Types of dimensions

A dimension is a classification system used to organize, sort, and report on company information in meaningful ways.

Subscribing to certain applications automatically enables dimensions specific to that application. You don't need to use the application-specific dimensions, but you cannot disable them.

Standard and user-defined dimensions

There are two basic types of dimensions—standard and user-defined. You can choose to use either type exclusively, or you can mix and match the two dimension types to cover all your reporting needs.

Standard dimensions

Sage Intacct provides a set of standard dimensions right out of the box, ready to be enabled. Use the following standard dimensions as is, or configure as needed:

  • Affiliate entity (with multi-entity environment and subscription to Consolidation)
  • Asset (with subscription Fixed Assets Management)
  • Class
  • Contract (with subscription to Contracts)
  • Cost type (dependent on Project and Task dimensions and subscription to Construction)
  • Customer
  • Department
  • Employee
  • Item
  • Location
  • Project (basic or with subscription to Project applications)
  • Task (dependent on Project dimension and subscription to Projects)
  • Supplier
  • Warehouse (with subscription to Inventory)

User-defined dimensions

You can create user-defined dimensions and add your own business logic and custom fields to tailor them to your specific business needs. User-defined dimensions become available throughout the company wherever dimensions are displayed. Use your user-defined dimensions in the same way as standard dimensions.

For example, a software company with several product lines creates a user-defined dimension called Line of Business. This dimension uses the values Direct customers, Channel partners, and OEM.

Another example of a user-defined dimension is Facility that uses values specific to the following facility types: Hospital, Day Care, and Residential.

When working with customizations, avoid user-defined dimensions containing the following words in their names: restriction, event, events, and log. Using these key words can result in integration issues.

For more information on user-defined dimensions, see User-defined dimension essentials.

Additional fees can apply for user-defined dimensions. Contact your account representative for more information.