Question : What is the difference between a cascading report and drillthru
report?why do we go for drill thru report?
Answer : Cascading report works based on the condition
but drill thru work based on the data item what we select as a drill thru options
what is meant by alternate drill down with ex?
Answer : Ans of Quest. 7 - Alternate drill down path means there will be two path to
opt.For example- We will have time dimension now the client requirement is they want
two type of year -one is claender year(Jan-Dec) and another is fiscal year(Apr-Mar).
What is the difference b/w macros and prompt?
Answer : Macro-A macro is a set of instructions that can run applications.Example : A
macro can open your catalog,select a report(say for instance) convert that to another
format and export it to any specified location,provided the code (Program)is
such.Prompt-A prompt specifies the manner in which data in the reports are to be
displayed.A Prompt can be defined at the catalog level either or during report generation
© CoolInterview.com
How can I create a dynamic column name in Cognos
Answer : As you said
.Select Properties, and then click the Headers/Footers tab.
I didnt find the option Headers/Footers tab.
Which version you are talking about ??
Question : use this query i am retriving all years OCt data from 01-10-2004 to 3010-2007
i need to restrect this query to current date and current year
[gosales_goretailers].[Orders].[Order month]between 01 and
to_number(to_char(current_date,'MM'))and [gosales_goretailers].[Orders].[Order
month]=to_number(to_char(current_date,'MM'))
pass polar ID
Answer : You have a function called 'extract' in cognos.
Ex:- extract(month,the dte field). by giving like this you will get month. so you can keep
a filter to restrict the rows only for october.
What is meant by Junk Dimension?
Answer : "The junk dimension is simply a structure that provides a convenient place to
store the junk attributes
How do you perfom while running the report?
Where will you see the time of running report?
Size of the cube?
What are the types of prompts in ReportNet?
What is macro and how it will be work?
What is difference between Cognos and Cognos ReportNet?
How do you create cube in ReportNet?
There are 10 facts are there.How will you connect all?
Answer : Problem Description
What are looping joins and how do you resolve them?
Solution Description
Looping joins could potentially return incorrect data.
An example of a looping join,
B -> C
A -> < > -> D
E -> F
When you select an item from table A and D, Impromptu will try to choose the shortest
path, e.g. if A -> D existed, then this is the path Impromptu will take. But in the above
situation, the two paths are equal and so Impromptu has to make a choice, e.g. "A -> B ->
C -> D" OR "A -> E -> F -> D". Impromptu makes it's choice based on how the catalog
was constructed, which cannot be altered once it's created; order of the tables in the
catalog.
The two paths could return different results depending on the relationship between the
tables in the path.
The report would be fine IF Impromptu chose the expected path. The choice is not always
right.
Eliminating looping joins prevents Impromptu from making the wrong choice. To
eliminate looping joins, you can either break unnecessary joins, e.g. reports do not need a
join between table F and D, e.g.
B -> C -> D
A -> <
E -> F
But if you need all the joins, use ALIAS tables to break the looping join. Add an alias
table for table A and break the join from table A and E, e.g.
A -> B -> C
> -> D
Alias A -> E -> F
Both solutions could affect existing reports.
2) Title:
Looped joins
Created:
Nov 04, 1999
Applies To:
Impromptu - 2.0
Impromptu - 3.01
Impromptu - 3.03
Impromptu - 3.04
Impromptu - 3.5
Impromptu - 4.0
Impromptu - 5.0
Impromptu - 7.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Problem Description
Under the Joins dialog on the Analyze Tab it states a Loop join is present. What does this
mean and how can it be resolved?
Solution Description
A Loop Join occurs when there are multiple paths between database tables. An example
of this is A joins to B and B joins to C and C joins to A.
The proper definition of join strategies in an Impromptu catalog is crucial to the success
of an ad-hoc reporting environment. Impromptu shelters the user from having to know
any of the technical information about the database, including name, location, table and
column names, and join strategies. The Impromptu Administrator must be very thorough
in their definition and testing of the join strategies. Impromptu provides an ability to
analyze the joins and determine any anomalies. The most common is the Loop Join.
The implications of the loop join is that there is no way to predetermine which of the
various join paths will be used by Impromptu when creating the SQL. SQL is dynamically
generated for each report as it is created and before it executes. For example, to create a
report using columns from tables A and C, we could join from A=>B=>C or directly
from A=>C. In some cases, both of these joins would result in the same data being
retrieved. However, in other cases it may result in different data. Impromptu will always
try to use the shortest route in joining multiple tables. It will also try to use the tables that
are already included in the query, rather than including an additional table.
There is no hard and fast rule to resolving Loop Joins. There are four basic resolutions:
1. Break the join
2. Create alias tables with different join strategies
3. Use the join expression editor to specify the join
4. Modify SQL
Each of these resolutions is done for a different reason and may have some issues
associated with it. Determine the best resolution for your situation by analyzing the data
with regards to the results required from the join structure.
Example:
The join structure looks like this:
A=B
A=C
B=C
This is producing incorrect results. To resolve this issue, make table C an alias to omit the
loop in the join structure and this will result in data displaying correctly.
Correct Join Structure:
A=B
A = C alias
B=C
What is the difference between a cascading report and drillthru report?why do we
go for drill thru report?
Answer : Cascading report works based on the condition
but drill thru work based on the data item what we select as a drill thru options
What is catalog and types of catalogs in cagonos and which is better
Answer : A catalog is a file containing the information (Database tables) that
Impromptu users need to create reports.
• personal
• distributed
• shared
• secured
shared catalog is better
How can i schedule reports in cognos
Answer : By using Cognos Schedular, one can schedule the running reports in
Impromptu to execute and save it in desired format.
By using Cognos MACRO script language the reports can be executed and distributed to
recipients by using mail applications.
Compiled Cognos MACROs can be scheduled using Cognos Schedular.
Question : How can i test reports in cagonos
Answer : In cognos report net by the validate report option a report can be tested. If
there will be any error, it will specify the the error, unless it will give message -'report
specification is valid'.
How can create users and permissions in cognos
Answer : In impromptu menu go to Catlog->User profiles -> userclass tab -> click on
Creator ->u can give there folder access,table access,filters,Governor etc
What type problems we can face in general at report runnig time
Answer : The most common problems are 1.No Data Appears in the Report (to remove this check data source or package)
2.Unexpected or incorrect values appears in reports , may be report is running with
limited data
3.The report filter does not work, values are not coming in filter option
4.report is not able to oprm in excel ,cvs or xml
What is model and say about process how to create model and how to test model
Answer : Model Definition
Model in PowerPlay Transformer is combiantion of five windows- Dimension Map,Data
Source, Measures,Power cube,Sign On. Models specify the data sources and then
defining the dimensions, levels,and measures.They may also contain dimension views,
user classes, user class views, and other authentication-related information.
The information for a model is stored in a model file, with the extension .pyi (binary,
means platform depentent) or .mdl (text,platform independent).
Process To Create A Model
Steps
1. From the File menu, click New to open the New Model wizard.
2. In the Model Name box, enter a name for your model.
3. To control data access by means of user class authentication, select the Include Security
in this Model check box.
4. Click Next and enter the name of initial data source in the Data Source Name box.
5. Select a Source Type from the list, and click Next.
6. Depending on the selected type, Transformer shows different options. Enter the
parameters that correspond to your data source.
7. On the last page of the New Model wizard select the Run AutoDesign option to have
Transformer create a preliminary structure , or by clearing this check box users own
degisn can be created
8. When click Finish.
Transformer opens a new model based on specified source and shows you information
about the source data.
Testing A Model
Model can Be Tested By check model option in Tool menu.
Explain how to create powerplay reports
Answer : To create a powerplay report
1)You have to create a IQD file from impromptu by saving IMR report as IQD
2)Use Frame Work manager model and externalise the query subject you want to use in
powerplay transformer and powerplay
When you have the IQD file published to a location such as UNC
Go to powerplay transformer model and select new ,
select the data source name , and IQD file location either published from FM or
Impromptu (saved as IQD)
You will see all the query items in the explorer then you can specify the dimensions like
time and measures.
Then generate categories for the dimensions and measures .
Right click the cube and select create power cube , after that view the cube in cognos
powerplay explorer.
We can also publish the cube to PPES(Powerplay enterprise server)
Publish the cube to the upfront
Use powerplay web explorer to view the cube
What are products of cognos
Answer : Cognos 6.6 7.0,7.3(PowerPlay, Impromptu)--ReportNet1.0,1.1mr1, 1.1mr22--ReportNet 8.0(latest)IWR is use by Impromptu to publish reports, PPES is used by PP,
Cognos Connection is used by repornet. there are many other tools but these are the main.
What are versions of cognos from starting release to latest in the market
Answer : I dont know the starting release but can be version 5, latest version is 8.3 then
reportNet 1.1.
What are different datasources to develop models
Answer : Work with Source Data
Transformer supports a wide range of local data sources, including
• Impromptu query definition files (.iqd), which can query local or server-based databases
• delimited ASCII files (.asc) and comma-separated variable files (.csv)
• fixed-field text files
• local databases, including Microsoft Access, which can specify SQL queries against
local or
server-based databases, Clipper, dBase, FoxPro, and Paradox
• PowerHouse portable subfiles
• spreadsheet crosstabs and databases, including Excel and Lotus 1-2-3
What is Cognos Visualizer and Cognos Scripting?
Answer : Visualizer is a representation of data cubes in a dashboard format. We can
drill through to the ground level of a hierarchy as like in power play report but cannot add
or remove fields dynamically.
Cognos script editor : We can write cognos macros or programs in this tool and can fine
tune or process some execution
Please explain the different stages in creating a report in cognos report net
Answer : Before creating any report in report net make sure you are have the planning
information you need.
Creating a report involves following steps:
Specifying a package
Choose a package through cognos connection>report studio>Select a module from the
list.
Choosing a report template
Create a empty report first,click one of the predefined report templates ,click OK.
Adding query items
In the insertable objects plane,select the query item that you want to add to report,drag it
to the desired location.
Saving report
Save the report from file menu.
Running the report
Open the report that you want to run.
From the Tools menu, click Validate Report.
A message box appears indicating whether any errors were found in the report.
If you want to enable Design Mode Only filters defined in the package, from the File
menu,
click Use Model Design Filters.
Use these filters to limit the amountOpen the report that you want to run.
From the Tools menu, click Validate Report.
A message box appears indicating whether any errors were found in the report.
If you want to enable Design Mode Only filters defined in the package, from the File
menu,
click Use Model Design Filters.
If you want to set run options, from the Run menu, click Run Options.
From the Run menu, click one of the options to produce the report in the format you
want.
You can produce a report in HTML, PDF, CSV, XLS, or XML.
What are the limitations of cognos reportnet?
What are the enhancements in reportnet ?
Answer : ADVANTAGES:
1)PURELY WEB BASED REPORTING TOOL
2)WE CAN CREATE MULTILINGUAL REPORTS
3)IT CAN SUPPORT ANY TYPE OF OPERATING SYSTEM & DATA BASE
4)WE CAN CREATE SINGLE MODEL IN FRAMEWORK MANAGER COMING
FROM MULTIPLE DATA SOURCES
DISADVANTAGES:
1)WE CAN'T DRILL DOWN AND DRILL UP
2)IT CAN'T SUPPORT MULTI DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
What is the difference between group and associare?
Answer : Group: used to eliminate duplicate values in the report.
Association: used with grouped item that displays data only when the values are changed.
ProctLine ProductName Quantity Revenue
-------------------------------------------------------Soaps LUX 100 1000
200 2000
300 3000
TIDE 100 1500
SHAMPOO GARNIER 100 4000
200 8000
SUNSILK 100 5000
--> Here, ProductLine is a grouped column and ProductName is an Associated column.
How do add dynamic titles in PP?
Answer : PowerplayFrom format menu-->title, header & footer-->title-->insert report
filename
What are the Ways to Import Data into Catalong?(2 ways)
Answer : one through Database optionother one though hotfile option
When You Import data into catalog You have complex columns names. How do you
change the Name of those columns?
Answer : Open Impromtu AdmiSelect Catalog->Folders optionSelect the column u
want to chance and Click the Edit button
Explain the process of creating the catalog?
Answer : 1 Start Cognos Impromptu Administrator.
2.From the File menu select Catalog -> New.
3. In the File name text box, type the desired name of the catalog. In the Description text
box you can add a description but this is not mandatory.
4. In the Database dropdown select the database that you want to use or click on the
"Databases" button select an ODBC connection that you want to use i.e. DB2, Oracle etc.
and click the "New Database" button.
5. Click "Ok" and enter the database logon and password. Click "OK" again. You should
see a database icon in the lower left of you screen without a red X over it.
6. Select the tables that you want to use my highlighting them on the left side and using
the "Add" arrow key to add them to the "Catalog Tables" side. Click "Ok" when your
finished.
7. To create Joins in your tables select the table under the "Join path" window and the
table that you want to join it to from the "Available tables" window.
8. Click "Add" and choose the fields to join the tables, click the "Add link" button to
create your join.
What are the different ways of adding data in Transformer?
Answer : Steps1. Right-click in the Data Sources list of your model and select Insert
Data Source.2. In the New Data Source wizard, enter the name of the data source in the
Data Source Name box.3. In the Source Type box, select the type of data source that
corresponds to your source type and click Next.4. In the Local Data File box, enter the
name of the source file.5. Enter the remaining parameters appropriate to your selected
source, and then click Finish.Note: Depending on the type of data source, Transformer
shows different options. For example, if your source is an Excel database, you must
provide the named range of cells from the Excel worksheet.6. Transformer adds your
specified source to the existing model, and you see your new source in the Data Sources
list.
How create measures and Demensions?
Answer : You can create measure once you import all the data into the data source.You
can create measures and dimensions by draging the required source from datasource into
dimension map and measure tab.(need to find scope of measures for all the dimensions)
How you drill from powerPLay to Impromptu?Explain all Steps.
Answer : goto tranformer,
build the cube
right click on the cube and open properties
go to drill through tab and select your report from that browse option
What is IQD?What is contained in IQD? How you create IQD In ReportNet
FrameWork?
Answer : 1. Create a new namespace.<give it a name, say, IQDReportNet>
2. Create a new query subject inside IQDReportNet.
3.In the query subject definition window, pull in all the data you need.
4. after creating, click on the new query subject, from the properties pane, select "IQD"
from the drop down menu of externalizeMethod.
DONE.
to Publish. u need to create a package.
1. create a new package. a WIZARD will open.
2. Name the new Package; select the IQDReportNet object from the project.
3. add security, select language, select the funtion list(DB), select the location from the
WIZARD
4. Publish the package.
What was the actual purpose of portfolio in cognos
Answer : The Cognos Portfolio is ideal for presenting and packaging Impromptu
reports, and for combining them with information from documents produced by other
products.As an application developer, you can create briefing books that contain links to
ImpromptuReports, Power Play reports, Excel spreadsheets, or any other OLE client
application. Use Portfolio to set up briefing boo
Give me any example of semi and non additive measures..
Answer : Semi-Additive: Semi-additive facts are facts that can be summed up for some
of the dimensions in the fact table, but not the others. Non-Additive: Non-additive facts
are facts that cannot be summed up for any of the dimensions present in the fact table.
Current Balance and Profit Margin are the facts.Current Balance is a semi-additive fact,
as it makes sense to add them up for all accounts (what's the total current balance for all
accounts in the bank?), but it does not make sense to add them up through time (adding
up all current balances for a given account for each day of the month does not give us any
useful information). Profit Margin is a non-additive fact, for it does not make sense to
add them up for the account level or the day level.
What is Cognos Powerhouse and what is it used for?
Answer : Cognos Powerhouse is High-Productivity Application Development
Solutions equips you with high-productivity development environments for creating your
data-driven business solutions faster,whether for Web-based, client/server, or traditional
terminal-based access. PowerHouse has gained a worldwide reputation for productivity,
reliability, performance, and flexibility.
Question : What is drill down and slicing and dicing whats the difference between
them.
Answer : Drilling lets you quickly move from one level of detail to another to explore
different aspects of your business. Drilling down moves you down in the hierarchy;
drilling up moves you up in the hierarchy.
Slicing and Dicing
While you can drill to look at information at any level, you can slice and dice to select the
exact information you want in your report.
What is loop in frameworkmanager ?
Answer : Loop: loop is a closed path (relation) that exists among 3 (or) more tables.
For example, if we have '3' tables T1, T2, T3 then, a loop exists among these tables only
when we create joins in the following fashion:
Loop: T1 ---> T2 ---> T3 ---> T1
To resolve the above problem, we have to create a shortcut (or) Alias to the Table T1.
No Loop: T1 ---> T2 ---> T3 ---> Alias (or) Shortcut of T1
How to generate cubes in cognos plz add this question iam asking this question so
many times
but iam not getting the answer neither this question is geetiing added
Answer : Power Play Transformer contain dimension,measure,model and cube. we can
generate cube different way.
1. Just right click on cube name and build
2. we can write script in unix. using that we can generate cube.
Other way also is there.
How to crate cubes in transformer
Answer : cubes are created using transformer.cubes can be viewed using
powerplay.cubes has impromptu query definition (IQD) files as their sources.IQD files
are generated from cognos impromptu.IQD files contain ,how the data has to be retrieved
through catalogs and logical databases.
To create a cube..
1) save the impromtu report as IQD file.(.IQD)
2)open transformer,go to file-new-ModelName(user defined)-datasourcename(DWH
name),source type(select impromptu query definition)-local data file(browse the IQD file
save earlier)-check the auto design check box-clk finish-database logon wizard will be
opened-enter userid and pwd to connect to the DB---clk log on---A new model will be
generated with Dimensionmap,Datasource,Measures,powercube(still cube is not created)
and Logical DB(imported from IQD file).
If you select "Run Autodesign" option duting the NEWMODELWIZARD, transformer
automatically creates a dimension map and a list of measures for you.even though
transformer analyzes the data before creating a dimension map and list of measures,many
a time they may not be totally accurate.
To avoid this we need to create Dimensions manually.
3) Now create new Dimensions in the dimensionmap area as per the requirement.select
Dimension Map--insert Dimension--name the dimension--Drag and drop columns one
below the other from data source(see that the columns are in a hierarchy,Bcoz cubes will
be created on these columns with all the possibilities to facilitate drilling,slicing and
dicing operations)..check the diagram ,it is displayed empty..data will be shown once the
cube is created..
4) go to "Run" and clk on create powercubes.Cube will be created.check the power cube
area in the Model.you will observe a cube in that area.This cube can be viewed in
Poweplay.
This is one method of creating cube by using IQD file.
The another method of creating cube is my creating a MODEL from Architect and
generating a CUBE from that MODEL.
What is snapshot
Answer : A Snapshot is the copy of data, when we create a snapshot it copies the exact
data that's related to the at perticular report, we use snapshot when ever we want to
compare reports(ex we want to compare this months report with previous months)
How u can connect different database in reportnet?
wht is the extension file to save a template?
give example for drillthrough and masterdetail reports in CRM domain?
Answer : Template extension is .imt
1.What are differences between Reporter report and Explorer report?
Answer : An Explorer report is used to explore the contents of the cube.,The
multidimensional structure.A Reporter report is used to add/modify the contents of the
cube.
What is the difference b/w macros and prompt?
Answer : Macro-A macro is a set of instructions that can run applications.Example : A
macro can open your catalog,select a report(say for instance) convert that to another
format and export it to any specified location,provided the code (Program)is
such.Prompt-A prompt specifies the manner in which data in the reports are to be
displayed.A Prompt can be defined at the catalog level either or during report generation.
macro can be used to create the conditional query subjects and placed in any part of sql to
substitute a value at query runtime
prompt is an runtime filter to restrict the amount of data to be displayed in report