Abstract: A method of retrieving data items residing in a multidimensional database, comprising the steps of: storing previously created views from said multidimensional database in a storage connected with said database; searching said stored views for all views comprising a queried metadata search string; displaying said search results; selecting a view from said displayed views; selecting one or more items from said selected view; and transferring said selected one or more item to a receiving module, whereby said transferred one or more items retain their reference to said selected view for updating purposes.