Derived Financial Dimensions Updates with D365FO version 8.1.2

In version 8.1.2 of Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Microsoft released enhancements to financial dimensions whereby a dimension may be assigned other dimensions. This article discusses derived dimensions and the changes you will see with the update.

How derived dimensions work

With derived dimensions, the default dimension (derived dimension(s)) would automatically default onto a transaction based on predefined dimension combinations. When setting up derived dimensions, one or more dimensions may be assigned for defaulting purposes.

For example, if you enter Business Unit 10, a value of 20 for Location would automatically default. Or another example of this would be, you enter Business Unit 10, then a value of 20 for Location and 30 for Department could automatically default onto the transaction.

By default, dimensions that are assigned to master records like vendors, customers, items, etc., will override the predefined derived dimensions. Should you want D365 to override the default dimensions from master records with the derived dimensions, there is a parameter you can mark called “Replace existing dimension values with derived values.”

Preventing changes to derived dimensions

Finally, when creating derived dimensions, you may want to prevent changes (editing) at the time of entering transactions. In this case, when adding a new segment within the derived dimension set-up screen, you could select the option to prevent changes. What this setting does is the following: using my example above where a Business Unit of 10 is entered and a value of 20 for Location and 30 for Department defaulted, one or both of the Location and Department dimensions may not be edited (overridden).  

Steps to set up and configure derived dimensions:

1. Navigate to General Ledger > Chart of Accounts > Dimensions > Financial Dimensions
2. Select the Financial Dimension you want to default other dimensions to
3. Click on Derived Dimensions

4. Select dimension, click “Add segment”

5. Choose segment(s) you want to add and, should you want to prevent editing of this dimension, also set “Prevent changes to derived value” to Yes, then click “Add segment”

6. Continue adding valid combinations until completed
7. If you want to override default dimensions from master records like vendors, customers, items, etc., check the “Replace existing dimension values with derived dimensions” box

How to get more information

If you’d like more information about derived financial dimensions and how to apply them to your business, contact our experts at Western Computer for help.

You also might be interested in these other articles about other recent updates for Dynamics 365 Finance:

• Enhancements to D365FO Ledger Settlements
• What is Dual Currency in Dynamics 365 for Finance & Operations?
• Vendor Transaction List Page Enhancements for D365FO

About the Author

Jeff is a Senior Solution Architect with experience in all aspects of implementing ERP. He has an excellent record on projects, successfully analyzing, designing, and implementing software solutions to drive the customers’ business needs. In his role as a Solution Architect, Jeff analyses customers’ requirements, designs solutions, and leads implementations.