Adding a level to an existing hierarchy

Is it OK to add levels to an existing hierarchy?

The short answer is yes! Although you may encounter a warning message, it's absolutely fine to add a new level to an existing hierarchy. You won't break anything permanently, but the main impact will be in having to rebuild reports that use this hierarchy, specifically levels at or below the new one you're looking to insert.

Important Considerations and Exclusions 

Some things to note when adding a level within an existing hierarchy:

1. Impact on Existing Reports: Adding a level will affect any existing reports using this hierarchy. Any level at or below the inserted level will require adjustments, while levels above the inserted level will not appear to change your reports.

2. Formatting Inconsistencies: In Excel, you may see formatting inconsistencies. Reports need to be rebuilt where the new level or any level below it exists. This may include adding or editing filters, adjusting pivot table fields, and reformatting the report for usability.

3. Dashboard and Power BI Impact: Dashboards and Power BI visualizations may also be affected. Though data won't be corrupted, dashboard toggles and filters will need adjustments similar to those in Excel. Contact your Customer Success Manager for assistance.

4. Access to Levels: Anyone with access to the parent hierarchy will also have access to its subsequent levels, including any new ones.

5. Performance and Data Size: Adding a new level won't impact performance or processing speed. It also won't add actual data to your website or increase data size.

6. Automated Hierarchies: An automated hierarchy is a non-account hierarchy set up with EBM to ingest data directly from your ERP, feeding Catalyst without requiring manual mapping or structuring efforts post-ingestion. Do not edit or add new levels to any automated hierarchy without prior data development work. Such changes can break the hierarchy, as they aren't accounted for in the data automation code. For structure changes, such as renaming fields or adding new levels, reach out to your EBM representative or EBM Support for proper setup.