Time Based Modelling using Calculated Column VS Generated Time Dimension

Hi All,

Below is my Data Model.

DSO (BW) --> Analytic View (HANA Studio) --> Cal View (HANA Studio) --> Virtual Provider (BW)

Now, in my base DSO there is no CalYear but there is a WorkDate. So, I have created a Calculation Column in a projection

of my Calc View with the logic "midstr("WORKDATE",0,4)".

My model is working fine and I'm able to get my desired output.

Now I have read a few blogs and came to know about Time base modelling using Time Dimension in HANA Studio

i.e you would generate a Time Dimension in HANA Studio and then use this Time Dim in your Analytic View using

a JOIN between your FACT and TIME_DIM.

Could anyone shed some light on which is a better approach ?

PS : In my base fact table i.e my DSO I don't have a time dimension for me to do a JOIN between HANA generated Time Dimension

       all I have is WORKDATE

Kind Regards,

Ashwin