Term

Definition

Variable

A structure for storing numerical data and performing calculations. The closest equivalent to a Fact table in relational databases. Each variable holds one numerical column and can have its own dimensions, formula, and versioning.

Dimension

A table that categorizes data — such as products, regions, time periods, or accounts. Equivalent to a dimension table in database design.

Member

A single entry (row) in a dimension table. For example, "Q1" is a member of the Quarters dimension.

Attributes

Additional properties attached to dimension members. Used for extra metadata beyond the member name/code.

Evaluator

Farseer's calculation engine that processes all formulas and computes variable values across all dimensional intersections.

Measure

A variable with no dimensions. Measures are calculated on demand over aggregated data — ideal for reporting KPIs, currency conversions, and summary indices.

Rollup

How values are aggregated from lower to higher levels — primarily across time (months → quarters → years). Types include Sum, Average, Closing State, and more.

Top-Down Entry

Entering a value at a higher aggregation level (e.g., yearly) and having Farseer distribute it across lower levels (e.g., months).

Snowflake Schema

A data structure where a central fact table connects to dimension tables, which in turn connect to other dimension tables — forming a branching "snowflake" shape.

Star Schema

A simpler version of the snowflake where all dimension tables connect directly to the central fact table — forming a "star" shape.

Dimension Fanout

An unwanted expansion of data caused by connecting variables with unrelated dimensions, potentially consuming large amounts of memory.

Redimensioning

Changing a variable's dimensionality — either reducing (dropping dimensions) or expanding (adding dimensions) to align with other variables in formulas.

Calculate on Demand

A variable setting that breaks the automatic calculation chain. The variable is only recalculated when explicitly triggered, improving performance for expensive computations.

Version

A data layer (e.g., "Actual", "Plan", "Budget") that lets you maintain and compare different scenarios of the same data side by side.

Sheet

A spreadsheet-like view in Farseer where you display, enter, and analyze data from your model.

Dashboard

A visual display combining charts, tables, and tiles to present data from your model for analysis and reporting.

Custom Column

A user-added column on a sheet that displays a specific variable — allowing multiple variables to be viewed side by side.

Lock

A restriction applied to specific time periods, versions, or dimension members to prevent data entry in those cells.

Template

A predefined member creation structure that allows structured, repeatable member creation — useful for bulk data entry and onboarding scenarios.