field available when adding an initiative via the Planning Control Panel.
5. Click Save.