Due to compatibility rules I am unable to use the variables I want from separate data providers to combine in the same block. I can use some Measures but not the Dimensions I want. Is there any other way I can combine the data from different universes (but linked by a common dimension) to get the dimensions to display in my report?
TrevR 
(BOB member since 2014-03-05)
You can use dimensions from different universes but the same rules apply about merging - you need to merge like for like data types then report on objects of the same granularity, i.e. Product code must be varchar in both or number in both, and if you have a monthly budget in one but daily sales in the other, you can only compare budget v sales at a monthly level.
We have matching Project Codes in both universes, but the dimension data that I want to merge with Query 1, which is just text fields giving more information about the project, can’t be entered into the report (appears dimmed and italicized). The Measure data from Query 2 CAN be entered though. My Deski notes say: “Compatibility rules determine which variables from separate data providers can be combined in the same block. When you cannot include a variable in a block, it appears dimmed and italicized as shown in the following figure. You can use the common dimension from either data provider. Most often, you can use measures from both data providers in the same block.”
TrevR (BOB member since 2014-03-05)
Why use blocks?
Make the project code a section and have the text from univ 1 in a separate block to the measures from univ 2.
It’s logical that you cannot relate text from one universe to the measures from the other because you’ve created a pseudo many-to-many join.
If they have a 1:1 relationship with Project code, then they can be made detail variables and be associated with the project code from the query they came from.
Mak 1 
(BOB member since 2005-01-06)
I understand in principle, but I can’t seem to get it to work in practice. What I want to end up with in its simplest form is a column of project codes with a column to the right of that with uni 1 data and a column to the right of that with uni 2 data. Is that possible and how do I do it? I’ve messed about with Slice & Dice but can’t seem to get it how I want it.
TrevR (BOB member since 2014-03-05)
Look at merging dimensions and detail variables, plenty of info on here…
This might help you:-
http://www.upenn.edu/computing/da/bo/webi/qna/webi_mergeData.html
Mak 1 (BOB member since 2005-01-06)
I think that must be a different version to mine. We’re on Desktop Intelligence Version 12.5.0.1190. No such thing as a Merge here I’m afraid.
TrevR (BOB member since 2014-03-05)
You have always been able to merge dimensions even before the software was called Desktop Intelligence 
I suggest you have another look 
Mak 1 (BOB member since 2005-01-06)
Seriously, no mention of Merging in the Help. Not in the Index not in the Search. Never mind, I’ll search online. Thanks.
TrevR (BOB member since 2014-03-05)
Go to the data manager and use linking.
It was renamed to merging in Webi.
Page 82:
That explains it. Thanks Mark.
TrevR (BOB member since 2014-03-05)