> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://smartbooks.gitbook.io/smartbooks-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://smartbooks.gitbook.io/smartbooks-docs/company-settings/business-dimensions-cost-centers-cost-units.md).

# Business Dimensions (Cost Centers/Cost Units)

Smartbooks allows you to use **one business dimension per administration**, either **cost centers** or **cost units**. Business dimensions enable you to segment financial data across organizational structures such as departments, teams, or projects, providing deeper insight into how costs and revenues are distributed across your business.

You can access this section via **Settings → Cost Centers**.

By using business dimensions, you can:

* Analyze financial performance per organizational segment
* Improve budgeting and forecasting accuracy
* Enhance financial reporting and decision-making

This section explains how to enable business dimensions, manage them within Smartbooks, and incorporate them into your financial reports.

### Enabling business dimensions

Before working with business dimensions, Smartbooks must first retrieve them from your connected data source.

1. Navigate to **Settings → Integrations**
2. Click **Connection** -> **Edit** in the top-right corner
3. Open the **Business Dimension** selector
4. Select either **cost centers** or **cost units**
5. Click **Save**, then click **Synchronize Data**

Smartbooks will now fetch the available business dimensions. This process may take a few minutes. You can monitor the progress in the **Recent Synchronizations** section. Once synchronization is complete, the dimensions are available for configuration.

<figure><img src="https://1846213233-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FswBFWX9ni1arN3lAqgKQ%2Fuploads%2FayvGGDogyIUEn8LYtzEr%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=45bf4b23-33e6-4e3f-8e5b-cfa85d8cb7d7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Managing business dimensions

When you open the **Business Dimensions** screen for the first time, you must enable the usage of business dimensions within Smartbooks. After enabling, all retrieved cost centers or cost units will appear under a default category called **“Other.”**

To use business dimensions in reports, you must map the relevant items from **Other** into your own reporting structure.

### Adding and organizing business dimensions

To create a reporting structure:

1. Click **Add Business Dimension** on the right side of the screen
2. Enter a **description** and a **unique code** for the new dimension folder
3. Drag and drop business dimensions from the **Other** category into the appropriate folder

You can group multiple cost centers or cost units under a single folder. When grouped, Smartbooks aggregates their results and does not display individual values for each underlying dimension.

An **“unspecified cost center”** is also available. This automatically aggregates all bookings that were recorded without a cost center or cost unit.

### Maintaining business dimensions

Once mapping is complete, all configured business dimensions are displayed in a structured list showing folders and subfolders. From here, you can:

* Use the **search bar** to quickly locate a specific dimension
* **Edit** or **delete** dimensions using the action icons
* Adjust the hierarchy as your organization evolves

Well-structured business dimensions ensure consistent reporting and provide clear insights into financial performance across different parts of your organization.