In block storage (BSO) Essbase, a calc script without FIX calculates the whole cube. FIX…ENDFIX limits the calculation to the members you list, which is both faster and safer.

Basic structure

FIX ("Actual", "FY25", @RELATIVE("Total Entity", 0))
   CALC DIM ("Account");
ENDFIX

Everything inside runs only for Actual, FY25 and the level-0 entities. @RELATIVE(member, 0) returns all level-0 descendants.

Common patterns

Aggregate sparse dimensions

FIX ("Actual", "FY25")
   AGG ("Entity", "Product");
ENDFIX

Copy actuals into the forecast

FIX ("FY25", @LIST("Jan","Feb","Mar"))
   DATACOPY "Actual" TO "Forecast";
ENDFIX

Clear before reloading

FIX ("Actual", "Mar", "FY25")
   CLEARDATA "Sales";
ENDFIX

Simple allocation

FIX ("Budget", "FY26", @RELATIVE("Total Entity", 0))
   "Rent" = "Rent"->"Corporate" * ("Headcount" / "Headcount"->"Total Entity");
ENDFIX

The -> (cross-dimensional) operator reads a value from another member combination.

Performance rules of thumb

• FIX on sparse members where possible — it reduces the number of blocks touched.
• Avoid calculating the same block twice in one script (it causes “passes”).
• Use SET UPDATECALC OFF; and other SET commands deliberately, and test on a copy.
• Check the application log for elapsed time after each change.

Automate running them with MaxL.