Often when interacting with TM1 through TM1py, it is necessary to clear out a slice of a cube. Since release 1.5 there are four options to clear a slice in a cube. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each option.

From TM1py, any process can be executed using the method, tm1.processes.execute_with_return. To clear data from a cube, }bedrock.cube.data.clear can be used:

• Intuitive

• Less flexible than MDX based approaches

• Can’t clear over alternate hierarchies

• Can break if element names contain separation characters

With the cells.clear_spread method, you can define a slice of a cube by referencing one element or consolidation for each dimension:

• Intuitive

• Slower than all other options

Define a slice of a cube with MDX and then call the method cells.clear_with_mdx:

• Maximum flexibility through MDX

• Requires admin permissions

• Verbose

• Error prone. All dimensions have to be references explicitly

• Requires TM1 11.7 as minimum

TM1py v1.5 introduced a new method cells.clear enabling you to clear data from a cube without using MDX or referencing all dimensions (If a dimension is not referenced, all leaves will be cleared).

• Maximum flexibility through MDX

• Intuitive

• Concise

• Easy to use

• Requires admin permissions

• Requires TM1 11.7 as minimum