counter when in cube?

Hello BW Experts,

1) what are the scenarios we use the counters in the cube. One scenario i can think of is, in the deliveries cube, in case we need to count the number of items in the delivery then we add the counter (keyfigure infobject) and '=1' in the update rules. The effet of this would be, when the report is run drilldown by deliveries would give the number of items in the counter column. In case we drilldown to the level of material / item level then we see value 1 in the counter column.

2) Is it a standard practice to keep counter in the cube ( as part of modelling )?

Any suggestions appreciatd.

Thanks,

BWer