Processing Blank Columns | Direct Import/Load v Standard Import

Rolling Quarterly Forecasts
- to Import 12-month flat files
- Several times daily during a cycle
- 12-month Matrix Data Source

1. Forecast Q1 '25 flat file
- Columns Q1-Q4 '25 = amounts

2. Forecast Q2 '25 flat file
a. Columns Q1 '25 = blanks
b. Columns Q2-Q4 '25 = amounts
c. Q1 '25 to be refilled with actuals
- using a DM Job after the initial Import

3. Forecast Q2 '25 flat file - Columns Q1 '25 = blanks
a. Direct Import/Load
- Wiped out refilled actuals in Q1 '25 = blanks
b. Standard Import (Import, Validate, Load)
- Kept refilled actuals in Q1 '25

4. Blank Columns - Q1 '25, etc = Prior Periods
a. Why do Direct and Standard process blank columns differently?
b. How to make Direct process blank columns like Standard?
- Keep actuals in Q1 '25/prior periods in OS Data Cubes

TY.