Limitations to subclassifications in Adobe Analytics

Adobe Analytics Components Help > About sub-classifications

Subclassifications are in essence classifications within a classification. Adobe recommends creating multiple classifications under the original parent variable as opposed to creating subclassifications.

Because subclassifications reference its parent classification as the key value, there are few effective use cases. Because of their limitations; consider using multiple single-level classifications instead.

• Any identical classification values MUST contain the same classification value. Take the following invalid subclassification example:
  

In the context of subclassifications, Jesse, Anna, and Tony cannot all belong to the Sept Campaign Classification.

• All subclassification values MUST have a parent classification value: Take the following invalid subclassification example:
  

In the context of subclassifications, Anna and Tony must have a Cmp Name value. This scenario would be the same as trying to classify something without a reference to what you are classifying (key value).

• Keep the mindset that when dealing with subclassifications, focus on the parent classification as the key value. As long as the parent classification is correct, you can ignore column A altogether in context of subclassifications.
• If you want to have more than one unique value per classification, consider using multiple single-level classifications instead.
• As with standard classifications, keep classifications and subclassifications to alphanumeric characters. Punctuation and other special characters are much more difficult to classify.

For additional information on subclassifications, refer to Multiple-Level Classifications.