Skip to main content
An XMLA model connects to remote multidimensional services such as SAP BW and Microsoft Analysis Services. The system keeps the remote cube’s system names instead of converting it into local relational tables.

​
Import a remote cube

  1. Create or bind an XMLA data source and test the connection.
  2. Click Import cube on the data source card, or choose XMLA in the semantic model creation flow.
  3. Run Discover, then select a target catalog and cube from the returned list.
  4. Open the XMLA workspace and check the binding status of dimensions, hierarchies, levels, measures, and variables.

​
XMLA workspace

  • Overview shows the current cube and binding summary.
  • Dimensions, measures, and variables let you edit display names, visibility, defaults, and metric bindings.
  • Refresh preview compares remote structure changes and applies them after confirmation.
  • Query validation runs a read-only MDX validation query.
  • Fix all Missing bindings and required SAP variable defaults before publishing.

​
MDX queries

Choose MDX in the Query lab and use unique names returned by XMLA:
A remote cube’s unique name may include a catalog or hierarchy path. Copy it from the current structure information. MDX remains read-only and subject to permissions; business metrics run through a published model and explicit bindings. See Metric measures and XMLA bindings.