Page 1 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1 User Guide...
Page 2 Before using this information and the product it supports, read the information in “Notices” on page 377. Product Information This document applies to IBM Cognos Business Intelligence Version 10.1.1 and may also apply to subsequent releases. To check for newer versions of this document, visit the IBM Cognos Information Centers (http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/cogic/v1r0m0/index.jsp).
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Resolving Uniqueness Problems in Your Data Source . 23 Creating a Model . 24 Creating a Model Using an IBM Cognos Package or Report . . 25 Creating a Model Using an SAP BW Package . . 27 Creating a Model Using Other Data Sources .
Page 4 Track Changes in a Measure over a Specific Time Period . . 81 Track Changes in a Measure for a Period-to-Date . . 82 Track Changes in a Measure over Several Time Periods. . 83 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 5 Specify How Missing Values Appear . . 98 Reverse the Sign of Measure Values in Financial Models . . 99 Cognos Transformer Functions . . 99 Controlling How Measures Roll Up . . 100 Set a Regular Rollup Function for Measures .
Page 6 Guidelines for Model Design, Cube Creation, and System Maintenance Process . . 192 Setting Up Data Sources for UNIX and Linux Cubes . . 192 Using IBM Cognos Reports to Create a Data Source . 193 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 7 Optimization of the Operating Environment . . 205 Redistributing Files . . 206 Optimization of Gateway Settings for IBM Cognos Series 7 IQDs . . 207 Keeping Model and Cube Sizes Within Practical Limits . . 207 Using the Log File to Analyze Processing Bottlenecks .
Page 8 Unable to Open the Great Outdoors Sales.mdl Sample Model and Generate Cubes . . 245 Unable to Publish a PowerCube . . 246 Appendix C. IBM Cognos Transformer Error Messages ....247 TR0104 . 247 TR0105 .
Page 9 . 268 TR0624 . 269 TR0657 . 269 Matching Model and Source Columns for Text Files or IQDs . 269 Matching Model and Source Columns for IBM Cognos Data Sources . . 270 TR0700 . 270 TR0701 . 271 TR0702 .
Page 10 TR2505 . 295 TR2506 . 295 TR2507 . 295 TR2508 . 296 TR2509 . 296 TR2510 . 296 TR2600 . 296 TR2601 . 297 TR2606 . 297 TR2608 . 297 TR2700 . 298 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 11 . 310 Appendix D. Reference ......313 The Interface of Cognos Transformer . 313 Lists .
Page 12 . 352 Building PowerCubes from SAP BW Data . . 353 Appendix F. IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor....355 Building Expressions . . 356 Building an If-Then-Else Calculated Expression .
Page 13: Introduction
IBM Cognos Transformer Automation Guide. Audience This information is for new IBM Cognos Transformer users and IBM Cognos Series 7 cube modelers who are seeking guidance as they migrate their PowerCubes and related applications to the IBM Cognos environment. Advanced database administration (DBA) or data modeling skills are not required.
Page 14 The Great Outdoors Company, GO Sales, any variation of the Great Outdoors name, and Planning Sample depict fictitious business operations with sample data used to develop sample applications for IBM and IBM customers. These fictitious records include sample data for sales transactions, product distribution, finance, and human resources.
Page 15: Chapter 1. What's New
For information about upgrading, see the IBM Cognos Business Intelligence Installation and Configuration Guide. For an overview of new features for this release, see the IBM Cognos Business Intelligence New Features Guide. For changes to previous versions, see “New Features in Version 10.1.0”...
Page 16: Framework Manager Externalized Queries
Framework Manager Externalized Queries Framework Manager IQDs, or externalized queries, are no longer supported as data sources in Cognos Transformer. Instead, you can use IBM Cognos packages and reports as data sources. For more information, see “IBM Cognos Package or Report” on page 14.
Page 17: Chapter 2. Planning Your Model
Chapter 2. Planning Your Model IBM Cognos Transformer is a data modeling tool designed for use with IBM Cognos 8 version 8.3 and subsequent releases. You use this component to create a model, a business presentation of the information in one or more data sources. After you choose a supported product...
Page 18: Analyzing Your Requirements And Source Data
Does it need to be converted to a supported data source type before it is imported? v Can you optimize existing queries by building new Cognos Transformer queries using the metadata modeled in IBM Cognos packages or reports?
Page 19 You can use Cognos Transformer to presummarize the data when your users do not require access to all the details in the source. For example, if your organization processes 50,000 transactions daily, and you create the cube weekly, you can summarize the transactions at the weekly level before Cognos Transformer begins processing.
Page 20: Building A Prototype
Analyze the data flow from the point at which your data is generated until the data is input into Cognos Transformer. Determine if the data can be streamlined or rationalized at any point, perhaps by creating a data warehouse, a series of data marts, or a data-extract process to reorganize it.
Page 21 In keeping with good design practice, you decide to set up the Customers, Customer_Details, Product, and Product_Details tables as structural data sources, to provide the information that Cognos Transformer uses to build the Customers and Products dimensions in your model.
Page 22: Refining Your Model
Refining Your Model Based on your paper prototype, you create the Dimension Map for your new model in Cognos Transformer. You begin with one data source. You can enhance the business value of your model later, by adding more sources or manipulating the data derived from the existing data sources.
Page 23: Diagnose And Resolve Any Design Problems
To verify that you have maintained a 1:10 ratio or less between the categories in each level, use the Show Counts command on the Edit menu. Lower ratios allow for efficient partitioning and faster cube creation times in Cognos Transformer, as well as easier data exploration in your reporting component.
Page 24 Cognos Transformer Developer Guide. Check Cube Build Status When you build a cube in Cognos Transformer, you can check the status of the cube build at any time without opening it by using the PowerCube Status command on the Tools menu. You can check the status of all the cubes that are defined for a model at the same time.
Page 25: Upgrade An Ibm Cognos Series 7 Model
Cognos Series 7 user class. This option is supported only for migration testing, and cannot be used to deploy cubes in production environments. You can change the data source association for IBM Cognos Series 7 .iqd files to an IBM Cognos package or report to take advantage of the enhancements available when using IBM Cognos data sources.
Page 26 Tip: If you plan to upgrade, ensure you save all your models as .mdl files before you attempt to upgrade them. Procedure 1. Open the model in the earlier version of Cognos Transformer and, from the File menu, click Save As. 2. In the Save as Type box, click Exported Model Files (*.mdl).
Page 27: Chapter 3. Data Sources For Your Model
Framework Manager, before you import the data. v In addition to database security, be aware that different releases of Cognos Transformer offer different options for protecting your cubes and controlling access to information.
Page 28: Ibm Cognos Package Or Report
Note: Transformer does not support IBM Cognos Finance reports or packages as a data source. However, you can create PowerCubes directly in Cognos Finance. After import, you can combine the IBM Cognos data with the data from other sources as required. Individual query items can be used as source columns in the Cognos Transformer model, and can be updated using the Modify Columns feature.
Page 29 OLAP source, including PowerCubes. To create the Cognos Transformer time dimension with relative time categories, import your time information from either an IBM Cognos relational package or report, or from a flat file exported from IBM Cognos BI or the original OLAP vendor.
Page 30 Prompts in Report Data Sources You can use a report with prompts as a data source in Cognos Transformer. You must provide values for any mandatory prompts “Edit Existing Prompts in IBM Cognos Reports and Packages” on page 29 when adding a query based on the report data source to the model.
Page 31 Cognos Transformer, Cognos Transformer maps the rollup or regular aggregate setting of the package source query items to a corresponding measure rollup type in Cognos Transformer. However, when you use a query item from a data source that uses report-based measures as query items in Cognos...
Page 32: Business Viewpoint Studio
Sum rollup rule. Data Preview Data preview windows may not show data rows grouped or sorted as they appear in a report; however, this does not impact how Cognos Transformer uses the data when building cubes. Extra Query Items When you create a data source using a report that contains groupings, the report query sometimes shows extra query items.
Page 33: Tm1 Cubes
TM1 Cubes ® IBM Cognos Transformer supports TM1 cubes as a data source. You must install the TM1 client on the same computer as the IBM Cognos Business Intelligence installation. Impromptu Query Definition File ® Impromptu Query Definition (.iqd) files are generated from IBM Cognos Impromptu.
Page 34: Access Table
In Cognos Transformer, you can specify Unicode as a valid character set. Using an IBM Cognos report, you can define the fact query and the data you want to import for your PowerCube. You can then export the report to a .csv file that can in turn be used as the fact query data source in your Cognos Transformer model.
Page 35: Powerhouse Portable Subfile
Cognos PowerHouse 4GL portable subfile. In Cognos Transformer, specify the portable subfile dictionary (.psd) file or the data (.ps) file. Accept the default Character set or specify an alternative. For more information, see “PowerHouse Data Source Parameters” on page 43.
Page 36: Ibm Cognos Business Keys
Products].[Product Line]) Member Unique Names In the IBM Cognos studios, the Member Unique Name (MUN) is the unique identifier for locating the category or member in the data source. The MUN is much like the business key in a table.
Page 37: Resolving Uniqueness Problems In Your Data Source
### represents an ascending numeric sequence. The mappings between these assigned codes and their associated source values are stored in the Cognos Transformer model for use in subsequent cube build operations. However, errors may arise if the model is not saved after a cube refresh, or if the processing order changes for any reason.
Page 38: Creating A Model
In addition, source values that conform with the business keys in other applications used in IBM Cognos BI will have the best success rates when used with drill-through applications and other business intelligence applications.
Page 39: Creating A Model Using An Ibm Cognos Package Or Report
Procedure 1. From the Cognos Transformer Welcome page, click Create a new model. Tip: If you are already in Cognos Transformer, click New from the File menu to open the New Model wizard. 2. Type a name for your new model and click Next.
Page 40 Signons list, and is not saved in the model. To create a Cognos Transformer signon that appears in the Signons list and is saved in the model, enter a valid user name and password and select the Create a Transformer signon from the user name and password or select an existing one for use with this data source check box.
Page 41: Creating A Model Using An Sap Bw Package
For information about preparing SAP queries and creating packages in Framework Manager for use in Cognos Transformer, see Appendix E, “Guidelines for Working with SAP BW Data for Use in Transformer,” on page 339. For information about creating an SAP package-based model, see “Creating a Model Using an SAP BW...
Page 42: Creating A Model Using Other Data Sources
When you use .iqd files, ensure that the Series 7 IQD Bridge component is installed. This component must be installed on platforms supported by IBM Cognos Series 7 .4. For more information, see “Isolation Levels for an IQD Data Source” on page 39.
Page 43: Edit Existing Prompts In Ibm Cognos Reports And Packages
Edit Existing Prompts in IBM Cognos Reports and Packages You can use a report created in Query Studio or Report Studio, or an IBM Cognos package as a data source for a model. These data sources may contain prompts that add interactivity for users.
Page 44 An asterisk beside a prompt name identifies a mandatory prompt. v A cross beside a prompt name identifies an obsolete prompt. This prompt exists in the Cognos Transformer query, but cannot be found in the report or package used as a data source.
Page 45: Generate A File Of Prompt Values For Use In The Command Line
Save to save the command line file to your computer. Remove Obsolete Prompts Cognos Transformer stores prompts and their values in the Cognos Transformer model and uses this information for data requests and to generate a prompt specification.
Page 46: Specifying A Segmenting Prompt For An Sap Bw Query
Since prompts apply to all queries in the Cognos Transformer model but are maintained separately for each query, the specified values should be the same in all queries.
Page 47: Change A Data Source Type
Change a Data Source Type If you decide after you import a data source in Cognos Transformer that the data can be more effectively sourced from a different data source type, you can change the data source. You cannot change a data source for a query in the model to match another query already in the model.
Page 48: Adding An Ibm Cognos Data Source To An Existing Model
OLAP packages with parent-child hierarchies, Cognos Transformer will interpret each parent and child as unique dimensions. Procedure 1. In a Cognos Transformer model, right-click the Dimension Map and click Insert Dimension from Package. 2. Browse to select a dimensional package and click Finish.
Page 49: Add Additional Queries To Existing Ibm Cognos Data Sources
Cognos SQL or the native database SQL. Add Additional Queries to Existing IBM Cognos Data Sources IBM Cognos packages and reports are shown in the Data Sources list as a single data source with multiple associated queries. When you use the New Model wizard or New Data Source wizard, you can add only one query at a time.
Page 50: Adding Other Data Sources To An Existing Model
When adding queries from a report, Cognos Transformer displays the source query using the Query name specified in the query definition (for example, Query 1.0). Cognos Transformer does not display the query name as defined by the Query Name property in Query Studio or Report Studio.
Page 51: Synchronizing Columns With Your Data Source
You can quickly resynchronize your model columns after a data update if your model uses a single query based on a text data file, an IQD, or an IBM Cognos package or report. Resynchronize your model by invoking the Modify Columns command from the Tools menu.
Page 52: Synchronizing Columns With Text Data Files Or Iqds
To allow Cognos Transformer to automatically match query items to columns, select the columns in the model and click Auto Match. 6. If Cognos Transformer provides one or more locations in the data source that may be appropriate for unmatched columns, do one of the following: v If one of the locations is an appropriate match, select the location and click Next or Finish.
Page 53: Connecting To An Iqd Data Source
Isolation Levels for an IQD Data Source When you create a data source in Cognos Transformer using an IQD, you must specify an isolation level, typically the same one as was used when the .iqd file was created. This is necessary so that the data is processed properly in the model.
Page 54: Example - Using An .Iqd File To Access A Unix Data Source
You use IBM Cognos Impromptu to query the ORDERS and ORDER_DETAILS tables, saving the results in an .iqd file. You then specify this .iqd file as the source for your model in Cognos Transformer so that you gain access to the data stored in your Oracle database.
Page 55: Character Sets Used With Delimited Text Data Sources
With DOS outputs, the source data is rendered in the DOS Code Page (OEM) character set, which maps to the active DOS code page. This is typically Code Page 437, also known as the IBM PC character set, instead of the default for Windows (ANSI or Latin 1).
Page 56: Example - Specifying A Named Range For A Spreadsheet Database
B3 .. E3 Net Income B8 .. E8 For a model requiring only the Division, Quarter, Expense, and Expense Amount columns, Cognos Transformer reads all the expense types and expense amounts for each quarter and for each division. Division Quarter...
Page 57: Powerhouse Data Source Parameters
80,000 The named range for cells A1 .. D5 is DataTable. Cognos Transformer reads rows 1 to 5 in the range DataTable. The Data Sources list shows the Human Resources columns EMP_NO, NAME, DEPT, and SALARY. PowerHouse Data Source Parameters You can specify a PowerHouse portable subfile as the data source for a model.
Page 58: Data Source Scope
When you split a single, large data source into smaller, denormalized sources, you can shorten the processing time if the columns in all measure-containing sources are associated with unique levels in the model. This is because Cognos Transformer can associate such measures directly, without confirming their context in the level hierarchy.
Page 59 Level Derived Indirectly When a level is derived indirectly, the source is not related to the level, but is related to descendants of the level. The default color is light yellow. For example, this source contains a column that provides category values for the unique level Product No., but no columns for the ancestor levels.
Page 60: Control When The Source Data Is Read
For example, a data source can be read during category generation, during cube creation, or both. You can use this capability to avoid unnecessary processing, resulting in a more efficient model design. Here are some typical scenarios: IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 61: Defining Columns
Default Cognos Transformer reads all columns in the source that relate to levels in the model to see if they are associated with measures. If the source is purely structural, the cube is not created or updated, and an error message appears.
Page 62: Troubleshooting Issues Related To Column Names
Transformer associates the values from both of these sources with a specific level in one of the dimensions in the model. To create a join between two columns, use a database query tool such as IBM Cognos or IBM Cognos Impromptu before you create the data source.
Page 63: Define Columns In A Fixed-Field Text Data Source
Cost (4 bytes) and Revenue (4 bytes). Results Cognos Transformer can now correctly interpret the columns. For example, the first record represents a transaction that generated 330 in revenue, occurring on January 3, 2007, involving Product1, Color1, that cost 214 to produce.
Page 64: Scale Input Values
Set the Output scale property for the measure that uses the source column. v Set the Precision property for the measure that uses the source column. When you create a data source using an IBM Cognos package, Cognos Transformer automatically uses the scale specified in the Framework Manager query, which in turn matches the scale defined in the source database.
Page 65: Set The Level Of Detail For Dates
Set the Level of Detail for Dates Values for some measures in a model often apply to time periods that are not at the lowest level in the time dimension. In such cases, you specify the actual level of detail to which the date values apply. For example, actual revenue values may be derived from invoice information that accumulates on the dates that orders are filled.
Page 66 The value in the date column must be the same for all data in the array. To ensure that Cognos Transformer processes the array correctly, you must use the first month of your fiscal year as the date in your date column. This specifies the year-begin date for the year in which the array applies.
Page 67 Procedure You define the Month01 column in each data source as the first column in a twelve-member array. You then rename the initial column names, so that Cognos Transformer can differentiate between the two, changing the initial column in the second array (2007) to A2Month_01, to distinguish it from Month_01 in 2006.
Page 68: Modify Date Categories When Spanning Two Centuries
By default, Cognos Transformer interprets the years 00 to 19 as 2000 to 2019, and the years 20 to 99 as 1920 to 1999. For a different default setting, open the cogtr.xml file and specify a CenturyBreak value equal to the last two digits of the...
Page 69: Creating A Data Source Signon
Cognos Transformer. If you do not create a Cognos Transformer signon, you will not be able to build cubes in batch mode. Tip: When a data source has more than one signon configured, the multiple signons are shown on the Content Store Data Source tab in the Data Source property sheet.
Page 70: Creating An Ibm Cognos Signon
4. In the User ID box, type the user ID. 5. In the Password box, type the password. 6. To set up an automatic logon to IBM Cognos, select the Set As Auto Logon check box. 7. In the Namespace list, select the appropriate namespace.
Page 71: Chapter 4. Structuring Your Data Into Dimensions
It then automatically v creates a time dimension based on the date column If the dates are not in a predefined format, Cognos Transformer may prompt you to define the format.
Page 72: Creating A New Dimension
Dimension property sheet, click OK. Creating Dimensions from the Dimension Map Using OLAP and DMR Packages You need to create a dimension for each aspect of the business that your users want to analyze. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 73: Define A Calculated Column
Procedure 1. In a Cognos Transformer model, right-click the Dimension Map and click Insert Dimension from Package. 2. Browse to select a dimensional package and click Finish. 3. In the dimension tree for the package, select the dimensions, hierarchies, or levels that you want to add to your model and click OK.
Page 74: Example - Using A Calculated Column To Add An Exception Dimension
The list of available functions varies with the Data class. For example, the first-of-month and today functions are only available for the Date data class. For more information, see Appendix F, “IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor,” on page 355. 5. When the expression is complete, click OK.
Page 75: Adding Levels And Categories To A Dimension
OLAP reporting component. You can adjust or rename the levels to suit the organization of your data, using the Cognos Transformer category viewer (diagram). A model may have the following level types: v Source levels contain categories that are generated from or matched to column values in the source data.
Page 76: Add Manual Levels To A Dimension
On the Dimension Map, Cognos Transformer shows a small outlined box where it will create the new level. On the Categories diagram, Cognos Transformer inserts the new level to the left of the level on which you drop the source column.
Page 77: Create Categories Manually
Categories diagram. If you create a category in a dimension that does not yet contain a level for it, Cognos Transformer automatically creates a new level and opens the property sheet of the new category. Procedure 1.
Page 78 Cognos Transformer and then added to the PowerCube, the results immediately appear in the OLAP reporting component for every measure specified in the cube. For example, you can base a calculation on the special time categories Current Month and Last Month.
Page 79 For more information, see Appendix F, “IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor,” on page 355. 8. Click OK in the expression editor when you are ready to save your final expression. Creating a Single Calculated Category Perform the following steps to create a single calculated category.
Page 80: Order Categories Within Levels
Product Type as the Order by column, and specify that categories be sorted in ascending order. If you create data sources using IBM Cognos reports, any sorting or grouping defined in the reports is not supported. Similarly, if you set the Auto Group &...
Page 81: Order Categories Using A Global Preference Setting
6. In the Sort as box, click either Alphabetic or Numeric to specify whether values are to be interpreted as text or numbers during the sort. 7. Click OK. Order Categories Using a Global Preference Setting You can specify that all categories in the model use a particular sort order, rather than manually setting the order-by preference for each category.
Page 82: Drill-Down Paths
Each alternate path connects to the primary path at the convergence level. Note: In IBM Cognos, alternate drill-down paths are also referred to as alternate hierarchies within the same dimension. When you connect several parent categories to the same convergence category, you must ensure that each category in the convergence level is unique and unambiguous.
Page 83: Define A Scenario Dimension And A Cube Opening Level
Because the category values at the convergence level and below are shared by all drill-down paths, removing or changing a category in one path at or below the convergence level immediately affects the same category in all other drill-down paths. Procedure 1.
Page 84: Setting Up The Time Dimension
On the dimension line, a time dimension is identified by this icon Time dimensions contain date levels arranged in descending order. The date levels are usually some combination of Year, Quarter, Month, Week, or Day. Cognos Transformer generates categories for the levels in a time dimension by applying date functions to the source column that you associate with the time dimension.
Page 85: Creating The Time Dimension
You are required to specify both the date source column and the Dimension name for your time dimension. You can insert manual levels into a time dimension, but you must specify a date function for each level so Cognos Transformer knows how to relate the categories to their parent levels during category generation.
Page 86 The name you specify for the levels must match the source column name. Most date formats can be automatically determined during the AutoDesign process. In the time dimension, if Cognos Transformer generates a category named Invalid Dates, it is likely that the date format is not defined, or not properly defined, for the values in the source file.
Page 87: Format Date Values
6. In the source column list, select the column that contains values for the dates in the dimension and click OK twice. Cognos Transformer creates the new time dimension, adding the standard levels Year, Quarter, and Month. 7. If you want to add a new level to the manual time dimension, drag the source column for the time dimension from the Data Sources list to the new time dimension.
Page 88: Set Up Fiscal Years, Quarters, And Months
When you create alternate drill-down paths for your calendar and fiscal time periods, the Order by column for each path must be identical at the convergence level. Cognos Transformer automatically handles this for the first drill-down path. However, if you add more than one alternate path, you must specify the appropriate Order by column for each new path.
Page 89: Specify How Weeks Split When Spanning A Higher-Level Time Period
6. In the Level name box, type a name for the parent of the convergence level in the new drill-down path. For a fiscal year path connected at the Month level, the parent level name is Fiscal Quarter. 7. In the Associations box, click Add. 8.
Page 90: Set Up Lunar Time Periods
Because your business aligns its fiscal year with the calendar year, you do not want Cognos Transformer to apply the default setting Always Split when reporting the data for partial weeks at the end of the calendar year.
Page 91: Specify How Extra Weeks Get Added To Lunar Years
Early Dates or a Late Dates category, or both, depending on when the out-of-range dates occur. In addition, if there are dates that are neither early nor late, but can not be placed within the specified range, Cognos Transformer generates an Invalid Dates category.
Page 92: Set Up A Custom Time Dimension
Dimension to add a new dimension. 2. In the Dimension name box, type a meaningful name for the new dimension. 3. In the Dimension type box, select the Time option. 4. Click the Time tab. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 93: Setting Up Relative Time Categories
5. In the Date Level Creation dialog box, select Do not create levels and click OK twice. 6. Position the cursor in the Dimension Map, below your new time dimension and, from the Edit menu, click Insert Level to open the property sheet for your first manual level.
Page 94: Set The Current Period Automatically
– <Higher-level periods> To-Date Growth (automatically calculated categories) The periods depend on the date levels defined in your model. In the Cognos Transformer Categories diagram, relative time periods appear in the category viewer as special categories, highlighted in pale green, below the other drill-down paths in the time dimension.
Page 95: Set The Current Period Manually
2. On the General tab, clear the Sets the current period check box for all but the one you want used to set the current period. 3. Open the property sheet for the time dimension and, on the Time tab, select the Automatically set the current time period check box.
Page 96: Track Changes In A Measure For A Period-To-Date
Note: Select Custom if you want to override any of the default selections on the Relative Time tab. For example, you can specify the basic approach, a different target time period for your new category, a new context in which the IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 97: Track Changes In A Measure Over Several Time Periods
period will be reported, and the corresponding offsets, to track values that apply to a period other than the current one. For more information about specifying custom time periods, see “Track Changes in a Measure over Several Time Periods” and “Track Changes in a Measure in Future Time Periods”...
Page 98: Track Changes In A Measure In Future Time Periods
Target offset=-6; Context period=Year; Context offset=1 7. After you have set all the properties for the relative time category, click OK. Your relative time dimension now contains the specified future time periods. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 99: Track Monthly Performance Measures In Different Time Periods
Note: In IBM Cognos, special categories are often considered alternate hierarchies within the same dimension. By default, measure values are summarized. However, you can manually disable the rollup option.
Page 100: Create Special Category Levels
Create Special Category Levels You can create drill-down levels by using special categories, thereby providing your users with an alternate drill-down path that uses a structure not supplied by your source data. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 101: Disable Rollup On Special Categories
In the diagram, the children of the special category appear both in the main hierarchy and in the special category branch. Any changes to a regular category within this group are reflected in both instances. For example, suppose you have a dimension called Region that includes branches from three countries or regions in the Americas.
Page 102: Resolving The Parentage Of Orphan Categories
Orphans Of category. This Orphans Of category should be resolved before you publish the PowerCube. Resolve Invalid Date Errors In most cases, Cognos Transformer can determine and apply the correct date format for input from a source column. An Invalid Dates category is automatically generated when the correct input format cannot be determined or when a problem arises with the source data.
Page 103: Adjust The Date Range To Encompass Early And Late Dates
2. Click the Time tab. 3. From the Date input format box, select the appropriate date format and click 4. In the Data Sources list, select the data source for which you want to regenerate categories, and from the Run menu, click Generate Categories From Selected Data Source.
Page 104: Prevent New Categories From Being Added To A Dimension
2. Select Prohibit automatic creation of new categories and click OK. Verifying Your Model Cognos Transformer provides a built-in validation tool to help you identify problems with your model design. Run this tool after each major step in the model design process, to check for potential problems.
Page 105: Generating Categories From A Specified Data Source
Generating Categories from a Specified Data Source If your model is based on more than one data source, you may find it useful to generate categories from a specific source, such as the one that supplies your key structural data or the values for your time dimension, rather than from all the data sources.
Page 106 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 107: Chapter 5. Modeling Your Key Performance Measures
Chapter 5. Modeling Your Key Performance Measures In your Cognos Transformer model, you must include the key measures required to gauge the performance of your organization. Quantity of items sold and profit margin are examples of such performance indicators. A model can contain any number of regular or calculated measures, together with logical groupings that use measure folders.
Page 108: Add A Regular Measure
PowerCubes. In addition to checking the scale and assigning appropriate precision settings, ensure you verify that results for query and cube rollup operations in Cognos Transformer are displayed as you expect.
Page 109: Define A Measure Folder
Measures list, the lower-level measures still appear. Each measure must be excluded individually. Note: Measure folders in IBM Cognos Report Studio and Analysis Studio do not ® behave the same way as they do in IBM Cognos Series 7 PowerPlay .
Page 110 6. Define any other attributes of the count, such as the format and click OK. The category count appears in the Measures list of your model. The resulting cube and OLAP reports will show the number of non-missing, non-zero categories for the specified level and Activity measure. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 111: Define A Calculated Measure
Expression definition box in the right pane of the editor. For more information, see “Cognos Transformer Functions” on page 99 and Appendix F, “IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor,” on page 355. 5. When the expression is complete, click OK.
Page 112: Specify How Missing Values Appear
OLAP reporting component for the missing values. In releases of Cognos Transformer prior to version 8.3, the default setting for missing values was Zero; when that default setting was used, zeros were inserted into the OLAP reporting component for the missing values.
Page 113: Reverse The Sign Of Measure Values In Financial Models
Cognos Transformer default (NA). Upgraded models will handle missing values in the same way as they did in previous versions of Cognos Transformer. To ensure that missing values are shown appropriately, review the missing value settings for all measures before building new cubes.
Page 114: Controlling How Measures Roll Up
Note: The Cognos Transformer expression editor is not the same expression editor used in Framework Manager or the IBM Cognos studios. When you build an expression, you select elements, one by one, from the Available components list in the left pane of the expression editor and build your expression in the right pane.
Page 115: Set A Regular Rollup Function For Measures
For example, level of inventory is recorded for a specific product, at the same warehouse, in the same year, on different dates. If you select Average and the Degree of detail set for the column is Day, the identical records are summed and then divided by the number of day categories in the month.
Page 116: Create Cubes With External Rollups
3. Click OK. Create Cubes with External Rollups In Cognos Transformer, you use the rollup function to summarize measure values in the cube. If you have specific data that you do not want changed within the cube, you can use externally rolled up measures to maintain control over which values are stored and displayed.
Page 117: Set A Time State Rollup Function For Measures
missing and, by default, be reported as zero. If the special category has only one child, you can either supply a value for the special category or accept the value taken from the child. Procedure 1. After you have imported the structural and transactional data sources into your model, open the Data Source property sheet for the transactional data source and click the General tab.
Page 118 Your source data contains warehouse inventory counts for the middle and end of each month. You want an OLAP report that shows inventory at the end of each quarter. Your source data is as follows: Date Product 20060915 TR139SQ 20060930 TR139SQ 20061015 TR139SQ 20061031 TR139SQ IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 119: Ignore Null And Missing Values In Specified Time State Rollups
IgnoreMissingValue keyword to TRUE when you create or update the definition for a supported measure type. However, Cognos Transformer only supports this feature if you specify that missing values be treated as NA on the Measure property sheet. Also, you must retain the default setting for First period, Last period, and Current period.
Page 120: Set Regular And Time State Rollup Together
There are several constraints that apply when defining these two types of rollup together: v Cognos Transformer cannot perform Time state rollup for a measure when there is more than one time dimension in the model. v You cannot apply summarized views to a time dimension if the model contains a measure with Time state rollup applied.
Page 121: Consolidation
Results The first rollup, Sum, yields QTY values of 900 for 20061115 and 800 for 20061130. The second rollup, Last period, yields a QTY of 800 for 200612. Consolidation Consolidation uses rollups to combine records with identical non-measure values into a single record, thereby reducing cube size and improving run-time performance in your OLAP reporting component.
Page 122: Set A Duplicates Rollup Function For Measures
However, you can change the setting to Sum, Minimum, Maximum, Average, First, or Last. You can explicitly request consolidation by changing the Consolidate setting on the General tab of the PowerCube property sheet. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 123: Allocating Measures
If values for calculated measures are generated before rollup, Cognos Transformer cannot perform consolidation. However, you can overcome this problem by using calculated columns. Because such values are always calculated before rollup, consolidation is again possible. Procedure 1. Open the Measure property sheet and click the Rollup tab.
Page 124: Show The Scope For A Measure
When you run the Show Scope command, you see a color-coded Dimension Map that highlights relationships between the measure and levels in a dimension. This scope map helps you identify where a measure is meaningful in models based on multiple data sources. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 125: Set Dimension Allocation
Color palette. Click OK twice. Set Dimension Allocation Cognos Transformer automatically allocates a measure as a constant throughout an entire dimension when the source of the measure does not reference that dimension.
Page 126: Set Level Allocation
Procedure Using the Level property sheet for Product Line (the parent level), you set the Allocation type for theRevenue measure to By Measure. Results You check the scope map to confirm your result. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 127: Set Category Allocation
Example - Allocating a Measure to Levels in the Time Dimension You decide to allocate your annual sales forecasts on a monthly basis, in proportion to actual revenues. Procedure Using the Level property sheet for Year, the parent level of Quarter and Month, set the Allocation type for the Revenue measure to By Measure.
Page 128: Suppress Allocation
Similarly, there may be cases where you do not want categories in the next lower level to inherit the allocation type from the higher level. When you disable allocation, Cognos Transformer creates data points with missing values, which appear as zeros in your OLAP reports. You can change this default display to na instead.
Page 129: Setting Up Currency Conversion
Measure property sheet. In previous Cognos Transformer releases, the currency format specified in the Currency Table overrode all other currency format settings. Starting with Cognos Transformer version 8.x, if individual measures have a currency format specified, this format overrides the format specified in the Currency Table.
Page 130: Enabling Conversion Using A Base Currency Table
(such as euro triangulation) to follow. For more information, see “Enable Conversion Using a Euro Table” on page 118. We recommend that you always build cubes in Cognos Transformer using the system locale that matches the locale of the measures in your cube, and that you explicitly define a default currency for the data in each model.
Page 131 3. If categories have not been generated for the time dimension in your model, click Generate Categories from the Run menu. By generating categories immediately, you do not have to wait until cube creation to see the Period information in the Conversion Rates box of the Currency Table dialog box. 4.
Page 132: Enable Conversion Using A Euro Table
Currency Table. Conversion rates created for the <Base default> currency before that date are set to zero. This means they appear as NA in Cognos Transformer, as zero in Model Definition Language (MDL), and as missing or na in the reporting components.
Page 133 Otherwise, Cognos Transformer cannot differentiate between them.
Page 134 19990201,Canadian Dollars,CAN,1.5184 19990301,Canadian Dollars,CAN,1.5146 19990101,British Pound,GBR,0.6072 19990201,British Pound,GBR,0.6057 19990301,British Pound,GBR,0.6042 19990101,Japanese Yen,JPN,113.4700 19990201,Japanese Yen,JPN,113.1863 19990301,Japanese Yen,JPN,112.9033 Sample euro data follows. Note the different column names and the use of zero for the date. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 135: Update A Currency Table Manually
EURO DATE,EURO LABEL,EURO COUNTRY CODE,EURO CONVERSION RATE 0,Austrian Schilling,AUT,13.7603 0,Belgian Franc,BEL,40.3399 0,Finnish Markka,FIN,5.94573 0,French Franc,FRA,6.55957 0,German Deutsche Mark,DEU,1.95583 0,Italian Lira,ITA,1936.27 0,Dutch Guilder,NLD,2.20371 0,Spanish Peseta,ESP,166.386 19990101,U.S. Dollar,USA,1.16741 19990201,U.S. Dollar,USA,1.17028 19990301,U.S. Dollar,USA,1.17330 Conversion rates are expressed as the amount by which you multiply a unit of the given currency to convert it to a unit of the base currency.
Page 136 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 137: Chapter 6. Creating Powercubes
PowerCubes generated by Cognos Transformer version 8.x and later can be used as a data source for any IBM Cognos studio, such as Analysis Studio, Report Studio, or Metric Studio. If the PowerCube does not have IBM Cognos security, it can be used in IBM Cognos Series 7 PowerPlay products, and in IBM Cognos Business Intelligence Mobile Analysis for local (disconnected) use.
Page 138 (!), in the file name. By default, Cognos Transformer saves cubes in the My Documents/ Transformer/PowerCubes directory. You can set the default location to which Cognos Transformer saves models by changing the PowerCubes directory setting on the Directories tab of the Preferences property sheet.
Page 139: Create A Cube Group
Cognos Transformer creates and maintains two separate files to manage the time-based cube group. The first is a time-based control file (.vcd), which is an editable ASCII-format text file that references the cubes that make up the time-based group and their physical locations.
Page 140: Advantages Of A Time-Based Partitioned Cube
Disadvantages of a Time-based Partitioned Cube Category handling, sorting enhancements, and support for external rollup make time-based partitioning a useful optimization technique for production environments. However, the following restrictions apply: IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 141 v Your model can only have one time dimension. If the model has more than one time dimension, the Enable time-based partitioning check box is permanently disabled. v Dimension calculation definitions that create calculated categories are not supported. You cannot use a calculated category at the time dimension level in a time-based partitioned cube.
Page 142: Create A Time-Based Partitioned Cube Group
This performance overhead varies, depending on such factors as the number of cubes referenced by the query and the number of child categories in each parent being sorted. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 143 If the category lists do not remain stable over time, or if major changes occur between cube updates, it may be difficult for Cognos Transformer to understand and correctly interpret the context of any moved categories. That is, the integrity of the category hierarchy, or parent-child and sibling relationships, may not be reflected in each child cube.
Page 144 The following report shows sales by the sales representative Marthe for 2004 and 2005. When Marthe moved from Vancouver to Ottawa in 2006, the report displays the historical data for 2004 and 2005 in Vancouver, and the new data for 2006 in Ottawa. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 145: Customizing A Time-Based Partitioned Cube
OLAP reporting components. You can remove them entirely, or you can hide them from specific user groups defined in your configured Cognos namespace. In such cases, all measure values are retained in the cube, but the restricted dimensions cannot be accessed by the excluded users.
Page 146: Omit Dimensions From A Cube
Suppress omits a category from reports based on the cube, but retains its rollup value in ancestor categories. Apply Suppress from the category viewer or with dimension views. For special categories, Suppress is the only available option. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 147: Create A Dimension View
Suppress, and associate the view with a cube in the PowerCubes list. When a user opens the cube in PowerPlay or one of the IBM Cognos studios, the system verifies that the user has the necessary access permissions for the secured data before showing the portion of the cube defined in the custom view.
Page 148: Omit Categories Using Suppress
The values for the descendants of a suppressed category are rolled up and retained in the ancestor category. Suppressed categories, including blank categories, are still included in category counts. Values associated with them are included in rolled-up measure values. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 149: Omit Categories Using Cloak
For example, suppose that your company maintains branches throughout the world. Some branches are identified by their country or region. Others are identified by city only. In your model, you structure the Regions dimension to show levels for Retailer country or region and City. To streamline your cube, you suppress categories with no associated source data.
Page 150: Omit Categories Using Exclude
For example, suppose you want to exclude Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Asia Pacific, United States, Brazil, and Mexico categories and their descendants IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 151: Omit Descendant Categories Using Summarize
from your cube, so that users only see data for the United Kingdom and Canada. You create the dimension view and apply it to the PowerCube object. All data associated with the excluded categories is omitted from the resulting cube and its related reports.
Page 152: Omit Categories Using Apex
For more information, see “Create a Dimension View” on page 133. 2. In the Dimension pane, select your new view. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 153: Setting Up Drill-Through Targets
There are several benefits to authoring and storing the drill-through paths in IBM Cognos Connection instead of in the Cognos Transformer model: v The Cognos Transformer modeler does not need to specify any target reports or settings in the model for the purposes of drill through.
Page 154: Drill Through In Ibm Cognos Series 7
Drill-through settings in Cognos Transformer models are maintained for building PowerCubes for use in IBM Cognos Business Intelligence Mobile Analysis or in IBM Cognos Series 7 products. This is possible only when the cube is designed without custom views. Setting the drill-through properties in a Cognos Transformer model has no effect on the drill-through actions in IBM Cognos reporting or analysis.
Page 155 State=Massachusetts. For time dimensions, measure values are specified only for the most detailed leaf categories. Categories in Cognos Transformer time dimensions are expressed as ranges from the first to the last descendant. For example, the year 2006 is represented as 20060101-20061231.
Page 156 You can set up drill through to a cube on a UNIX or Linux server by creating a temporary file in the Custom reports list and entering the path of the targeted drill-through file. Procedure 1. Open the PowerCube property sheet and click the Drill Through tab. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 157: Use Alternate Data Sources For Cube Creation
The extra categories are labeled with numbers instead of proper category labels. This problem exists only when running test builds; when the complete cube is built, Cognos Transformer correctly processes all the rows from all the queries. Chapter 6. Creating PowerCubes...
Page 158: Update The Powercube Metadata
OLAP report users. You can also apply a filter in the PowerCube Status dialog box to focus on the cubes that need attention at any particular point in the cube customization process. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 159 Procedure 1. Click the PowerCubes list to make it active and then, from the Tools menu, click PowerCube Status. 2. In the PowerCube Status dialog box, select the cube whose staus you want to view. The status value is listed in the PowerCube Properties box. Chapter 6.
Page 160 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 161: Chapter 7. Adding Security
Chapter 7. Adding Security Cognos Transformer supports simultaneous user authentication and logon using the full range of supported IBM Cognos security providers. You can also add custom views to each PowerCube to grant or deny access to sensitive business intelligence information. These access controls can be customized down to the query object level: not merely to reports and cubes, but to the specific levels, categories or members, and measures within them.
Page 162: Ibm Cognos Security Objects
Users can become members of groups defined in authentication providers and groups defined in IBM Cognos. A user can belong to one or more groups. When users are members of more than one group, their access permissions are merged;...
Page 163: Create Member-Based Security
When you create a custom view, you select security objects (users, groups, and roles) configured in your IBM Cognos namespaces, and then define a specific view of the data for those security objects using dimension filtering methods, such as apexing or cloaking.
Page 164 Procedure 1. Open a model in Cognos Transformer and, from the Security menu, click Log 2. In the Logon dialog box, select the appropriate namespace from the drop-down list, and log on as an authenticated user. 3. Open the Categories diagram for your model and click the Custom Views tab.
Page 165: Update Model Security
3. When you finish removing the security objects from the custom view, click OK. Union of Custom Views For the sole purpose of migration from IBM Cognos Series 7 security to an alternate security provider, Cognos Transformer allows you to place security objects from different namespaces within a single custom view.
Page 166: Example - Two Custom Views, Each With An Apex In The Same Dimension
A user can be a member of several user groups or roles, and can belong to multiple custom views. In IBM Cognos, when a user belongs to more than one group or role and the group, roles, or user belongs to multiple custom views, the cube opens with a union of all the custom views.
Page 167: Example - Apexed Custom View Cloaked By Another Custom View In The Same Dimension
Example - Apexed Custom View Cloaked by Another Custom View in the Same Dimension This example describes the union of an apexed custom view cloaked by another custom view in the same dimension. Custom view A: apex Australia Custom view B: cloak Asia Pacific The Region dimension is temporarily modified.
Page 168: Example - Union Of Two Apexed Custom Views In Different Dimensions
A temporary common ancestor of each apex is shown in each dimension: Region and Product. The Camping Equipment for Asia Pacific is shown, as is Outdoor Protection for Americas. All other categories show NA. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 169: Example - Union Of Excluded Categories In Two Dimensions
Example - Union of Excluded Categories in Two Dimensions This example describes the union of excluded categories in two dimensions. Custom view A: exclude Camping Equipment Custom view B: exclude Asia Pacific Because custom view A is shown all categories except the Camping Equipment, and custom view B is shown all categories except Asia Pacific, the union shows all categories.
Page 170: Example - Union Of Excluded And Cloaked Categories In The Same Dimension
Region or Product are shown. Drill down produces NA values. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 171: Create Password-Protected Cubes
Create Password-protected Cubes You apply security to an entire IBM Cognos PowerCube or cube group by setting a password to restrict access to authorized users. When users access cubes and reports in their reporting component, they must enter the password in the Cube Logon dialog box to see the data.
Page 172: Block Total Values For Parent Categories With Excluded Children
Choose this option when you want to maintain the view operations applied in the IBM Cognos Series 7 user class views but not use a Series 7 namespace with the custom views, or if you do not intend to expose Series 7 as an available namespace configured in IBM Cognos.
Page 173 Choose this option when you want to maintain the view operations applied in the user class views and use the IBM Cognos Series 7 user classes, or if you want to transition to an alternate security provider but need to maintain the IBM Cognos Series 7 user class objects to ensure the transition is carried out correctly.
Page 174 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 175: Chapter 8. Powercubes In Production Environments
Cognos Transformer have the appropriate content locale. Note: When creating a multilingual package in Framework Manager that you intend to use as a data source in Cognos Transformer, you must use a design language that corresponds to the Cognos Transformer operating system language.
Page 176: Publishing Powercubes
UTF-8 code page. IBM Cognos Series 7 products are unable to read PowerCubes that use the UTF-8 code page. To build PowerCubes in a code page that is different than the current code page, you can change the Cube code page setting on the Model properties sheet.
Page 177: Publishing A Powercube Using The Wizard
This option is available only if no other data source with the same name as this PowerCube's data source exists in the location you are publishing to. 3. In the Welcome page of the IBM Cognos Publish PowerCube wizard, click Next.
Page 178 IBM Cognos reporting and analysis. In this situation, you cannot test the data source until it is in the network share location.
Page 179: Publishing A Powercube Using Settings Stored In The Model
13. Click Next. If a package with the same name has already been published to IBM Cognos Connection, you are prompted to replace the existing entry or enter a new name for the published package. Click OK to continue.
Page 180: Creating A Publish Specification To Publish One Powercube
16. In the Publish cube dialog box, click Publish the cube using current settings. The cube is published without using the wizard. Tip: If the data source or package for this cube already exists in IBM Cognos Connection, you are prompted to update the existing data source or package or create a new data source or package.
Page 181: Creating A Publish Specification To Publish All Powercubes In The Model
Creating a Publish Specification to Publish All PowerCubes in the Model Use this method to publish all cubes in the model. You create the publish specification from the Run menu in Cognos Transformer, and publish the cube from the command line. Procedure 1.
Page 182: Publishing A Cube Group
President, you may want to confirm with your administrator that package routing is enabled. After a PowerCube is built and is published to IBM Cognos Connection, your IBM Cognos BI administrator can specify the individual servers in your IBM Cognos environment to handle the PowerCube packages.
Page 183: Maintaining Models And Cubes
We strongly recommend that you keep a backup .mdl file format version of your Cognos Transformer model. If the .py? version or current .mdl version of the model develops conflicts or other issues, you will be able to revert to the backup.
Page 184: Cube Updates
The Clean House feature should be used with caution, as it may cause problems with consumers' reports in IBM Cognos. If you intend to delete inactive categories, we recommend that you advise your consumers so that they can remove those categories, or members, from their reports when they are directly referenced.
Page 185: Recovering A Failed Model
The .qy? file is deleted when processes end normally; as a result, the existence of a .qy? file indicates that Cognos Transformer terminated unexpectedly. The next time you start Cognos Transformer, you will be asked if you want to see the list of suspended models. You can either open the model at the last checkpoint before failure and continue to develop it from that point, or continue from the point where you last saved the file.
Page 186: Matching Model And Source Columns
To manually match query items to columns, select a data source item in the Source list and a column in the model, and click Match. v To allow Cognos Transformer to automatically match query items to columns, click Auto Match. Review any messages that appear and click OK.
Page 187: Move Categories When Source Data Changes
To allow Cognos Transformer to automatically match query items to columns, select the columns in the model and click Auto Match. 6. If Cognos Transformer provides one or more locations in the data source that may be appropriate for unmatched columns, do one of the following: v If one of the locations is an appropriate match, select the location and click Next or Finish.
Page 188: Cleaning Up Your Models And Cubes
In IBM Cognos, any categories that do not move under a different parent will have the effect of a changed member unique name for that category. When reports that directly reference this category or member are run, the report consumer will receive an error.
Page 189 The optimization methods include: v Auto-partition Auto-partition is the default optimization method. With Auto-partition, you can let Cognos Transformer determine where to place the partitions or you can define the partitions manually. Some situations may prevent the use of Auto-partition optimization. In these situations, Cognos Transformer uses Categories optimization.
Page 190 180 and “Partition Manually (if Required)” on page 182. v Categories This is an older optimization method that is used by Cognos Transformer when cubes are incrementally updated. The Categories method can handle certain model conditions, such as a before-rollup calculated measure or selecting no consolidation when processing records for a cube.
Page 191 2. From the Welcome page, click Create a new model to use the New Model wizard to add the largest structural data source to your model. Tip: If you are already in Cognos Transformer, click New from the File menu. 3. From the Edit menu, click Insert Data Source and add the additional structural data sources to the Data Sources list.
Page 192 The Clean House feature should be used with caution, as it may cause problems with consumers' reports in IBM Cognos. If you intend to delete inactive categories, we recommend that you advise your consumers so that they can remove those categories, or members, from their reports when they are directly referenced.
Page 193: Modifying A Powercube
In either of these cases, we recommend that you repartition your model. v After the first incremental update, Cognos Transformer reverts to using the less-effective Categories method, rather than the Auto-partitioning method. Chapter 8. PowerCubes in Production Environments...
Page 194: Choosing A Partitioning Strategy
By default, Cognos Transformer automatically partitions your cubes. However, if your cubes are very large or unusually structured, or if you have particular reporting needs, you may want to designate one or more dimensions for manual partitioning, provided these dimensions have sufficient depth.
Page 195 Constraints In developing your partitioning strategy, consider the following constraints: v You cannot use auto-partitioning if Consolidate is disabled on the General tab of the PowerCube property sheet, or if Optimization is set to any method other than Auto-Partition or Default, such as Categories or Direct create. v Auto-partitioning is disabled if your model has a custom view with a cloaked primary-drill category.
Page 196 The default number of categories is 500,000 but you can reduce this number in incremental steps, testing various settings until you achieve acceptable run-time performance. When you build your cube, Cognos Transformer automatically groups all categories into partitions of this size, in a way that is optimal for your model.
Page 197 Procedure 1. Let Cognos Transformer auto-partition your cube, leaving the optimization settings at their defaults. 2. In the resulting log file, note the partition points selected by the auto-partitioning algorithm. Generally, the dimensions with the most levels offer the greatest possibility for consolidation.
Page 198 4. You decide to add individual Country or Region categories to the same partition as that assigned to the parent, to further optimize partitioning. You then recheck query performance, but conclude it is still unsatisfactory. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 199 Cognos Transformer model (.mdl or .py? file) and PowerCube (.mdc or .mdl file), so that IBM Cognos support staff can confirm the status and record distribution of all partitioned categories v information about which dimensions are most queried at run-time, and how deep those queries tend to be;...
Page 200: Updating Published Powercubes And Powercube Connections
Updating Published PowerCubes and PowerCube Connections After a Cognos Transformer PowerCube is rebuilt or updated, you can make the newer version of the cube available to IBM Cognos studios using the copy and activate method from the Cognos Transformer user interface. This method of updating published PowerCubes is fully automated, which reduces the risk of errors that may cause connection problems when users attempt to access the cubes.
Page 201: Copying And Activating A Newer Version Of A Published Powercube
To copy and activate a PowerCube, Cognos Transformer does the following for each deployment location: v If this is the first time the cube has been copied and activated, Cognos Transformer creates a small file named cube_name.mdc that represents the PowerCube.
Page 202 4. From the After building the cube list, choose the copy and activation strategy to be applied each time the cube is rebuilt: v Select Prompt to copy and activate to have Cognos Transformer prompt for confirmation before deploying and activating the rebuilt cube.
Page 203: Activating A Published Powercube Using Pcactivate
PowerCube is located to include a version reference number v creates a version (.ver) file that directs the IBM Cognos studios to access the updated version of the cube v deletes all other .ver files for the cube The next time the published cube is accessed, the newer version is accessed automatically.
Page 204 IBM Cognos Administration. Using the previous example, the location would be C:\Cubes. For example, type: pcactivate Product.mdc C:\Cubes...
Page 205: Chapter 9. Guidelines For Optimizing Production Environments
Building PowerCubes in UNIX or Linux Cognos Transformer on Windows is the OLAP modeling component to use when designing and testing your prototype model, or when creating and reporting from cubes based on local data sources.
Page 206: Guidelines For Model Design, Cube Creation, And System Maintenance Process
OLAP reporting performance. Setting Up Data Sources for UNIX and Linux Cubes Your models must be able to read data sources from the server where Cognos Transformer is running. Because Cognos Transformer is intended for production environments, it is likely that these data sources contain large volumes of data.
Page 207: Using Ibm Cognos Reports To Create A Data Source
IBM Cognos Series 7 platforms. IQD files are not a supported data source on Linux and HPUX Itanium platforms. If you use data sources other than IQD files or IBM Cognos package and report data sources, you must set up separate physical sources of flat file data sources on the local computer used for the prototype, and on your UNIX or Linux server.
Page 208: Adding Security To A Unix Or Linux Cube
For more information, see the Cognos Transformer Developer Guide and the Administration and Security Guide. Note: If you are using a Series 7 Access Manager namespace with Cognos Transformer, Content Manager must be on an IBM Cognos Series 7 -supported platform.
Page 209: Preferences
The following settings specify directories required by Transfomer. <Preference Name="ModelWorkDirectory" Value="path1;path2;..."/> This setting specifies where Cognos Transformer creates the temporary file while you work on your model. The default path is the value of ModelSaveDirectory. Chapter 9. Guidelines for Optimizing Production Environments...
Page 210 The files are created in the order specified in the list of paths. <Preference Name="DataSourceDirectory" Value="path1;path2;..."/> This setting specifies where Cognos Transformer searches for data source files other than .iqd files. The default is the installation_location/c10/data directory. <Preference Name="CubeSaveDirectory" Value="path1;path2;..."/>...
Page 211 – the message text The text of each message includes header information, the ID of the object being processed (in hex notation), and messages about Cognos Transformer processes and timing. Messages marked "Timing" are especially useful to analyze as a series of processing events.
Page 212 This setting specifies the cut-off date that determines whether the two-digit year (YY) in a six-digit date is a 20th or 21st century date. Cognos Transformer interprets values below the cut-off as 21st century dates and values at or above the cut-off as 20th century dates.
Page 213 This improves performance during the data read phase. In addition, multiprocessing is supported for Unicode flat files. In version 8.4, flat files use the IBM Cognos Series 7 type of multiprocessing, which is less efficient, while packages and reports have no multiprocessing at all.
Page 214: Environment Variables
Variable substitution is not performed on the values of environment variables. Shared Library Variables To run Cognos Transformer on UNIX or Linux, the loader requires that the library path variable specify the location of the shared libraries. The library path variable for each supported operating system is as follows.
Page 215: Scheduling Batch Unix And Linux Production Jobs
If you update cubes incrementally and a cube update fails, if you try to repeat the most recent incremental update, some records from the update may already have been written to the cube. Restarting the process causes Cognos Transformer to add these records to the cube twice, producing inaccuracies.
Page 216: Example - Restarting A Failed Process From A Checkpoint File
For example, suppose you are running a quarterly model update with new data. Cognos Transformer is unable to locate one of the source files for a data source in the model, and the model update fails. You use the checkpoint file to restart processing at the point of failure.
Page 217: Multiprocessing With Cognos Transformer Server
Size of all source files 2.28 GB Enabled options crosstab-caching and auto-partitioning (5 passes with 500,000-record size limit) The following grid shows the model design, as seen on the Cognos Transformer (Windows) interface: Country or Country or Transportation HR Code...
Page 218: Memory Allocation
You can achieve additional gains by reconfiguring the hard drive of your build server to optimize I/O processing. You should allocate at least three physical disk drives to your Cognos Transformer system, subdividing the processing as follows: v Drive 1: operating system and the cogtr program...
Page 219: Allocating Sufficient Space For The Temporary Files
We recommend that you point the Sort directory to the same location as the Data Temporary File, with all other Cognos Transformer directory locations pointing to another drive. You should then use a system performance monitor, during the cube build, to check the amount of available disk space in the three cube build phases.
Page 220: Redistributing Files
– On UNIX/Linux, set the sort buffer size using the WorkFileSortSize preference in the cogtr.xml file. Note: This preference applies only when the Cognos Transformer Version 8.4 sort method is used (WorkFileSortMethodis set to 0). This preference does not apply when the Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.0 sort method is used (WorkFileSortMethodis set to 1).
Page 221: Optimization Of Gateway Settings For Ibm Cognos Series 7 Iqds
Optimization of Gateway Settings for IBM Cognos Series 7 IQDs To further shorten the data read phase for IBM Cognos Series 7 IQDs, you can change the database-specific settings found in the gateway .ini files included in the Cognos Transformer installation directory.
Page 222: Using The Log File To Analyze Processing Bottlenecks
Using the Log File to Analyze Processing Bottlenecks The Cognos Transformer log file provides useful information to help you diagnose the cause of processing bottlenecks during cube builds. Complete the following procedure: 1. Import these delimited-field data log files into a spreadsheet, such as Microsoft...
Page 223: Appendix A. Command Line Options
AutoDesign, build a model, create a cube, and display the results in a supported reporting component v open the Cognos Transformer executable without showing a splash screen v open the Cognos Transformer executable with the Main windows minimized Note: On Windows, cogtr builds cubes in the model by default.
Page 224: Command Line Syntax
Notes When using command line options, the following considerations apply: v On Windows, you can use -n with some options to run Cognos Transformer in batch mode. v The option in the command line always starts with a dash (-).
Page 225: Command Line Options
Command Line Options Cognos Transformer supports the following Windows and UNIX and Linux command line options. Detailed explanations are provided in the subsections that follow. Command line options are case-insensitive. Option Meaning Runs AutoDesign then creates a cube, opens PowerPlay (Windows), and displays the report.
Page 226 -ox -pfilename.py?|-mfilename.mdl Restriction: Use on Windows only. Opens the specified binary model file, .py?, where the question mark (?) is replaced by the character that is used in your version of Cognos Transformer -pfilename.py? Restriction: Not valid with an MDL file.
Page 227: A Option
Restriction: Use with -c, -m, or -p. On Windows, use with -n. Updates the column and measure scales based on the data source. -x -mfilename.mdl Specifies how IBM Cognos Series 7 user-class security conversion is performed. v Use -y1 to preserve both the Series 7 user classes and custom views associated with the IBM Cognos Series 7 model.
Page 228: C Option
-c -mgo_sales.mdl -d option This option sets a new value for a Cognos Transformer user preference. The value overrides settings from the Preferences property sheet for this instance only. No space may appear between the -d option and its argument. The argument is case-sensitive and must match the value specified in the cogtr.xml file.
Page 229 Windows production jobs, we recommend that you create your own preference file based on the settings in the cogtr.xml file. You can then reference this file, using the -f option, to run batch Cognos Transformer jobs. Similarly, on UNIX and Linux, you can set global preferences using environment variables.
Page 230 ModelWorkDirectory Default: The temp subdirectory in the installation_location/c10 directory MultiFileCubeThreshold Default: 0 (disabled) Minimum: 0 Maximum: 4294967295 OrderByCategoryLabeling Default: 0 (disabled) PPDS_READ_MEMORY Default: 8000000 Minimum: 1000000 PPDS_WRITE_MEMORY Default: 4000000 Minimum: 1000000 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 231: E Option
This option specifies the user-defined preference file or files to use. If you do not include the full directory path with the file name, Cognos Transformer searches the executable directory of your most recently installed rendition of the product for the required .xml file.
Page 232 <Preference Name="File3" Value="GreatOutdoorsCompany_Slow_v1.mdl"/> <Preference Name="File4" Value="testcube.mdl"/> </Section> </Sections> v a Commands section, which will be empty in most cases. The Commands section passes commands to Cognos Transformer when it is used in batch mode. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 233 The following diagram shows the XML schema. The following example shows multiple preferences and commands being passed to Cognos Transformer. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>  <Settings xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="cogtr_format_v2.xsd" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <Sections> <Section Name="Transformer"> <Preference Name="DataWorkDirectory" Value="..\temp"/>...
Page 234 “Publishing PowerCubes” on page 162. The following table describes the parameters specified in the publish specification file. Parameter name Description The name of the PowerCube in the model. CubeName This is a mandatory value. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 235 Parameter name Description The name of the data source. This is a CognosConnectionDataSourceName mandatory value. The set will fail if it is not defined. Default: The name in the model The Windows location of the data source. DataSourceWindowsLocation Default: The current cube location on Windows The UNIX and Linux location of the data DataSourceUnixLinuxLocation...
Page 236 If you want to re-publish a cube that was originally published using the command line, you can do this using either the Cognos Transformer user interface or the command line after changing the DataSourceUpdate and PackageUpdate parameters in the publish specification file to TRUE.
Page 237 Including Cognos Transformer Prompts in an XML Command File You can include prompts in an XML command file. You must use the following command line in order for Cognos Transformer to read the file: cogtr -fcommand file name where command file name contains a sequence of statements that define prompt values.
Page 238 A multi-valued prompt is a variable that has a number of different values. For example <Parameter Name="Multi-valued-variable"> <Values> <Value>Value1</Value> <Value>Value2</Value> <Value>Value3</Value> </Values> </Parameter> Range Prompt: A range prompt is a type of multi-valued prompt. It contains a Range-from and a Range-to value. For example IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 239: G Option
-ox option. Note: The -ox option can only be used on Windows. The powercube_name parameter represents the name of the cube in the Cognos Transformer model. If powercube_name specifies a cube group that is not a time-based partitioned cube, all child cubes of the cube group are copied to the deployment location and activated.
Page 240: H Option
In batch mode, you can use the -i option to bypass the prompt and force Cognos Transformer to open the original model file instead of the checkpoint file.
Page 241: K Option
Multiple IQD data sources can use the same signon object. Note: You can view these signons in the Cognos Transformer user interface, but you cannot change them. The syntax for using the -k option is as follows:...
Page 242: L Option
Recommendation - Take Steps to Avoid a Plain Text Password When Using the -k Option If you use the -k option to pass user IDs and passwords to the Cognos Transformer command line, you must take precautions to avoid a plain text password.
Page 243: M Option
You can create as many signons as the number of namespaces that your users need to log on to in IBM Cognos BI. For Cognos Transformer to use the signon automatically, enable the Set As Auto Logon property.
Page 244: Nologo Option
On UNIX and Linux, it loads the model file, but turns off population of the model with data and cube creation. On Windows, use this option in combination with -n to open Cognos Transformer, perform the specified action in batch mode, and then close Cognos Transformer.
Page 245: Ox Option
The following example builds the cube and saves changes in a different file, which is Model.mdl: cogtr -n -s Model.pyj/Model.mdl The following UNIX example starts Cognos Transformer, processes the MDL verb commands in the file monthly_update.mdl, obtains preference settings from the file, trnsfrm_prd.prf, and saves the model: cogtr -pgo_sales_jan.pyj -mmonthly_update.mdl -ftrnsfrm_prd.prf...
Page 246: S Option
Cognos Transformer. cogtr -n -s -mRoofing.mdl The following UNIX example starts Cognos Transformer, parses a text model file (.mdl), and saves the changes in a binary model file (.py?). cogtr -mgo_sales.mdl -sgo_sales.pyj...
Page 247: U Option
-p filename.py?|-mfilename.mdl The powercube_name parameter represents the name of the cube in the Cognos Transformer model. If powercube_name specifies a cube group that is not a time-based partitioned cube, all child cubes of the cube group are copied to the deployment location and activated.
Page 248: X Option
IBM Cognos Series 7 user class. This option is supported only for migration testing, and cannot be used to deploy cubes in production environments.
Page 249 IBM Cognos. The unique identifier that locates the user class in Access Manager is converted to an IBM Cognos identifier, and this process will fail if you use this option with a different Series 7 namespace.
Page 250: Backward Compatibility
Sample Windows Preference Files for IBM Cognos Series 7 The command line preference files for Windows in this version of Cognos Transformer are the same as those for previous versions with one exception: IBM Cognos Series 7 preference files had a PowerPlay Transformer section preceding the preferences list.
Page 251: Sample Unix And Linux Preference Files For Ibm Cognos Series 7
Sample UNIX and Linux Preference Files for IBM Cognos Series 7 Cognos Transformer command line preference files for UNIX and Linux are the same as those for previous versions. The following is an example of a transformer.rc file: LogFileDirectory=./../logs...
Page 252 WorkFileSortSize=8000000 EnablePCOptimizer=TRUE TransdaPath= TransdabPath= CenturyBreak=20 KeepDataFiles=1 LoaderInterval= LoaderTimeOut= LoaderFileSize= MultiFileCubeThreshold=0 HaltOnSecurityError=FALSE IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 253: Appendix B. Troubleshooting
Windows interface, and a possible solution or workaround. If you are working on the Windows interface when a process fails or when Cognos Transformer encounters an invalid entry or request, one or more error messages usually appear.
Page 254: Unable To Use An Iqd Created In Framework Manager That Contains An Oracle Stored Procedure
This is because .mdl-format models do not support the use of single and double quotation marks together, if the ObjectIDOutput flag is set to True, which is the default model creation setting. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 255: Framework Manager And Transformer May Display Different Locale Session Parameters For Some Languages
You can only create calculated columns using the Insert Column feature. For more information, see "Define a Calculated Column" in the Transformer User Guide. This does not affect how calculated columns are imported from an IBM Cognos Series 7 model into Transformer. Existing calculated columns originally created in IBM Cognos Series 7 will be imported correctly.
Page 256: Categories Missing When Creating A Transformer Model Based On An Sap Query Containing A Manually Created Sap Structure
After publishing a PowerCube using the Publish wizard in Transformer, the PowerCube file is locked for a few minutes by the IBM Cognos server. If you attempt to rebuild the cube during this time, the cube build may fail, with Transformer error TR0787 indicating that the cube is being used by another application.
Page 257: Known Issues When Using Powercubes In The Ibm Cognos Studios
IBM Cognos BI environment, you must generate the cubes and then publish the cube group. Procedure 1. Open the Employee expenses model in IBM Cognos Transformer. 2. Generate the PowerCubes.
Page 258: Analysis Studio Shows The Wrong Currency Symbol
</provider> Changes to Decimals in Currency Formats When you open a PowerCube in an IBM Cognos studio or in IBM Cognos Business Intelligence Mobile Analysis version 8.3, you may notice changes in the number of default decimal places shown in currency formats.
Page 259: Ragged Or Unbalanced Hierarchies Result In Unexpected Behavior
For example, if the Actual Revenue measure format specifies two decimal places and the USD currency in the currency table specifies no decimal places, two decimal places will appear in the USD currency value. v Calculations that include a division operator and at least one currency operand will now show a resulting value with three decimal places only when –...
Page 260: Unable To Publish A Powercube
Republishing a sample PowerCube may cause the reports that are based on the PowerCube to fail. If you want to republish a sample PowerCube, republish it using a different name. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 261: Appendix C. Ibm Cognos Transformer Error Messages
TR0104 A user was expected but not found. Either you have referred to a user by an object name or object identifier that Cognos Transformer is unable to locate, or you have not referenced the user. This error occurs when a script that uses Model Definition Language (MDL) requires an object that Cognos Transformer cannot find.
Page 262: Tr0106
For more information, see Chapter 7, “Adding Security,” on page 147. TR0106 Custom views are not allowed to perform the operation you requested. You have tried to perform an operation that Cognos Transformer does not support. For more information, see Chapter 7, “Adding Security,” on page 147. TR0107 You cannot view the categories in a dimension that an ancestor custom view has restricted.
Page 263: Tr0109
This error message may appear when you make updates to a model using an MDL script. Under normal circumstances, the Cognos Transformer Windows interface prevents you from including a measure that is excluded in an ancestor custom view. Procedure 1. Verify that the MDL script is correct, and that you have specified the correct object identifier for each of the objects referenced.
Page 264: Tr0111
Procedure Close as many open applications as possible. If this fails to correct the problem, save your model, exit, and then restart Cognos Transformer. You may need to restart Windows. If this is a recurring problem, you may need to augment computer memory in order to continue working on the model or PowerCube.
Page 265: Tr0113
TR0114 Cognos Transformer cannot write in the model temporary file. Please check if there is enough free disk space in the temporary directory. This error usually indicates that there is insufficient disk space for the temporary work files.
Page 266: Tr0128
2. If you are using Cognos Transformer to generate a PowerCube on an HP-UX 10 server computer, and the data source is an .iqd file that accesses a Sybase database, ensure that the following requirements are met: v Open Client must be installed on the HP-UX server computer.
Page 267: Tr0137
Cognos Transformer has created a key orphanage in the target level for a cube group. This can happen in models for which the following conditions exist: v The model uses multiple data sources.
Page 268: Tr0202
This action was taken to avoid syntax errors in MDL. When Cognos Transformer generates MDL, it uses double quotes to define the model. This message informs you that double quotes in the source data have been changed to single quotes so that Cognos Transformer can distinguish between the source data and the structure of the model.
Page 269: Tr0208
This allows the consolidated records to be written to the cube as specified. If Cognos Transformer were to perform its own consolidation pass, there would not be sufficient detail in the PowerCube records to perform the before rollup calculation correctly.
Page 270: Tr0214
BLOB (Binary Large Object) fields, which Cognos Transformer does not support Procedure If your source file is an .iqd file, and you have IBM Cognos Impromptu installed, rerun the report in Impromptu and ensure that data is being returned. TR0215 The PowerCube cube_name (and n others) may require consolidation.
Page 271: Tr0301
TR0301 There are no columns for AutoDesign to use. Cognos Transformer is unable to locate columns for use in the AutoDesign process. Procedure Ensure that the columns in the data sources for your model have not been deleted.
Page 272: Tr0412
TR0420 A PowerCube group was expected but not found. Either you have referred to a PowerCube group by an object name or object identifier that Cognos Transformer is unable to locate, or you have not referenced the PowerCube group. This error occurs when a script that uses Model Definition Language (MDL) requires an object and is unable to find it.
Page 273: Tr0476
TR0476 A category set was expected but not found. Either you have referred to a category set by an object name or object identifier that Cognos Transformer is unable to locate, or you have not referenced the category set. This error occurs when a script that uses Model Definition Language (MDL) requires an object and is unable to find it.
Page 274: Tr0503
When creating or modifying a category manually, in a manual level, you have changed the category code so that it conflicts with an existing category code. By default, Cognos Transformer will try to assign a unique category code to each of the categories you create.
Page 275: Tr0507
The category values in a convergence level that connects multiple drill-down paths must be unique. Similarly, in order for Cognos Transformer to be able to directly relate source column values to categories in a level, the category values in that level must be unique.
Page 276: Tr0514
You can only create subdimensions below categories that are in a source level. You have tried to create a subdimension based on a category in a manual level. Cognos Transformer does not permit the creation of a subdimension below a manually-created category.
Page 277: Tr0523
TR0525 A category was expected but not found. Either you have referred to a category by an object name or object identifier that Cognos Transformer is unable to locate, or you have not referenced the category. Appendix C. IBM Cognos Transformer Error Messages...
Page 278: Tr0528
Procedure 1. You can verify Cognos Transformer object names and identifiers on the Windows interface. To make them visible, select the Object name and Object identifier check boxes on the Titles tab of the Preferences property sheet. The object name and identifier will appear in the title bar at the top of each property sheet, and also in a tool tip when your pointer hovers over an object.
Page 279: Tr0536
PowerCube. As a result, partition level numbers cannot be assigned to these category types. However, you can assign a partition level number to the root category of a subdimension. Appendix C. IBM Cognos Transformer Error Messages...
Page 280: Tr0540
A drill-down category cannot be filtered. This error occurs when you create a Model Definition Language (MDL) script that tries to exclude a drill category. The Cognos Transformer Windows interface does not allow you to exclude a drill category. Procedure To avoid this problem, when you reference an object in MDL, make sure you use the correct object identifier or object name.
Page 281: Tr0605
TR0605 A column was expected but not found. Either you have referred to a column by an object name or object identifier that Cognos Transformer is unable to locate, or you have not referenced the column. This error occurs when MDL syntax requires an object and is unable to find it. In this case, the object is a column.
Page 282: Tr0613
Procedure 1. If your data source is an .iqd file and you have IBM Cognos Impromptu installed, you can resolve the problem in the source file. Change the data definition for the column using the string-to-number function, save the .iqd file, and then use Cognos Transformer to replace the faulty column.
Page 283: Tr0624
If you reorder, add, delete, or rename the items in the data source, Cognos Transformer detects that the columns in the model no longer match those in the data source, and flags any mismatches in the Modify Columns dialog box.
Page 284: Matching Model And Source Columns For Ibm Cognos Data Sources
To allow Cognos Transformer to automatically match query items to columns, select the columns in the model and click Auto Match. 6. If Cognos Transformer provides one or more locations in the data source that may be appropriate for unmatched columns, do one of the following: v If one of the locations is an appropriate match, select the location and click Next or Finish.
Page 285: Tr0701
Cognos Transformer Developer Guide. TR0702 You cannot delete this PowerCube because it belongs to a cube group. Cognos Transformer will not allow you to delete a cube that belongs to a cube group. Procedure Instead of deleting the entire cube from the group, you can create a dimension view that excludes the data associated with the category you want to remove.
Page 286: Tr0713
Moreover, no new data exists in data source B to provide a new target category. As a result, Cognos Transformer places the orphaned category under a key orphanage, starting at the target level, and a cube for that key orphanage is generated.
Page 287: Tr0749
TR0749 The currency table populate failed. This error occurs when Cognos Transformer cannot find the source files needed to populate the currency table. Procedure To resolve the problem, ensure that the data file name and path are correct or, if the currency source is an .iqd file, check the database connection string.
Page 288: Tr0753
Level level_name has no date function. Cognos Transformer will not generate any date categories if they follow a non-date level. A non-date level is positioned in the time dimension in such a way that Cognos Transformer is unable to generate categories for any lower levels that may have date functions specified.
Page 289: Tr0803
More than 1000 date categories have been generated from your specifications. Do you want to continue generating date categories? You have asked Cognos Transformer to generate date categories in a time dimension. After one thousand categories, you are prompted with this warning, to give you the opportunity to stop category generation and free up system resources for other types of processing.
Page 290: Tr0807
When specifying date level functions in a time dimension, lunar time periods and calendar time periods cannot be combined within a single drill-down path. For example, it is invalid to have lunar years and calendar months in the same drill-down path. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 291: Tr0811
The current period for dimension dimension_name was not changed because category category_code was not found. You have tried to change the current date from the command line using the -t option. Cognos Transformer was unable to find the category code specified on the command line. Procedure Verify that you specified the correct category code for the category you want to use to set the current date.
Page 292: Tr0815
TR0816 A signon was expected but not found. Either you have referred to a signon by an object name or object identifier that Cognos Transformer is unable to locate, or you have not referenced the signon. This error occurs when MDL syntax requires an object and is unable to find it. In this case, the object is a signon.
Page 293: Tr0904
The associated column that is specified for dimension dimension_name cannot be found in the Data Sources list. Cognos Transformer is unable to find a column to match the one specified as the column associated with a regular time dimension. This can happen when...
Page 294 Procedure You can verify Cognos Transformer object names and identifiers on the Windows interface. To make them visible, select the Object name and Object identifier check boxes on the Titles tab of the Preferences property sheet. The object name and identifier will appear in the title bar at the top of each property sheet, and also in a tool tip when your pointer hovers over an object.
Page 295 You have tried to use an.iqd file as a data source, but the contents of the .iqd file have become corrupted. Procedure Verify that you are using the correct .iqd file. If you have IBM Cognos Impromptu installed, try to recreate the file, or investigate using Framework Manager to resolve the problem.
Page 296 Windows interface, you can search the index for information about these error messages, organized by TR number. Procedure For information about the MDL syntax to use, see the Cognos Transformer Developer Guide. TR1106 The object for the object ID given on line n is the wrong type in file file_name.
Page 297 TR1310 A measure was expected but not found. Either you have referred to a measure by an object name or object identifier that Cognos Transformer is unable to locate, or you have not referenced the measure. This error occurs when MDL syntax requires an object and is unable to find it. In this case, the object is a measure.
Page 298 Measure measure_name can be in multiple data sources, but only if the lowest levels in each regular dimension associated with those data sources are identical. This error is generated when Cognos Transformer detects a measure that obtains source values from columns in two or more data sources, but the data sources are not associated with the same levels and dimensions.
Page 299 TR1502 A data source was expected but not found. Either you have referred to a data source by an object name or object identifier that Cognos Transformer is unable to locate, or you have not referenced the data source. This error occurs when MDL syntax requires an object and is unable to find it. In this case, the object is a data source.
Page 300 Procedure To resolve the problem, you can restore the model from a .mdl backup file, or upgrade to the current version of Cognos Transformer (.pyj) and migrate your models as .mdl files. TR1700 The category category_name in the dimension dimension_name has n immediate descendants.
Page 301 FAILED. If you then attempt to recreate the cube, Cognos Transformer will not allow the operation because the cube may already contain some of the data from the most recent increment.
Page 302 TR2307 A level was expected but not found. Either you have referred to a level by an object name or object identifier that Cognos Transformer is unable to locate, or you have not referenced the level. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 303 Procedure You can verify Cognos Transformer object names and identifiers on the Windows interface. To make them visible, select the Object name and Object identifier check boxes on the Titles tab of the Preferences property sheet. The object name and identifier will appear in the title bar at the top of each property sheet, and also in a tool tip when your pointer hovers over an object.
Page 304 Cognos Transformer detects that it is not v there is some other problem with the source data...
Page 305 Cognos Transformer detects that it is not v there is some other problem with the source data...
Page 306 Cognos Transformer detects that it is not v there is some other problem with the source data...
Page 307 Procedure You can verify Cognos Transformer object names and identifiers on the Windows interface. To make them visible, select the Object name and Object identifier check boxes on the Titles tab of the Preferences property sheet. The object name and identifier will appear in the title bar at the top of each property sheet, and also in a tool tip when your pointer hovers over an object.
Page 308 TR2502 A view was expected but not found. Either you have referred to a view by an object name or object identifier that Cognos Transformer is unable to locate, or you have not referenced the view. This error occurs when MDL syntax requires an object and is unable to find it. In this case, the object is a view.
Page 309 These default dimension views are created for every dimension, and are used to include or exclude entire dimensions from a PowerCube. Procedure To avoid this problem, do not delete, reorder, or rename these predefined views. Appendix C. IBM Cognos Transformer Error Messages...
Page 310 These default dimension views are created for every dimension, and are used to include or exclude entire dimensions from a PowerCube. Procedure To avoid this problem, do not delete, reorder, or rename these predefined views. TR2600 An error occurred during the creation of a PowerCube. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 311 1. Check the location of the temporary files, as specified on the Directories tab of the Preferences property sheet; for example, Data Temporary Files (dir1;dir2). If a directory is not specified, Cognos Transformer saves data temporary files in the data files location specified in IBM Cognos Configuration.
Page 312: Tr2701
You have asked Cognos Transformer to view any suspended models that exist, and Cognos Transformer cannot locate any suspended models. By default, Cognos Transformer stores suspended models with the extension .qy? in your temporary directory. Procedure If you know that suspended models should exist because Cognos Transformer failed at some point, search your path for files with the .qy? extension.
Page 313: Tr2702
If the level you want to associate with the column contains only unique category values, select the Unique check box on the Source tab of the Level property sheet. This allows Cognos Transformer to directly associate the values from the column with the level. Cognos Transformer can then use columns from other data sources to obtain values for the ancestor categories.
Page 314: Tr2705
Measure measure_name1 is referenced by the calculated measure measure_name2. These measures must have the same rollup timing. You have specified calculated measures, one of which references the other, and which have conflicting rollup timings. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 315: Tr2708
There are no data sources set for category generation. You have tried to either generate categories or create PowerCubes when no data sources are set to be run as part of the process. Appendix C. IBM Cognos Transformer Error Messages...
Page 316: Tr2712
For example, if you allocate Measure A using values for Measure B, you cannot then allocate another measure (Measure C) using values for Measure B if Measure C is already allocated using Measure A values. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 317: Tr2715
Cube Group. This category cannot have a partition specified. The Check Model tool has detected a condition in which a dimension view has caused one or more categories to become the lowest-level active categories in a Appendix C. IBM Cognos Transformer Error Messages...
Page 318: Tr2718
To resolve the problem, ensure that the items in the Data Sources list use the same sort order that Cognos Transformer uses when processing the data. Make the required adjustments to place your structural data sources at the top of the list, followed by the transactional sources.
Page 319: Tr2723
Cognos Transformer does not allow dimension views that use Summarize or Cloak for time dimensions that specify a time-state rollup for one or more measures. Procedure To resolve the problem, do one of the following: v Eliminate the summarized or cloaked view from the time dimension.
Page 320: Tr2726
Data Source data_source_name is an .iqd definition which references database database_name. This database has no database type specified. Cognos Transformer is unable to locate a database type for an .iqd file, such as OR for Oracle or CT for Sybase Client Library.
Page 321: Tr2729
Procedure Check the entry for the database in IBM Cognos Configuration or the [PowerPlay Server List] section of the .ini file. It must match the database definition specified in IBM Cognos Impromptu when the .iqd file was created. TR2729 Measure measure_name has a time state rollup specified. This measure does not touch the lowest level in dimension dimension_name causing time state rollup values to be zero in any cubes that reference this measure.
Page 322: Tr2733
Procedure To resolve the problem, open the PowerCube Status dialog box from the Tools menu and enable at least one PowerCube so that Cognos Transformer can proceed with the cube creation process. TR2735 Measure measure_name1 has an average regular rollup with a weighted measure measure_name2 specified.
Page 323: Tr2736
The measure used to provide the weighting for another measure is not found in the same data source. Because Cognos Transformer analyzes one data source at a time, both measures must exist in the same data source.
Page 324: Tr3101
Access Manager namespace that the IBM Cognos Series 7 model was designed with. Procedure In IBM Cognos, use the Series 7 namespace that you used to create the IBM Cognos Series 7 user class views. TR3311 An error occurred during data retrieval from the database. If available, refer to the Details for more information.
Page 325 If you have specified incorrect parameters for your function, this error message will appear. For example, the Cognos Transformer-specific share function requires the first parameter to be a child category of the second parameter. Reversing the order of the child and parent categories within this function causes an error in the predefined syntax.
Page 326 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 327: Appendix D. Reference
This section provides a description of the Cognos Transformer user interface, as well as additional information about the interface, modeling concepts, and database terminology to help you create PowerCubes for use in IBM Cognos. This information supplements the more task-oriented topics, providing context-sensitive help that can be accessed directly from the product.
Page 328 The IBM Cognos package or report is a container source against which queries are defined. When the data source is a query based on an IBM Cognos package or report, other information, such as the filters and attributes used in each query, may also be shown for the appropriate subordinate level.
Page 329: Data Source Viewer And Sql Tab
The Data Source Viewer shows sample data from your data source. When the data source is an IQD data source or a query based on an IBM Cognos package or report, the SQL statement for your data is also shown. The SQL tab provides a preview of the data in Structured Query Language (SQL) form for the selected data source.
Page 330 The following dimension map icons are used to indicate the type of dimension or level. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 331: Scope Maps
Icon Description a time dimension a locked dimension a manual level Ellipsis points (...) following a level name indicates a subdimension. When modeling on the dimension map, you can v create a dimension map that reflects the structure of your dimensional data source v drag a column from the Data Sources list to the dimension map to create a new level or dimension...
Page 332: Category Counts
Diagrams You can click Show Diagram from the Diagram menu or click the toolbar button. This will show v dimensions and dimension views in a tree structure on the Dimensions tab (left pane) IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 333 Cognos namespace on the Custom Views tab (left pane) v all the levels and categories in the selected dimension, in the category viewer (right pane) You can access the main menu, toolbar buttons, and pop-up menus from any pane and use these controls to fine-tune your model.
Page 334: Allocation Types
Category Actions in Diagrams You can set category actions in the diagram. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 335 The Cloak action eliminates categories and their descendants, but rolls up their values for representation in the parent category. The Cognos Transformer diagram shows categories and hides their descendants. Report users can drill down only to the parent of the cloaked category.
Page 336: Category Inclusion Settings
The following table lists the available Inclusion settings and provides a description of each. Tip: You may not see all the settings listed in Cognos Transformer. The settings that are available depend on the item you selected (level, category, drill category, or special category).
Page 337: Date Formats And Functions
- PowerHouse portable subfiles, with a column marked as date in the subfile dictionary Where the data source does not define the date format, such as in text files, Cognos Transformer assumes the format to be YYYYMMDD. Appendix D. Reference...
Page 338 A day of the week; for example, Sunday /, -, or a space character Alternate separator; for example, 2007/01/01 or 2007-01-01 Any quoted string The quoted string; for example, "(" shows an open parenthesis IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 339: Default File Locations
Add an extra week settings on the Drill Category property sheet for the appropriate drill-down path. Default File Locations The following tables list the default file locations used in Cognos Transformer on Windows 2000 and Windows XP, Windows Vista, and UNIX and Linux. Object...
Page 340: Cogtr.xml File Settings
Note: When Cognos Transformer is installed on Windows Vista, if you do not run Cognos Transformer as an administrator and you make changes to the cogtr.xml...
Page 341: Global Preference Settings
OK. AutoPartitionOff Setting A setting of 2 ensures that model files imported into the current version of Cognos Transformer switch to use the Auto-Partition feature, unless one or more cubes in the model contain features that preclude use of this default optimization method.
Page 342: Relative Time Settings
To set MDL so that it does not save the object identifiers, type <Preference Name="ObjectIdOutput" Value="0"/> TransdaPath This setting applies to the Series 7 IQD Bridge component that enables Cognos Transformer to continue supporting Series 7 .iqd files. v For Windows, specify the following value for this setting: <Preference...
Page 343: Example - Creating Custom Relative Time Periods
For more information, see “Example - Creating Custom Relative Time Periods.” Cognos Transformer supports the following mechanisms for setting the current period: v automatic, based on the most recent date in the data source that updates the...
Page 344 Basic Approach = N-Period Running Total v Number of Periods = 5 v Target Period = Month v Target Offset = -1 v Context Period = Quarter v Context Offset = -3 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 345: Powercube Optimization Methods
The rollup functions specify how measure values are evaluated in the reporting components. There are three rollup types: Regular Rollup Measure values are summarized from lower to higher category levels. Cognos Transformer applies these functions when the cube is created. The reporting components apply them at run time. Time State Rollup Cognos Transformer represents the state of a measure at specific times.
Page 346 Note: When you enable consolidation on the General tab of the PowerCube property sheet, Cognos Transformer performs the duplicates rollup first, followed by the regular rollup. Regular Rollup The following table lists the regular rollup options and explains how the results appear in the reporting components.
Page 347 Time state rollup option Results in reporting component First Period Shows the measure value from the first subordinate period in the time period being examined. For example, a time dimension contains years, quarters, and months, and you are examining data at the quarter level. For each quarter, the First Period option reports the measure value from the first month of the quarter.
Page 348: Special Characters
All text strings are enclosed in either double or single quotation marks. When a text string contains both single and double quotation marks, Cognos Transformer changes the quotation marks to avoid ambiguity. All quotation marks in the original text are converted to single quotation marks and the entire string is enclosed in double quotation marks.
Page 349: Cognos Transformer Samples
The following characters are reserved and cannot be used unless they are preceded by a back slash: {m,n}, and \:x. For example, to find {m,n} literally, use \{ m,n \}. Cognos Transformer Samples The Cognos Transformer installation includes sample data sources, models, and cubes. Appendix D. Reference...
Page 350: Sample Models
Before you can use the sample databases, IBM Cognos must be installed, configured, and running, and the samples must be set up. For more information, see "Setting Up the Samples" in the Installation and Configuration Guide. Sample Models Cognos Transformer includes several sample models.
Page 351: Sample Data Sources
Sample Data Sources Cognos Transformer includes several sample data sources. Data source name Type Location Employee Expenses List report IBM Cognos Connection, in the GO Data Warehouse (query), Report Studio Report Samples folder Health Insurance List report IBM Cognos Connection, in...
Page 352 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 353: Appendix E. Guidelines For Working With Sap Bw Data For Use In Transformer
Transformer, see Working with SAP BW Data Using a Package in Framework Manager. For general information about creating packages in Framework Manager, see "Create or Modify a Package" in the IBM Cognos Framework Manager User Guide. Transformer versions 7.x, 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 In Transformer versions 7.x, 8.1, and 8.2, you can leverage your SAP BW data...
Page 354: Creating A Bw Query In Sap Business Explorer Query Designer
You can use Cognos Transformer to import both dimensional and fact data from an SAP BW query source. The following instructions describe how to rebuild an SAP BW cube as an IBM Cognos Transformer cube. To do so, the SAP BW query package must be in a specific format.
Page 355 Use a picklist prompt, rather than a type-in prompt for the query. A picklist prompt provides values for segmenting the data. 5. To define the metadata that will populate the Cognos Transformer cube, you must change the properties of each characteristic that you have selected for inclusion.
Page 356 5. In the Default Values page, ensure that the Default Value field is empty. 6. Click Next until you are returned to Selection for ... dialog box. The new variable appears in the Description window. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 357: Creating A Package In Framework Manager
7. Select the variable and click the right arrow to move the selected variable to the Selection window. Save the query. You are now ready to import the query in Framework Manager. Creating a Package in Framework Manager Before you create a package in Framework Manager, you must first import the SAP BW metadata using the MetaData Wizard.
Page 358 7. At the final wizard screen, verify the results, and click Finish. Results You are now ready to create a model in Cognos Transformer. For more information on creating a package, see "Create or Modify a Package" in the Framework Manager User Guide.
Page 359 Create a Package Use the following steps to create a package in Framework Manager using SAP BW metadata. Procedure 1. Click the Packages folder, and from the Actions menu, click Create, Package. 2. In the Provide Name page, type the name for the package and, if you want, a description and screen tip.
Page 360 5. Choose whether to use the default access permissions for the package: v To accept the default access permissions, click Finish. v To set the access permissions, click Next. 6. When you are prompted to open the Publish Package Wizard, click Yes. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 361: Creating A Model In Cognos Transformer
8. At the final screen verify the results, and click Finish. Results You are now ready to create a model in Cognos Transformer. For more information on creating a package, see "Create or Modify a Package" in the Framework Manager User Guide.
Page 362 This reduces the number of attributes and keeps the data volumes to only the necessary items for cube building. If you want to define business rules, do so in the Cognos Transformer model rather than in Framework Manager. Calculations that you define in Framework Manager are not imported into Cognos Transformer.
Page 363: Working With Sap Bw Data Using Externalized Csv Files In Framework Manager
Results You can now use this model to create PowerCubes for use with the desired IBM Cognos component, accessing the dimensional and fact data from the original SAP BW data source. For more information, see the section "Create a Model" in the Cognos Transformer User Guide.
Page 364 Model query subjects are extracted using the same mechanism by which queries are executed within IBM Cognos. Therefore, the Extract Size property has no effect on the query execution. Measure Dimensions When extracting a measure dimension, you should create a model query subject containing the measures that you want.
Page 365: Sap Bw Query Requirements
For more information, see "Create a Filter" in the Framework Manager User Guide. Because SAP BW cubes are multidimensional, rollups are applied at the source. If you change the rollup type after importing the data into Cognos Transformer, your results will not be valid.
Page 366: Framework Manager Considerations
# symbols v REST_H v Not assigned Because such duplicate tokens can cause problems in Cognos Transformer, in unique levels for example, we recommend that you assign filters to the dimension so that they do not appear in the imported data.
Page 367: Building Powercubes From Sap Bw Data
Building PowerCubes from SAP BW Data You can build IBM Cognos PowerCubes from SAP BW data. There are guidelines to consider for both Framework Manager and Transformer. For more information, see “Framework Manager Guidelines” and “Transformer Guidelines”...
Page 368 In Transformer version 8.3, you can insert regular dimensions from SAP data sources directly from a IBM Cognos data source, using the Insert dimension from package option. v Using the model wizard in Transformer, insert a data source of type Delimited-Field Text With Column Titles and start by selecting the CSV file.
Page 369: Appendix F. Ibm Cognos Transformer Expression Editor
Appendix F. IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor The Cognos Transformer expression editor is not the same expression editor as the one used in Framework Manager or the Web studios. The expression editor can be invoked from a number of places within Cognos Transformer.
Page 370: Building Expressions
Selecting Date inserts the current date in quotation marks. You can overwrite it with other data values. The components of an expression can include functions, summaries, values, and operators. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 371: Building An If-Then-Else Calculated Expression
This format allows them to operate with zero, one, two, or more arguments: function (argument, argument, ...) Functions are of these general types: Function Description Date Functions Accepts numeric input and returns a value that is a date. Appendix F. IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor...
Page 372: Date Functions
Today Returns the current date according to the date set on your computer. Year Returns the year from the date. Years-Between Returns the number of years from one date to another date. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 373 (today(), -10) Returns the result: 03/20/1997 00:00 Returns age as a month-day-year interval by subtracting a specified date from today's date. Syntax age (date_exp | datetime_exp) Example age (1996-08-19) Returns the result: 02/01/0002 00:00 Appendix F. IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor...
Page 374 Syntax first-of-month (date_exp | datetime_exp) Example first-of-month (2007-03-20) Returns the result: 03/01/2007 00:00 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 375 Returns the result: 4 months-between (2007-01-31, 2007-02-01) Returns the result: 0 months-between (2007-01-31, 2007-03-21) Returns the result: 1 Today Returns the current date according to the date set on your computer. Syntax today () Appendix F. IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor...
Page 376: Numeric Functions
Returns the square root of a positive number. Absolute Converts numbers to their unsigned value. Use when you need positive numbers, or when you need to find the absolute difference between values in a list of positive and negative values. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 377 Returns the integer obtained from truncating the result of an integer divided by a second integer. Syntax integer-divide (integer_exp1, integer_exp2) Examples integer-divide (10, 20) Returns the result: 0 integer-divide (20, 6) Returns the result: 3 Appendix F. IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor...
Page 378 Returns the remainder (modulus) of an integer divided by a second integer. If the second integer is zero, Cognos Transformer issues a divide by zero error. Syntax mod (integer_exp1, integer_exp2) Examples mod (245,3) Returns the result: 2 Number-to-String Returns a string from a number. If the number is negative, a minus sign (-) precedes the string.
Page 379 Returns a number rounded up. The An integer_exp value determines the position that is rounded. A positive An integer_exp value acts on the digits to the right of the decimal point. A negative Appendix F. IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor...
Page 380 Syntax round-zero (numeric_exp, integer_exp) Examples round-zero (-113.6667, 0) Returns the result: -113 round-zero (-113.6667, 1) Returns the result: -113.6 round-zero (-113.6667, -1) Returns the result: -110 round-zero (-113.6667, -2) IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 381: Text Functions
Reverses the characters in a string. Right Returns a specific number of characters, starting at the right of the string. String-to-Integer Converts a string to an integer. Substring Returns a substring from a string. Appendix F. IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor...
Page 382 Returns a string with trailing spaces removed. Upper Converts lowercase characters to uppercase. Note: The Pack, Spread and Substitute text functions are not supported in Cognos Transformer version 8.x and later. Char_Length Returns the number of characters in a string.
Page 383 Returns a specific number of characters, starting at the right of the string. Syntax right (string_exp, integer_exp) Example right (’ABCDEFG’, 3) Returns the result: EFG String-to-Integer Returns the integer representation of string_exp. Syntax string-to-integer (string_exp) Appendix F. IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor...
Page 384 Syntax trim-trailing (string_exp) Example trim-trailing (’XYZ ’) Returns the result: XYZ Upper Converts lowercase characters to uppercase. Syntax upper (string_exp) IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 385: Aggregate Functions
Returns the values of categories as a percent share of other target categories. Average Returns the average value of selected data items. Cognos Transformer supports the Average function with numeric data; the only parameters accepted are the numeric expressions and the auto component. Syntax average (<numeric_exp)
Page 386 Users can format the percentage data so that it reads as a ratio (for example: .25 vs. 25%). Syntax percent (numeric_exp) Example percent (sales 07) Returns the percentage of the total sales for 2007 that is attributed to each sales representative. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 387: Constants
A constant is a fixed value that you can use in an expression. You can create a data item based on an expression that contains a constant. Constant Description Date Inserts the current system date and positions the cursor on the first number of the date. Appendix F. IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor...
Page 388: Operators
Operators specify what happens to the values on either side of the operator. Mathematical, Logical, and String Operators Cognos Transformer supports mathematical operators and string concatenate operators. It also supports logical operators and comparison operators, but only in an if-then-else conditional construct.
Page 389: Comparison Operators
If the price is greater than 1000 or the quantity is less than or equal to 3, evaluates to True and retrieves only those rows. Isnull Determines if a value is undefined in the data. Appendix F. IBM Cognos Transformer Expression Editor...
Page 390 Syntax abc isnull Example Telephone Number isnull If there are no telephone numbers, evaluates to True. Retrieves only the rows missing telephone numbers. IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 391: Notices
Web sites. The materials at those Web sites are not part of the materials for this IBM product and use of those Web sites is at your own risk.
Page 392 IBM may use or distribute any of the information you supply in any way it believes appropriate without incurring any obligation to you. Licensees of this program who wish to have information about it for the purpose of enabling: (i) the exchange of information between independently created...
Page 393 IBM trademarks is available on the Web at “ Copyright and trademark information ” at www.ibm.com/legal/copytrade.shtml. The following terms are trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies: v Adobe, the Adobe logo, PostScript, and the PostScript logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States, and/or other countries.
Page 394 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 395: Glossary
The cardinality term. property for a hierarchy is used to assign solve orders to expressions. To view glossaries for other IBM products, go to www.ibm.com/software/globalization/ 2. For relational data sources, a numerical terminology. indication of the relationship between two query subjects, query items, or other “A”...
Page 396 Camping Equipment and 4 Man tent are members of the Products publish hierarchy. In Cognos BI, to expose all or part of a Framework Manager model or model A physical or business representation of Transformer PowerCube, through a the structure of the data from one or more package, to the Cognos server, so that the data sources.
Page 397 query subject A named collection of query items that are closely functionally related. Query subjects are defined using Framework Manager to represent relational data and form the set of available data for authoring reports in Query Studio and Report Studio. A query subject is similar to a relational view in that it can be treated as a table but does not necessarily reflect the data storage.
Page 398 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 399: Index
327 UNIX/Linux (example) 237 INI file parameter 54 Windows (example) 236 change function BAPI error supported for calculated expressions in Cognos editing prompt specification file 239 Transformer 100 batch-mode publishing 220 change summary 372 © Copyright IBM Corp. 2007, 2011...
Page 400 -x 234 creating dimension views 134 -y 234 creating views that apex specific categories 138 -y1 234 creating views to cloak specific categories 136 -y2 235 creating views to exclude specific categories 137 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 401 157 data souces performing test builds 144 samples 337 PowerCubes open slowly 243 data source scope publishing to IBM Cognos Connection 163 verifying and troubleshooting 44 routine maintenance tasks 179 data source types samples 336 changing 33 security 157...
Page 402 68 imported packages 17 drill-through formats using in IBM Cognos BI 139 changes to decimals 244 using in IBM Cognos Series 7 140 defining for dates 323 drill-through targets formatting adding or removing 142 date values in time dimensions 73...
Page 403 OLAP reporting 3 left function 368 optimizing production environments 191 levels using Cognos packages and reports as data sources 16 category inclusion settings 322 connecting manually 320 defining to support special business needs 87 member unique names 22...
Page 404 115 enabling to speed build times 203 time-state rollup (example) 105 upgrade 199 timing of rollup operations 98 MUN prompt 225 member unique names relational metadata 22 resolving uniqueness problems 23 members 63 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 405 41 pcactivate utility 189 spreadsheet database (example) 42 pcactivate.exe 189 new features PCConn, 1 overview of Cognos Transformer version 8.x interface 313 percent-growth function version 10.1.0 1 supported for calculated expressions in Cognos version 10.1.1 1 Transformer 100 not logical operator 375...
Page 406 104 using pcactivate.exe 189 supported functions 331 time-state rollup (example) 105 rollups disabling for special categories 88 queries round-down function 364 adding to existing data sources 36 round-near function 365 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 407 57 Show Scope command 317 checking measure allocation scope 111 using to troubleshoot model design problems 9 signon creating a Cognos 8 signon 55 samples creating a data source signon 55 Cognos Transformer 336 signon processing employee expenses.mdl 243...
Page 408 6 TR0621 268 today function 361 TR0623 269 TR0104 247 TR0624 269 TR0105 248 TR0657 269 TR0106 248 TR0700 271 TR0107 248 TR0701 271 TR0108 249 TR0702 271 TR0109 249 IBM Cognos Transformer Version 10.1.1: User Guide...
Page 409 TR0705 272 TR2318 291 TR0713 272 TR2319 292 TR0745 272 TR2320 292 TR0749 273 TR2321 292 TR0750 273 TR2322 292 TR0751 273 TR2323 293 TR0752 273 TR2324 293 TR0753 274 TR2325 293 TR0787 error TR2326 294 Transformer 242 TR2371 307 TR0800 274 TR2372 308 TR0802 274...
Page 410 370 preventing addition of new categories to level 90 user interface processing bottlenecks using log file 208 overview of Cognos Transformer version 8.x features 313 recovering suspended models 171 users resolving column naming problems 48 adding security 148...
Page 411 year function 362 years-between function 362 Index...

IBM Cognos User Manual

Introduction

Chapter 1. What's New

Chapter 2. Planning Your Model

Chapter 3. Data Sources for Your Model

Chapter 4. Structuring Your Data into Dimensions

Chapter 5. Modeling Your Key Performance Measures

Chapter 6. Creating Powercubes

Chapter 7. Adding Security

Chapter 8. Powercubes in Production Environments

Chapter 9. Guidelines for Optimizing Production Environments

Appendix A. Command Line Options

Appendix B. Troubleshooting

Quick Links

Troubleshooting

Summary of Contents for IBM Cognos