A user class is a group of users who need access to the same data and have the same access privileges. The administrator creates the catalogue and user classes. Other people in an organization may also create and maintain user classes for the employees in their own department or area.

You can add user classes to a catalogue if you created the catalogue or you are working with a personal copy of a distributed catalogue and your administrator gave you the privilege to add and modify user classes.

What are the layers available in the Framework Manager Model?

The Framework Manager model consists of three layers.

Database layer

Logical Layer

Dimensional layer

What is query mode?

The IBM Predictive Maintenance and quality reports use IBM Cognos Compatible query Mode, which is the supported mode for all of the reports.

What is IBM Predictive Maintenance and quality?

With IBM Predictive Maintenance and quality, you can monitor, analyze, and report on information that is gathered from devices. In addition, recommendations for actions can be generated by Predictive Maintenance and quality.

IBM Predictive Maintenance and quality is an integrated solution that you can use to perform the following tasks.

Predict the failure of an instrumented asset so that you can prevent costly unexpected downtime.

Make adjustments to predictive maintenance schedules and tasks to reduce repair costs and minimize downtime.

quickly mine maintenance logs to determine the most effective repair procedures and maintenance cycles.

Identify the root cause of asset failure faster so that you can take corrective actions.

Identify quality and reliability issues definitively and in a timely way.

What are Determinants?

Determinants Feature first introduced in Cognos 8 used to provide control over granularity when aggregating

Reflects granularity by identifying groups or subsets of data in a query subject

Used to ensure that repeating data is aggregated correctly

Are set during import based on unique key and index information in a database

Used by Framework Manager to determine levels in default hierarchy when auto-generating regular dimensions from query subjects

When and how should you use Determinants?

When do I need to use determinants.

When dimensions connect to fact tables at levels of granularity that have repeating keys

When there is a need to count or perform aggregate functions on a key or attribute that is repeated

To avoid generating a ‘distinct’ clause on distinct keys

What is Measure Dimension?

Create measure dimension

Collection of facts

Create measure dimension using Dimension Definition dialog or “Convert to Measure Dimension” capability

Add existing measures or create calculations

Define scope relationships

Dictates level at which measures are available for reporting

Scope relationship will be detected by the Framework Manager using the underlying join paths between query subjects and fact query subject

Scope relationships can be defined and reviewed in the Dimension Map

What is the package in Cognos?

IBM Cognos Package or Report. You can import query items, and the associated filters and prompts, from IBM Cognos packages and reports. You do this by choosing the Package or Report data source type and browsing and selecting from the available metadata.

What is Impromptu in Cognos?

Cognos Impromptu is an intuitive, user-friendly system that enables non-technical personnel to quickly and easily design and distribute business intelligence reports.

What is the use of Cognos tm1?

IBM Cognos TM1 (formerly Applix TM1, formerly Sniper TM/1. is enterprise planning software used to implement collaborative planning, budgeting and forecasting solutions, as well as analytical and reporting applications.

What is a Cognos Controller?

IBM Cognos Controller is part of an integrated Financial Close Management (FCM. solution, built on an efficient, purpose-built platform. It helps you deliver complete financial results, create financial and management reports, and provide the CFO with an enterprise view of key ratios and metrics.

What is Cognos Planning?

Flexible enterprise software for planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis. IBM Cognos Planning enables you to develop plans, budgets and forecasts faster and more efficiently. Cognos Planning lets you create, compare and evaluate business scenarios.

Where Dynamic Cube resides in Cognos BI Environment?

Dynamic cube are in-memory OLAP containers that reside within the DM server

Can you explain Dynamic Cube Lifecycle in Cognos?

Model and Publish (Warehouse and CM.

Deploy and Manage (Dynamic Cube Server, CM.

Reporting and Analytics (Dynamic cube, Logs.

Optimize (Warehouse, CM, Logs.

Explain about Cognos Cube Designer modelling workflow?

First model your cube definition in Cognos Cube Designer

select the database schema

import the Required metadata

define the dimensions and measures

Creating Dynamic cube

Auto-generate cube

Use primary-foreign key relationship to populate dimensions

Manually model the cube

Deploy your dynamic cube to BI server

quick-deploy options in Cognos Cube Designer with Publish Option

An option that is deselected here must be accomplished manually in FM or in Cognos Connection.

What is the IBM Cognos Framework Manager model logical layer?

The logical layer contains query subjects that draw data from the database query subjects and present it in a more consumable format.

What is the IBM Cognos Framework Manager model dimensional layer?

The dimensional layer contains the hierarchies and measure dimensions for publication to a package. Each dimension in the logical layer has a dimension in the dimensional layer with one or more hierarchies defined. The hierarchies usually include the caption field twice, once as a caption for the level, once as an attribute that can be used in report filters. All hierarchies are sorted.

What is the IBM Cognos Framework Manager model security?

No security is defined for the IBM Cognos Framework Manager model other than the provision for filtering by the tenant_id parameter on the physical layer. These query subject filters can be converted to security filters that are based on user IDs, allowing multi-tenant access to one database.

What is Dimensional Modeling for Report and Analysis?

Dimensionally modelled relational (DMR. constructs in Classic query Mode

Logical dimensional layer over top of a relational model

Single measure dimension and one or multiple regular dimensions

Enables drill-up/drill-down analysis in the studios

Dimensional layer can be applied over any star schema model

Not a Requirement that the underlying data source be a star schema design

Dimensions and measure dimensions are constructed from model query subjects or database query subjects

At runtime, queries are run to spin a virtual cube on disk to simulate the OLAP style analysis capabilities

What is the SL Generation?

Use minimized SL when possible

Certain conditions will trigger as view SL and override this setting.

Determinants on a model query subject

Relationships between model query subjects

Filters, macros or calculations in data source query subjects

“As view” SL not always bad

Sometimes Required to force certain behaviors

Can be necessary to ensure predictable query results

Know your Requirements and your data

Explain about working with Dynamic query Mode?

Framework Manager 1.x, 8.x and 10.x includes a full copy of the data access stack

Used for import, testing and evaluating query subjects, relationships, etc.

Framework Manager machine Requires DB client software installed

With the introduction of 10.1.1, Framework Manager enables users to work in Dynamic query mode or Compatible mode

Can enable DM at the project level or package level

Working in dynamic mode will leverage the always leverage the query service on the server

Import, testing, and evaluation of objects

The compatible mode will continue to leverage the local query components

CE, UDA, etc.

New metadata import mechanism available for DM

JDBC import that leverages RELMD service

Nothing local Required on FM environment

Dramatic improvement in performance for very large imports

A new mechanism to test objects and evaluate expressions

Client-server type model

Framework Manager will send a request to query service

Generated query and result set will be returned

On-demand evaluation of expressions in the editor

Option to turn off “per-click” evaluation in the expression editor

Can work in compatible mode and enable dynamic query mode for packages

Can enable dynamic mode on a package-by-package basis

The mechanism in place to ensure data sources are enabled

Can switch an existing model to the dynamic mode

All objects in the model will be evaluated by query service

For existing models, more efficient to enable dynamic mode on a package basis to evaluate

What is the package in Cognos?

What is the use of Cognos tm1?

What is Cognos Planning?

What is tm1 perspective?

TM1 Perspectives is a standard TM1 standalone application and needs Microsoft Excel to run. It uses Cube Viewer features while taking advantage of MS Excel functionality via an add-in for Excel.

What is the extension of the framework manager project file?

The extension for framework manager project file is a store in the file system with extension .cpf ( Cognos Project File .

What is the different type of securities can we apply in framework manager?

In IBM Cognos Framework Manager, security is a way of restricting access to metadata and data across IBM Cognos products.

There are different types of security in Framework Manager.

Data Security. You create a security filter and apply it to a specific query subject. The filter controls the data that is shown to your users when they set up their reports.

Object Security. You secure an object directly by allowing users access to the object, denying users access to the object, or keeping it hidden from all users.

Package Security. You apply security to a package and identify who has access to that package.

What is the difference between star schema and snowflake schema in Cognos?

Star and snowflake schema designs are mechanisms to separate facts and dimensions into separate tables. Snowflake schemas further separate the different levels of a hierarchy into separate tables.

Star schemas – A star schema is a type of relational database schema that is composed of a single, central fact table surrounded by dimension tables.

Snowflake schemas – The snowflake schema, sometimes called snowflake join schema consists of one Fact table connected to many dimension tables, which can be connected to other dimension tables.

What is warehouse cubing?

IBM DB2 Warehouse Cubing Services is designed to provide a multidimensional view of data stored in a relational database. With Cubing Services, you can create, edit, import, export, and deploy cube models over the relational warehouse schema. Cubing Services also provides optimization techniques to dramatically improve the performance of OLAP queries, a core component of data warehousing and analytics.

What are the Dimension tables?

A dimension table is a table in a star or snowflake schema that stores attributes that describe aspects of a dimension. For example, a time table stores the various aspects of time such as year, quarter, month, and day. A foreign key of a fact table references the primary key in a dimension table in a many-to-one relationship.

What is dimensional schema?

A database is comprised of one or more tables, and the relationships among all the tables in the database are collectively called the database schema. Although there are many different schema designs, databases used for querying historical data are usually set up with dimensional schema design, typically a star schema or a snowflake schema.

There are many historical and practical reasons for dimensional schemas, but the reason for their growth in popularity for decision support relational databases is driven by two main benefits.

The ability to form queries that answer business questions. Typically, a query calculates some measure of performance over several business dimensions.

The necessity to form these queries in the SL language, used by most RDBMS vendors.

Define Report item?

It’s nothing but a query item when it is drag and drop into the work area.

Give the advantages of Cognos?

The advantages of Cognos are.
A. Planning
B. Analysis
C. Forecasting
D. Score carding

Define Cognos Reporting tool?

It’s a reporting tool of IBM which help us in reporting and analysis of different data from a data warehouse.

Define dimensions?

It defines the structure of a cube. Any dimension must have at least one key attribute and other attributes so that it may define hierarchies.

Name the types of hierarchies?

There are two types of hierarchies in Analysis Services.
A. One is Attribute hierarchies
B. Second is User defined hierarchies.

Define drill through?

It permits one to move from data at the bottom level in a cube to the data in the operational systems from which the cube was derived.

Which security module used in Cognos?

Cognos Access Manager

What are the initial page components of Cognos connection?

The Studio Toolbar
2. The Utilities Toolbar
3. The Tab Navigator

Define model?

It is a complete set of query subjects and query objects that are used for reporting.

Define DTM

It transforms the data received from the reader buffer and it moves transformation to transformation on row-by-row basis and it is uses the transformation caches when necessary.

What are Fact Tables?

It is a table that contains summarized numerical (facts. and historical data. It has a foreign key – primary key relation with a dimension table.

Name the types of facts?

Additive

Non Additive

Semi Additive

Name the types of query subjects?

Default

Model

Stored

Define the term Business Intelligence?

BI is a broad category of application programs and technology used for query, by which we can do the reporting and analyzing the business multi dimensionally.

Name the components which get installed at the time of installation of Cognos Report Net Software?

Window Based

Web Based

Define the work of Group and Roles?

It represents the collection of users that performs the similar task.

Name the types of filters in framework manager?

Model and query

Name the types of filters in the report studio?

Tabular Grouped

Define confirmed dimension?

If any dimension will be connected with multiple fact tables then it is called confirmed dimension.

Where the Determinants are used in Cognos framework manager?

A query subject that behaves as a dimension has multiple levels of granularity and it will be joined on the different sets of keys to fact data.

What is the difference between static and dynamic conditions?

Static Condition
Whenever you run the report the condition will not change.

Dynamic Condition
Conditions which keep on change whenever you run the report.

What is the meaning of scrubbing at the Project level?

According to the Requirements of the report derive the new items with the help of existing query Items.

Name the types of SL?

Cognos

Native

Pass-through

What are the disadvantages of using Cognos SL?

You can’t enter nonstandard sl.

How a project does looks in framework manager?

A project in the framework manager looks as a folder that contains a project file (.cpf. and the specific XML files that define the project

What is Cognos tool?

Cognos is IBM’s business intelligence and performance management software suite.

This tool is specially designed for enabling non-technical personnel in large enterprises to extract corporate data, analyse them and provide reports to help businesses with informed decisions.

What do you mean by Cardinality in Cognos?

Cardinality is defined as a relationship between the queries or tables. IBM Cognos supports both minimum-maximum cardinality and optional cardinality.

The relationship that can be formed between the tables are.

One to One

One to Many

Many to Many

List the types of gateways used in Cognos.

IBM Cognos supports various types of gateways, including.

ISAPI – This is used for Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS. Web server and delivers faster performance for IIS.

Apache_mod – This is used with Apache Web server.

Servlet – This is used for the application server or web server supporting servlets.

CGI – This is the default gateway used for all supported Web servers except in production environments.

What is Cognos Dynamic Cube? And when to use it?

Dynamic cubes are also referred to as in-memory OLAP cubes in IBM Cognos, that are used for loading data from structured relational data sources under a snowflake or star schema directly. The objective of dynamic cubes is to deliver a quick response to reports and analyse huge volumes of data. This is available in Cognos 10.2 or higher versions.

Dynamic cubes are used for addressing the difficulty of high performance and low latency interactive analysis and also for reporting against terabytes of data.

Supported databases are DB2, Netezza, Microsoft SL Server, Oracle, Teradata databases.

What is Cognos Cube Designer?

Cognos Cube Designer is a modeling tool used for dynamic cubes and dimensional metadata. The object editors, data source explorer, the project explorer tree, and properties panes are the essential elements of the Cognos Cube Designer user interface.

How to administrate Dynamic cube?

Administration tasks included while selecting a cube to the queryService

Instance are.

Start/Stop the Cube

Monitoring Cube

Managing the cache

Scheduling a refresh of the cache

What are all the components of Report Studio?

Following are the components of Report Studio.

Objects panel

Properties panel

Explorer bar

Report Viewer

Define drill through report.

Drill through reports are used for connecting two or more reports by linking

related data items. It has a parent and child relationship between the reports.

Describe Cognos Access Manager.

Cognos Access Manager establishes a centralized environment for defining, storing, and managing security data to IBM Cognos business information applications.

We can set up and manage secure user access to data at one central location itself. With this, we can even handle user sign on information and auto access privileges for the servers and data sources containing necessary data.

What are the types of reports available in query Studio?

Various types of reports are supported by query Studio to meet business Requirements.

List Reports − These reports are used for showing the entire customer base.

Crosstab Reports − These are used for showing quantity sold with product and region on a different axis.

Charts − In this, we can insert charts for showing data graphically. We can also combine a chart with a Crosstab or with a list report.

What is Cognos ReportNet?

Cognos ReportNet is a web-based business intelligence suite of reporting applications, which is used for creating and running reports. It doesn’t Require any additional software to access. Just through a web browser, we can access it.

It supports multiple formats such as PDF, Excel, HTML, XML, and CSV.

The components of ReportNet are the following.

Cognos connection

Framework manager

Report Studio

query Studio

Describe fact tables.

A fact table is a kind of a table in the database which includes facts and foreign keys.

Actually, these keys are utilized for connecting to several dimension tables such as time, product, etc.

Facts are used to measure like revenue, account balance, and more. Foreign key derives the primary key relation with a dimension table.

Summarized numerical and historical data is stored in fact tables.

Types of Fact Tables.

Factless Fact Tables – The fact table which does not contain any measure is called a factless fact table. It contains keys from various dimension tables. Often used to resolve a many-to-many cardinality issue.

Centipede Fact Table – The centipede fact table is a normalized fact table. Here, the normalizer decides the fact rather than snowflaking dimensions tables.

Conformed Fact Tables – They are measures re-used across multiple dimension models.

What is the difference between a physical layer and an application layer?

Physical Layer – It is primarily made of stored procedure query subjects and data source. It serves as a foundation for the presentation layer.

Presentation Layer – It is primarily made of model query subjects created by us.

What is the difference between static and dynamic conditions?

Static Condition – Whenever you run the report, the condition will not change.

Dynamic Condition – Condition which keeps on changing whenever you run the report

What are the initial page components of a Cognos Connection?

Following are the initial page components of a Cognos connection.

The Utilities Toolbar

The Studio Toolbar

The Tab Navigator

What is the difference between cascading report and drill through the report?

Cascading report means extracting data from one prompt using the values of another prompt.

Drill through report means extracting data by selecting a column in a report. It means getting the detailed information by clicking that column data.

How is drill-up different from the drill-down report?

Drill up is used to remove grouping columns from the dimension tables, whereas drill-down is used to add group columns from the dimension tables.

Explain Dynamic cube modeling?

In IBM Cognos Dynamic Cubes, we can design and develop dynamic cubes using IBM Cognos Studios for use as data sources.

Following tasks needs to be processed to create dynamic cubes.

Build a Java™ Database Connectivity (JDBC. data source connection to the relational database in IBM Cognos Administration.

Import the metadata from Cognos Cube Designer for modeling dynamic cubes.

Model the dimensional metadata and the dynamic cubes.

Deploy individual dynamic cubes to the Content Manager as OLAP data sources in IBM Cognos Analytics.

Publish a package that includes a deployed cube.

Configure the deployed cube for use as a data source by the query Service and start the dynamic cube in IBM Cognos Administration.

What is the difference between star schema and snowflake schema?

Star and Snowflake schemas are used for dividing facts and dimensions into separate tables. Snowflake schemas further separate the different levels of a hierarchy into separate tables.

Star schemas – It is a type of relational database schema that is composed of a single, central fact table surrounded by dimension tables.

Snowflake schemas – It can also refer to as snowflake join schema, that consists of one Fact table connected to many dimension tables, which can be connected to other dimension tables.

How is the model different from a package in framework manager?

A model assists as an insulating layer between IBM Cognos BI reporting users and the database. While a package is a model subset, ensures users are furnished with the appropriate data for the reporting they need to do, and also the data structured will make a sense from the business perspective.

What is tm1 Web?

TM1 web uses a multi-tiered architecture to allow users access and interact with Cognos TM1 data with any of the supported web browser. TM1 Web multi-tiered architecture contains a web application server, data component tiers, and a web client.

Wen application server. Cognos TM1 web operates on Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS. web server and needs a Microsoft.NET framework

Data. This includes Cognos TM1 Admin Server and at least one Cognos TM1 Server.

Web Clients. This allows users to access and connect using any of the web browsers with the Cognos TM1 data.

What is Cognos Planning?

Cognos planning is a finance managed solution used for both the business planning and operational with the adaptability to turn the most complicated procedure into

Strategic plans, forecasts, and budgets.

What do you mean by Dynamic query Mode?

The dynamic query mode allows data source and query optimizations to resolve query complexity, timeless expectations, and huge data volumes with enhanced query execution techniques. For relational and OLAP data sources, we can use dynamic query mode.

The following are the benefits of using dynamic query mode.

Creates models and publishes packages to IBM Cognos Analytics

Enforces consistent modeling and reporting best practices
In-memory caching
Enhanced null suppression
Member ordering
Optimizes joins by applying filters
Creates a bridge table to link separate data sets
Stored procedures transaction access

Explain query Generation.

Framework manager uses Cognos SL for creating query subject, by default.
For classic query mode, native SL optimized for the data source at runtime is generated and passed down to the data source.
Relational query Planner prepares the query and then passes it off to Universal Data Access.
Universal Data Access component has a series of gateway files that control SL generation for particular RDBMS (DB2, Oracle, MS SL Server, etc.
UDA makes the native SL and performs it against the RDBMS
Copy of the query engine local in the Framework Manager install
Used for importing metadata, generating SL, testing query subject, and expression validations.
In Dynamic query Mode, requests are sent to the query Service for processing
No query service running locally on the FM side
Framework Manager will include passing the necessary elements in the model to query Service on the server
Result set and generated SL for the query will be part of the response back to FM.
This is the case testing objects and evaluating expression

What is the use of Model Advisor?

The model advisor is used when creating a framework model to identify the model that follows the best modelling practice and also the areas that needs to be examined and changed. We can run a model advisor against a complete model or a subset of the model. We can even choose the tests which need to be run against the model.

How Framework Manager uses Cardinality?

query engine uses cardinality to identify query subjects that act as dimensions and facts, to avoid double-counting fact data, and support loop joins in star schema models.

Cardinality implies dimension side on the 1 side and fact data on n side.

What is a User Class in Cognos?

User class is an object that describes the section of users who possess similar functions. Cognos supports user access manager for controlling user access like PowerPlay, Impromptu web reports, etc. every member of a user class has similar access privileges, and users can be assigned to various user classes.

Name the types of indexes that are supported by Cognos?

Various types of indexes supported by Cognos are.

Bitmap index
Function based index
B-tree index
Reverse key and composite index

Can you elaborate about Cognos Cube Designer and modelling workflow?

A . The detailed steps in Cognos Cube Designer and modelling workflow are.

For the First step model your cube definition in Cognos Cube Designer.
choose the database schema.
You can import the Required metadata.
You can define the dimensions and measures.
You can create the Dynamic cube.
Then Auto-generate cube.
Then you can use primary-foreign key relationship to populate dimensions.
You can manually model the cube.
Now you can deploy your dynamic cube to BI server.
You can quick-deploy options in Cognos Cube Designer with Publish Option.
The option that is deselected here must be accomplished manually in FM or in Cognos Connection.

What is the importance of user class in Cognos?

A . A user class in Cognos is a group of users who need access to the same data and have the same access privileges. Then the administrator creates the catalog and user classes. The other people in an organization may also create and maintain user classes for the employees in their department or area.
Now you can add user classes to a catalog if you created the catalog or you are working with a personal copy of a distributed catalog and your administrator gave you the privilege to add and modify user classes.

Define the IBM Cognos Framework Manager model database layer?

The IBM Cognos Framework Manager model database layer is the physical, or database, this layer contains a database query subject for every table in the physical data model. The database layer also contains alias shortcuts, which behave as if they were a copy of the original object with completely independent behavior.

Explain IBM Cognos Framework Manager Model?

The IBM Cognos Framework Manager Model is a metadata modeling tool that drives query generation for IBM Cognos software. A model is a collection of metadata that includes physical information and business information for one or more data sources. IBM Cognos software enables performance management on normalized and denormalized relational data sources and a variety of OLAP data sources.

What is Aggregate cache size?

The aggregate cache size is only enough memory that is Required to hold the defined aggregates is used.

Example. 90 MB can hold the aggregates for gosldw_sales, and the aggregate cache size is set to 1 GB, only 90 MB of memory is used. Over time, if the underlying fact tables grow, the aggregates are allowed to grow to the specified maximum of 1 GB.

Should not use more than 30 GB for the aggregate cache.

What is Cognos Cube Designer?

The Cognos Cube Designer is.

Cognos Cube Designer is used to model Dynamic Cubes.
You can Install IBM Cognos Cube Designer in the same location as IBM Cognos Framework Manager.

You need a JDBC data source connection created in Cognos Administration

What is called Cognos Reporting tool?

Cognos is an IBM reporting tool which is used for reporting and analysis of various data from different data warehouse.

What are all the different types of prompt in Cognos?

Following are the different types of prompt in Cognos.

Value prompt
Text Prompt
Date prompt
Time prompt
Date and time prompt

What is a Datastore in Cognos?

A data store is nothing but a query database or a relational database or files that can be accessed through IBM Cognos.

What are the two types of framework manager?

There are two types of framework manager and they are as follows.

Presentation layer
Physical layer

What is a dimension?

Dimension is defined as structure of a cube. A dimension should have at least one key attribute and remaining attribute can define hierarchies.

What is the use of Cognos decision stream?

Cognos decision stream is set to be a tool which is used for extracting, transforming the data from different data sources to target data source.

What is the use of Cognos scenario?

Cognos scenario is used to find the hidden trends and patterns of data.

What are all the types of indexes in Cognos?

Following are the types of Indexes in Cognos.

Bitmap index
B-tree index
Function-based index
Reverse key and composite index

What do you mean by drill across?

The drill across executes queries with the help of more than one cube.

What is a Pivot?

Pivot is used to rotate the axis of the cube to provide a different presentation on the data

What is called a slice?

The slice is used to perform the operation on one dimension of a cube and it results in a sub-cube.

Which studio is used to create reports?

Report Studio is used to create more advanced business reports.

What are initial page components of Cognos connection?

Initial page components of Cognos connection are.

The Studio Toolbar
The Utilities Toolbar
The Tab Navigator

Mention the difference between ‘macros’ and ‘prompt’?

Macro is used to run set of instructions to execute the report but prompt provide a way to change the report dynamically.

What is the size of the cube?

Size of the cube is 2.0GB and size varies depends on the project.

What are all the components of Report Studio?

Following are the components of Report Studio.

Objects panel
Properties panel
Explorer bar
Report Viewer

What is defined as catalog and types of catalogs in Cognos?

A catalog is defined as a file which contains information on Database tables and Impromptu users can create reports.

Following are the types of catalog used.

Personal
Distributed
Shared
Secured

What is defined as Cognos Impromptu?

A Cognos Impromptu is set to be a tool which is used for the generation of business intelligence reports.

What are all the advantages of Cognos?

Following are the advantages of Cognos.

Planning
Analysis
Forecasting
Scorecard

What is a Folder?

A folder consists of repository objects like sources, targets, transformation and mapping that help to organize data warehouse.

What is a Datastore in Cognos?

A data store is nothing but a query database or a relational database or files that can be accessed through IBM Cognos.

What are all the types of report?

Following are the types of report in Cognos.

Blank report
List report
Cross report
Chart report
Repeater report

. What are the two types of framework manager?

There are two types of framework manager and they are as follows.

Presentation layer
Physical layer

What is a dimension?

Dimension is defined as structure of a cube. A dimension should have at least one key attribute and remaining attribute can define hierarchies.

What are all the types of gateway used in Cognos?

Following is the list of gateway used in Cognos.

Common Gateway Interface (CGI.
Internet Service Application Interface (ISAPI.
Tomcat Server

What are all the types of hierarchies?

There are two types of hierarchies.

Attribute hierarchies
User defined hierarchies

What are the themes in a data warehouse?

The three important fundamental themes are.

Drilling Down
Drilling Across
Handling Time

What is called materialized view?

A materialized view is a view which is physically stored in a database. This view is used to increase query performance by calculating costly operations.

What is a Pivot?

Pivot is used to rotate the axis of the cube to provide a different presentation on the data.

What is called a slice?

The slice is used to perform the operation on one dimension of a cube and it is results in a sub-cube.

What is Metrics designer?

Metrics Designer is a tool which is used to model, deploy score cards and data loading procedures.

What is set to be Cognos configuration?

Cognos Configuration is a BI administrative tool which is used to define the behavior of Cognos 8 version. This will manage configuration parameters.

What is the use of Cognos scenario?

Cognos scenario is used to find the hidden trends and patterns of data.

Which studio is used to create reports?

Report Studio is used to create more advanced business reports.

What are initial page components of Cognos connection?

Initial page components of Cognos connection are.

The Studio Toolbar
The Utilities Toolbar
The Tab Navigator

What is called Cognos Reporting tool?

Cognos is an IBM reporting tool which is used for reporting and analysis of various data from different datawarehouse.

What is defined as Data mining?

Data mining is the process of getting hidden trends from a data ware house.

What are all the different types of prompt in Cognos?

Following are the different types of prompt in Cognos.

Value prompt
Text Prompt
Date prompt
Time prompt
Date and time prompt

Cognos Dynamic Cube solution consists of what elements?

IBM Cognos Dynamic Cube consists of the following elements, they are.

IBM Cognos Cube Designer

IBM Cognos Dynamic Cubes Server

Aggregate Advisor (part of IBM Cognos Dynamic query Analyzer.

When to use Cognos Dynamic Cubes?

Data warehouse with star or snowflake schema

A server with adequate memory

A database with approximately 25 million or more fact table rows

What is the difference between Cognos Dynamic cube and Transformer/TM1 cube?

TM1 Cube – In-memory cube technology with writeback support
PowerPlay Cube – File-based cube technology
Dynamic Cube – Provides extensive in-memory caching for performance

TM1 Cube – Is optimal for write-back, what-if analysis, planning and budgeting, or other specialized applications
PowerPlay Cube – Interactive analysis experience to a large number of users
Dynamic Cube – Is optimal for read-only reporting and analytics

TM1 Cube – Star or snowflake data structure is not Required
PowerPlay Cube – Data source is an operational or transactional system. Do not Require star or snowflake data structure
Dynamic Cube – Star or snowflake schema is Required

TM1 Cube – Aggregation occurs on demand
PowerPlay Cube – File-based cube with preaggregation
Dynamic Cube – Supports in-memory aggregation

Explain about Aggregate Advisor?

Aggregate Advisor is a performance optimization utility

Part of the Dynamic query Analyzer

Suggest database aggregate tables, in-memory aggregate, or both.

Makes use of a cube’s model and statistics

Make use of workload log files that are generated from the execution of reports

The expectation is that the dynamic cube is published in the Content Store, can be started successfully, and that reports and analysis run and return correct results.

After a cube is restarted, the aggregates execute the necessary SL statements to retrieve the summarized values and place the values in its aggregate cache for subsequent use during query processing.

Run during off-peak, non-critical business hours

Explain about Aggregate Cache?

Cognos Dynamic Cube supports two types of pre-computed aggregate values.

Stored in in-database tables (in-database aggregate.

Stored in an in-memory aggregate cache

Aggregate Advisor can suggest a collection of in-memory aggregate

In-memory aggregate does not Require the involvement of DBA

Recommendations are stored in Content Manager and take effect next time a cube is started.

The size of the aggregate cache is specified in the properties of a dynamic cube – Maximum amount of memory to use for the aggregate cache (MB..

What is Aggregate cache size?

Only enough memory that is Required to hold the defined aggregates is used.

Should not use more than 30 GB for the aggregate cache.

What is Model Durability?

All of the following criteria must be met in order to have what is considered to be a durable model.

There is a design language created for the model that is not the same as the locales the users can choose from. For English, the design language is typically English(Zimbabwe..

The design language name of all namespaces, query subjects, and query items that are published in a package must never change after the package is initially published. Other language names can change as needed, though.

The structure of a published package’s namespace(s., query subjects, query items, dimensions, shortcuts, etc, must not change over time. This structure is stored in a specification’s definition, along with the design language’s names, so this is the reason these must not change.

In IBM Cognos 8.4.1 the element must exist in model.xml. In IBM Cognos 10 the project level property Use Design Locale for Reference ID must be set to true.

It the model is not durable, then what would you change to make the model durable?

It the model is not durable, then the following changes must be done to make the model durable.

If the model does not already have a design language, then.

Add the necessary design language to the model and add it to the languages of each package based on the model. Save and close the model.

Using an XML or text editor, open the model.xml file and near the top of the file, change the value of en to en-zw.

For IBM Cognos 8.4.1, insert a blank line into the model.xml file under the just modified element and add true to the new blank line.

For IBM Cognos 10, set the project level property Use Design Locale for Reference ID to a value of true

What is New Content Durability?

All new content developed with IBM Cognos BI will be durable, as long as the model is durable. Existing non-durable content can be made durable by appropriately replacing the non-durable components of those specifications with durable components. Existing content is generally made durable over time as the content gets updated for reasons other than durability

How do you create security features to cubes?

For creating security features in cubes we can use the user class views and dimension views.

Dimension views help in hiding certain data from the cube depending on what view you are using.

Then we can use the user class views to the cubes for making that data available for a certain role or group.

We can also use password protection is another way of providing security to the cubes.

What is the Framework Manager?

Framework Manager is a tool that allows you to make data sources known for use within the various Cognos suites and allows you to add additional logic and details. Within a logical Cognos architecture, a Framework Manager model contains the logic and information Required for one of the Cognos tools to use a data source.

Explain IBM Cognos Framework Manager Model?

IBM Cognos Framework Manager is a metadata modelling tool that drives query generation for IBM Cognos software. A model is a collection of metadata that includes physical information and business information for one or more data sources. IBM Cognos software enables performance management on normalized and denormalized relational data sources and a variety of OLAP data sources.

What is the IBM Cognos Framework Manager model database layer?

The physical, or database, the layer contains a database query subject for every table in the physical data model. The database layer also contains alias shortcuts, which behave as if they were a copy of the original object with completely independent behaviour.

What is Orchestration in IBM Predictive Maintenance and quality?

The orchestration is the process that ties activities in IBM Predictive Maintenance and quality together.

Message flows. Orchestration is achieved with message flows in IBM Integration Bus.

Example of an orchestration XML file. An example file, inspection.xml, demonstrates the purpose and structure of an orchestration file.

Generic batch orchestration. Generic batch orchestration provides capabilities to run a scheduler flow and invoke any IBM SPSS batch job by taking inputs from a configurable XML file instead of developing separate message flows for a specific use case.

Can you explain about Message Flows?

The orchestration is achieved with message flows in IBM Integration Bus.

The following activities can be tied together.

Acquiring and storing data

Aggregating data

Running predictive models

Feeding data back to external systems or starting external processes

Message flows are supplied with IBM Predictive Maintenance and quality and must be customized with IBM Integration Bus. The message flows are organized into the following applications.

PMEventLoad

PMMasterDataLoad

PMMaximoOutboundIntegration

PMMaintenance

PMModelTraining

PMEWSInspection

PMEWSIntegration

PMEWSWarranty

PMTopNFailure

How Framework Manager Uses Cardinality

Cardinality is used by the query engine to.

Identify query subjects that behave as facts and dimensions

1..n cardinality implies fact data on the n side and dimension data on the 1 side

Avoid double counting fact data

Support loop joins in star schema models

Cardinality is applied in the context of a query

query subjects may be facts or dimensions depending on the other query subjects included in the query

What is Model Advisor?

Use Model Advisor – Check early and often

Model Advisor is a useful tool for detecting common modelling issues, Cardinality issues, Potential join path conflicts, Incorrect determinants. Easy to configure to check as for as much or as little as desired, Run after import to check for areas that need further investigation, Run again periodically to identify potential issues as you work, Direct links to the problem area and Help.

What are Regular Dimensions?

Regular dimensions created from model query subjects or database query subjects

Define hierarchies to organize levels and define drill paths

You can specify multiple hierarchies in a single dimension

Define levels, business keys and caption

Create from scratch using Dimension Definition dialog

Use “Merge in New Regular Dimension” or “Convert to Regular Dimension” capabilities

The dimension will be auto-generated based on query subject definition

Default hierarchy created

Levels derived from determinants set

May need to be adjusted based on Requirements

What is query Generation?

By default, Framework Manager will use Cognos SL to create query Subjects

In Classic query Mode, at runtime, native SL optimized for the data source is generated and passed down through to the data source

RP (Relational query Planner. plans the query and then passes it off to UDA (Universal Data Access.

UDA component has a series of gateway files that control SL generation for specific RDBMS (DB2, Oracle, MS SL Server, etc.

UDA generates the native SL and executes it against the RDBMS

Copy of the query engine local in the Framework Manager install

Used for importing metadata, testing query subject, generating SL and validation of expressions

In Dynamic query Mode, requests are sent to the query Service for processing

No query service running locally on the FM side

Framework Manager will include passing the necessary elements in the model to query Service on the server

Result set and generated SL for the query will be part of the response back to FM.

This is the case testing objects and evaluating expressions

What is Dynamic query Mode (DM)?

A new Dynamic query Processing Mode (DM. to the existing query service designed to improve query performance.

Enhanced Java-based query execution mode introduced in 10.1 to support select OLAP sources

Leverages JDBC access to supported data sources

Support has been extended in 10.1.1 to include the following relational sources

DB2, Netezza, Teradata, Oracle, MS SL Server

Can be used with 64-bit report server included in 10.1.1 to enable administrators to better leverage memory

Has robust caching capabilities to help improve query performance

In-memory caching of the query plan and query results

Security aware

SL generation optimization for relational sources

A new implementation to support dimensional modelling of relational data sources

OLAP over Relational

Not the same implementation as DMR incompatible mode

Simpler, more efficient queries than DMR

Null suppression optimizations

Master-detail optimizations available in reports

Treats OLAP over Relational as a true OLAP source

Enables report authors to fully leverage member functions and OLAP style reporting techniques

Dramatic performance benefits available by leveraging caching capabilities

Working in Dynamic Mode – OLAP over Relational?

Some differences between DMR and OLAP over Relational

OLAP over Relational much closer to true OLAP experience

Member ordering

DM provides 2 mechanisms for member ordering

Natural ordering

Ascending order by member caption

Not consistent in compatible mode (varies by query/data source.

Sort specification

Option available in Framework Manager to explicitly set

Set for metadata tree in studios

Set for data values returned

Null suppression capabilities

True OLAP style null suppression available

Controls available at a studio level

Null handling in the calculation

Configuration available on the server to have 0 substituted for nulls for mathematical calculations

What is Impromptu in Cognos?

Cognos Impromptu is an intuitive, user-friendly system that enables non-technical personnel to quickly and easily design and distribute business intelligence reports.

What is a Cognos Controller?

What is tm1 Architect?

IBM Cognos TM1 is a solution with a client-server architecture and TM1 Architect is one of the standard TM1 client components that can connect to the TM1 server. The key components of TM1 are TM1 Architect, TM1 Perspectives, TM1 Web and Turbo Integrator.

What is tm1 Web?

IBM Cognos TM1 Web uses a multi-tiered architecture that enables users to access and interact with Cognos TM1 data using any supported web browser. The IBM Cognos TM1 Web multi-tiered architecture includes web client, web application server and data component tiers.

What is the difference between the model and package in Cognos?

A model serves as an insulating layer between IBM Cognos BI reporting users and the database. Packages are model subsets that ensure users are provided with data appropriate for the reporting they need to do, and that the data is structured in ways that make sense from a business perspective.

Creating models and publishing packages are tasks that should be planned carefully. Models and packages that are well-designed from the start ensure that user Requirements are met, data is secure, and your IBM Cognos BI application can be easily administered.

To understand the modelling and packaging process, users can study the sample models, packages, and reports provided with IBM Cognos BI. For information about setting up the samples, see the IBM Cognos Administration and Security Guide.

For IBM Cognos BI reporting, models and packages are created using Framework Manager. The following topics provide an overview. For more information, see the IBM Cognos Framework Manager User Guide.

What is looping and how to avoid it in framework manager?

Loop joins in the model are typically a source of unpredictable behavior. This does not include star schema loop joins.

When cardinality clearly identifies facts and dimensions, IBM Cognos software can automatically resolve loop joins that are caused by star schema data when you have multiple fact tables joined to a common set of dimension tables.

In the case of loop joins, ambiguously defined query subjects are the primary sign of problems. When query subjects are ambiguously defined and are part of a loop join, the joins used in a given query are decided based on a number of factors, such as the location of relationships, the number of segments in join paths, and, if all else is equal, the alphabetically first join path. This creates confusion for your users and we recommend that you model to clearly identify the join paths.

What are the Fact Tables?

A fact table is a table in a star or snowflake schema that stores facts that measure the business, such as sales, cost of goods, or profit. Fact tables also contain foreign keys to the dimension tables. These foreign keys relate each row of data in the fact table to its corresponding dimensions and levels.

Cubing Services also supports fact tables that are logical, meaning that the fact table of a facts object in a cube model can be a view.

What are the cube models?

The DB2 Warehouse cube model represents a logical star schema or snowflake schema and groups relevant dimension objects around a central facts object.

Each dimension can have multiple hierarchies. The structural information about how to join the tables that are used by the facts object and dimensions is referenced by the cube model. Also stored in the cube model is enough information to construct SL queries and to retrieve OLAP data. Other reporting and OLAP tools that understand the cube model and that can display multiple views of a specific dimension can benefit from using the cube model.

Cognos Characteristics

Criteria	Result
Ability to deploy charts	Bar, Pie, Line, Crosstabs, Funnel, Scatter, etc
Speed of data access	High performance access across all data sources
Data Export formats	Excel, HTML, PDF, CSV, XML

Define query items?

It’s mainly used in Reporting and for BI Authors it is the most essential object from the framework manager. These have lot of properties associated with them and are present in query subjects. They are similar to subsets of query subjects.

Name the types of report?

List report
B. Cross report
C. Blank report
D. Repeater report
E. Chart report

Name the types of gateway?

There are three types of gateway.
A. CGI (Common Gateway Interface.
B. ISAPI (Internet Service Application Interface.
C. Tomcat

Define framework manager?

It’s a development tool which is used to create the end-user layer used by authors to build their BI objects.

Name the three important fundamental themes which are in data warehouse?

Drilling Down
B. Drilling Across
C. Handling Time

Name the types of studio?

Metrics Studio
2. Report Studio
3. Event Studio
4. query Studio
5. Analysis Studio

Differentiate between prompt and macros?

Prompt
It provides a way to do dynamically changes in the reports.
Macro
It’s a set of instructions to run the report.

Differentiate between standalone and embedded filter?

Standalone Filter
It is used to reuse the expressionEmbedded Filter
To use the filter with only one dimension or query subject.

Can you delete Cognos Namespace?

Differentiate between physical layer and presentation layer?

Physical Layer
It provides the physical query layer and is made up primarily of data source and stored procedure query subjects. It acts like a foundation for the presentation layer

Presentation Layer
The Presentation layer is made up primarily of model query subjects that you create.

At what time default data source query subject will be created?

At the initial metadata import operation, a default data source query subject is created for those each object you have select.

What is the way to restrict the tables retrieved by a query Solution?

By setting governors we can restrict the tables retrieved by a query solution.

Name the responsibilities of Cognos Administrator?

Creating the Repository

Performing the task of backup and recovery of the Meta Data.

Tuning the servers.

Installations and configurations in distributed network environment

Developing the user Administration

Deployment

Name the phases of Cognos report net workflow?

The phases are.

Plan

Manage

Model

Author

Consume

Define Package?

It is a container for models, reports, and so on. Modelers can create packages in Framework Manager to publish the models to the Report Net server.

What is Model Filter?

It is used to restrict the data displayed on the Report. Model filter are reusable.

Name the types of Tabular filter in the report studio?

Summary

Detailed

What are the steps to import the two data sources in framework manager?

It can be done in the Run Metadata Wizard.
First of all Go to Run Metadata Wizard–>Select another database ( ex. suppose SL Server is choose in prior attempt, then you can choose Oracle as new data source.. At the last import it.

What is the way to generate cube in framework manager?

After creating the ID file from the framework manager that ID file will be used by the transformer to generate the cube.

What is the way to generate ID file from framework manager?

Create a query Subject

Using properties pane select externalize.

We have four options in that select ID

Define Parameter Map?

It is a key value pair used in creation of conditional query Subjects. It sub situates the values at the query at runtime.

Define Slice and Dice?

An operation that allows one to select a portion of the data of a fact on the basis of specified values in one or several dimensions.

What are the advantages of using Cognos SL?

It can contain metadata from the multiple data sources.

It has fewer database restrictions

Provide the facility to interact more effectively with Cognos applications.

What actually a project contains?

Models

Namespace

Data source

Parameter Map

Packages

Folder

query Subject

query Item

Relationship

Name the types of OLAP’s?

DOLAP

ROALP

MOLAP

HOLAPA

What is the Cognos query Item?

query item is majorly used for reporting. It is also an essential object for framework managers. They are quite similar to subsets of query subjects.

In simple words, a query item is an object in the model that is actually placed in the report. It symbolizes a single instance of a specific thing such as data when that particular product was introduced.

For the purpose of relational metadata, we can modify properties of query items by.

Setting usage and regular aggregate properties for following the intended use of the query item.

understanding how data is displayed in a report and format query items.

Recognizing column as a prompt, and know-how prompt information is displayed to the users.

Many to One

What are the different types of prompts available in Cognos?

Various types of prompts are available in Cognos, such as.

Text Box prompt

Value prompt

Search prompt

Date prompt

Time prompt

What is the difference between macros and prompt?

Macro is a combination of instructions that executes the applications. It is a dynamic object used for querying substitute values at run time.

A prompt decides the manner in which report data should be displayed. It is defined either in catalog generation or report generation.

Explain Dynamic Cube Lifecycle in Cognos?

Model and Publish (Warehouse and CM.

Deploy and Manage (Dynamic Cube Server, CM.

Reporting and Analytics (Dynamic cube, Logs.

Optimize (Warehouse, CM, Logs.

Explain Cognos Cube Designer modeling workflow.

First model your cube definition in Cognos Cube Designer

Create Dynamic cube

Deploy your dynamic cube to BI server

List the types of hierarchies.

There are two types of hierarchies in Analysis Services.

One is Attribute hierarchies

Second is User-defined hierarchies.

What do you mean by Aggregate Advisor?

Aggregate Advisor is used for the purpose of performance optimization utility.

It can analyze dynamic cubes and suggest aggregates when needed to improve cube performance.

It specifically generates two types of recommendations.

In-Memory Recommendations. This aggregate recommendation is implemented by the IBM® Cognos® Business Intelligence server the next time the cube is started and aggregates are saved in the Content Store.

In-Database Recommendations. This aggregate recommendation will be implemented automatically to the database and the model.

What is a Framework Manager?

For creating a business model of metadata derived from one or more data sources, we use a Framework Manager. In simple words, it’s a windows based tool utilized for publishing business models for Cognos in the form of packages for analytical reporting and analysis purposes.

Explain query Studio.

In Cognos, query Studio is used for the purpose of creating queries and reports.

Following functions can be performed using query Studio.

Viewing Data

Creating BI Reports

Changing Existing Reports

Data Customization in Report

Explain about Aggregate Cache.

Two types of pre-computed aggregate values are supported by Cognos Dynamic Cubes.

Stored in-memory aggregate cache
Stored in in-database tables (in-database aggregate.

Aggregate Advisor can suggest a collection of in-memory aggregate. In-memory aggregate does not Require the involvement of DBA. Recommendations are stored in Content Manager and take effect next time a cube is started.

What is the difference between Embedded filters and standalone filters?

Both Embedded filters and standalone filters are supported by the Framework Manager.

For the purpose of using only one query object or dimension in the filter, we use embedded filters.

For reusing the expression, we use standalone filters.

What is DTM?

DTM converts data received from reader buff and transits transformation to transformation on a row by row basis. Depending on the Requirement, transformation caches are also utilized.

List the types of facts.

Following are the types of facts.

Additive – This can be used with any aggregation function like Sum(., Avg(. etc.

Non-Additive – We are not able to use numeric aggregation functions such as Sum(., Avg(. etc on Non-additive facts.

Semi Additive – These facts are those where only a few aggregation functions can be applied.

What do you mean by query subjects?

A query subject is a collection of query items which have an inherent relationship. For modifying query objects, we use IBM Cognos Framework Manager to optimize and customize the data they retrieve.

Various types of query subjects are supported by the framework manager, such as.

Data source query subjects

Model query subjects

Stored procedure query subjects

What is Cognos Powerhouse? And why is it used?

Cognos Powerhouse supports high-productivity application development that enables you to create data-driven business solutions faster. It supports access for web-based, server/client, and traditional terminal-based. Powerhouse has huge popularity due to its productivity, performance, flexibility, and reliability.

What are all types of Batches in Cognos?

Types of Batches available in Cognos are listed below.

Sequential – It runs the sessions one by one

Concurrent – It runs the sessions simultaneously

How is Standard different from Metrics folder?

Standard Folder – This is a container of all folders particularly used for organizational purposes. It is yellow in color and acts as a local computer folder.

Metrics Folder – This folder is used for storing metric related data. It is dark blue in color and it is directly opened in Metrics studio.

What is Cognos Configuration.

Cognos Configuration is used to configure IBM Cognos Business Intelligence while installing and configuring components and also to start and stop IBM Cognos services.

Explain Dimensional Schema.

dimensional Schema divides the measures which quantify the business from the descriptive elements that define and classify the business physically. The dimensional schema is a logical or physical schema. In the logical dimensional schema, the measures, fact, and dimensions are denoted as attributes and entities that are database vendor-independent and therefore can be converted to a physical dimensional schema for any database vendor. A physical dimensional schema is denoted in the form of snowflake or star schema, where objects are the database tables.

Star schemas – It is a relational dimensional database type composed of a central, single fact table enclosed by dimensional tables.

Snowflake schemas – In encompasses one fact table that is connected to many dimension tables. These can also be connected to other dimension tables through a many-to-one relationship.

Starflake schemas – It’s a combination of Star and Snowflake schemas.

Many-to-one relationships – It refers to one entity or table containing values and refers to another entity or table containing unique values.

What is warehouse cubing?

Warehouse Cubing services provide a multidimensional view of data collected in a relational database. We can create, import, edit, export, and deploy cube models across relational warehouse schema using the cubing services.

Optimization techniques are also supported by cubing services for improving OLAP queries performance.

What are the different types of securities that we can apply in framework manager?

Different types of security available in IBM Cognos Framework Manager are the following.

Row-level security. It enables you to create a security filter and use it to a particular query subject. It also controls the data that is shown to the users during building and running their reports.

Object-level security. It enables you to secure an object directly by allowing or refusing users access to the objects, or also by concealing it all from the users.

Package level security. It lets you apply security to a package and detects who all has access to that particular package.

What is the extension of the framework manager project file?

The extension of the framework manager project file is .cpf ( Cognos Project File ..

What is the difference between TM1 Architect and TM1 perspective?

TM1 Architect is a desktop application runs in a remote desktop session with IBM Planning Analytics system, whereas, TM1 perspective is an add-in for Microsoft Excel runs in a remote desktop session with IBM Planning Analytics system.

Explain the Cognos Controller.

The Financial consolidation software used for complete close, consolidate, and report process is called a Cognos Controller. It serves you to automate and accelerate the close process with a full suite of financial consolidation software, especially for finance users.

Also, enables you to deliver complete financial results, build financial and management reports, and give the chief financial officer (CFO. with an enterprise view of key financial metrics and ratios.

What is the use of Cognos Impromptu?

Cognos Impromptu is an intuitive, user-friendly system allows non-technical personnel to design and share business intelligence reports easily and faster. This system is associated with the CruiseNet core system and allows to build customized reports varying from simple lists to series of linked and interactive reports.

What is the SL Generation?

We can specify how the Cognos framework manager generates the SL that recollects the data from the relational data sources for model query subjects or data source query subjects.

The SL Generation type of a query subject can be set to either view or minimized. But minimized is set to be by default.

If the generation type is set to as minimized, the generated SL includes only a minimal set of tables and joins Required to access values for the selected query items.

If the generation type is set to As View, the framework manager contains the full SL statement that described the query subject.

What is the difference between Measure and Regular Dimension?

A measure dimension is a set of facts that are created from one or more query subjects possessing a valid relationship between them.

A regular dimension includes one or more user-defined hierarchies, with each hierarchy consisting of the levels, captions, keys, and attributes.

Explain the Dimensional Modelling for Report and Analysis?

DMR (Dimensionally Modelled Relational. builds in classic query mode.
Logical dimensional layer over top of a relational model
Single measure dimension and one or multiple regular dimensions
Enables drill-up/drill-down analysis in the studios
Dimension layer can be applied over any star schema model.
Dimensions and measure dimensions are constructed from model query subjects or database query subjects
At runtime, queries are run to spin a virtual cube on disk to simulate the OLAP style analysis capabilities

What are the Determinants? And when should use them?

Determinants are used for providing control over granularity while aggregating. Through identifying groups or subsets of data in a query subject, it reflects granularity.

Framework manager uses it to determine the levels in a default hierarchy for auto-generating regular dimensions from query subjects.

The determinants should be used when.

Dimensions connect to fact tables at levels of granularity that possess repeating keys.
There is a Requirement to count or execute aggregate functions on an attribute or a ket that is repeated.
Avoiding a distinct clause on distinct keys.

Explain about Message Flows?

The message flow is an order of processing steps that run in the integration node when an input message is received. It contains an input node to represent the sources of the messages that are processed.

We can process the message in one or more ways and deliver it through one or more output nodes. Before a message delivered to a final destination, it is transformed back into a bitstream.

What is a Snapshot?

A snapshot is produced for copying the exact data that is associated with the current report and also used for comparing it with other reports.

What are Confirmed Dimensions?

Confirmed dimensions are single dimensions which are delivered once using a dimension build and can be shared over various data marts.

If you have attended any Cognos interview in the recent past or maybe I have missed any topic you want to know. Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.

What is the IBM Cognos Framework Manager model logical layer?

The IBM Cognos Framework Manager model logical layer contains query subjects that draw data from the database query subjects and present it in a more consumable format.

Explain Aggregate Cache?

The aggregate cache consists of.
Cognos Dynamic Cube supports two types of pre-computed aggregate values.

Stored in in-database tables (in-database aggregate..
Stored in an in-memory aggregate cache.

Aggregate Advisor can suggest a collection of in-memory aggregate.

In-memory aggregate does not Require the involvement of DBA.
Recommendations are stored in Content Manager and take effect next time a cube is started.
The size of the aggregate cache is specified in the properties of a dynamic cube – Maximum amount of memory to use for the aggregate cache (MB..

Explain about the Aggregate Advisor?

The aggregate advisor is.

The Aggregate Advisor is a performance optimization utility.
It is a part of the Dynamic query Analyzer.
This suggests database aggregate tables, in-memory aggregate, or both.
This makes use of a cube’s model and statistics.
You can make use of workload log files that are generated from the execution of reports.
The expectation is that the dynamic cube is published in the Content Store, can be started successfully, and that reports and analysis run and return correct results.
Just after a cube is restarted, the aggregates execute the necessary SL statements to retrieve the summarized values and place the values in its aggregate cache for subsequent use during query processing.
This is run during off-peak, non-critical business hours.

What do you mean by Cardinality in Cognos?

Cardinality is defined as a relationship between the queries or tables. IBM Cognos supports both minimum-maximum cardinality and optional cardinality.
The relationship that can be formed between the tables are.

One to One
One to Many
Many to Many
Many to One

What is defined as Cognos Impromptu?

A Cognos Impromptu is set to be a tool which is used for the generation of business intelligence reports.

What are all the advantages of Cognos?

Following are the advantages of Cognos.

Planning
Analysis
Forecasting
Scorecard

What do you mean by Drill Through report?

Drill through reporting is used to link from one report to another report. It has a parent and child relationship between the reports.

What is a Framework manager?

Frame manager is a tool, which is used to develop end-user layer and it can be used by Authors to build their own BI objects.

What is a Folder?

A folder consists of repository objects like sources, targets, transformation and mapping that help to organize data warehouse.

What are query items?

query items are the most important object in framework manager and it has a lot of properties associated with it. This is mainly used for reporting and business intelligence.

What is called Cognos powerplay?

Cognos powerplay is nothing but a multidimensional on-line analysis of data.

What is a query Subject?

A query subject is a set of query items that have inherent relationship and it is basic building block on framework manager.

What is defined as query studio?

query studio is one of the studios in Cognos which is used to perform Adhoc ueries.

What are all the types of report?

Following are the types of report in Cognos.

Blank report
List report
Cross report
Chart report
Repeater report

What are the themes in a data warehouse?

The three important fundamental themes are.

Drilling Down
Drilling Across
Handling Time

What is called materialized view?

A materialized view is a view which is physically stored in a database. This view is used to increase query performance by calculating costly operations.

What do you mean by Drill Through report?

Drill through reporting is used to link from one report to another report. It has parent and child relationship between the reports.

What is a Cube?

Cube is set to be multi-dimensional view of dimension and measures and it is used to analyze the data in various forms like Slicing and Dicing.

What is a Snapshot?

A snapshot is created to copy the exact data that is related to current report and compare with another report.

Example. Data of this week compared with previous week

What is a Transformer?

Transformer is used for making the Cubes which is for the Multidimensional structure on OLAP processing.

Is it possible to join multiple Databases in a Catalog?

No, it is not possible to join multiple databases in a catalog and it can be achieved by Hotfile.

What are query items?

query items are the most important object in framework manager and it has a lot of properties associated with it. This is mainly used for reporting and business intelligence.

What are all the types of indexes in Cognos?

Following are the types of Indexes in Cognos.

Bitmap index
B-tree index
Function based index
Reverse key and composite index

What is Bitmap Index?

A bitmap index is used for replacement of list of rowids for each key value. This index is mainly efficient for data warehousing as it has low cardinality and low updates.

What is a query Subject?

A query subject is a set of query items that have inherent relationship and it is basic building block on framework manager.

What are all types of prompt?

Following are the types of Prompt used in Cognos.

Value
Textbox
Select and search
Date
Time
Date and time
Interval
Generated
Prompt button

What is called Cognos powerplay?

Cognos powerplay is nothing but a multidimensional on-line analysis of data.

What are the types of studio present in Cognos?

There are five types of studio are .

query Studio
Metrics Studio
Analysis Studio
Report Studio
Event Studio

What is defined as query studio?

query studio is one of the studios in Cognos which is used to perform Adhoc queries.

What are the types of folder present in Cognos?

There are three main types of folders and they are listed below.

Standard folder
Package folder
Metrics folder

What do you mean by drill across?

The drill across executes queries with the help of more than one cube.

What is the use of Cognos decision stream?

Cognos decision stream is set to be a tool which is used for extracting, transforming the data from different data sources to target data source.

What do you mean by Drill down and Drill Up?

Drill down is addition of grouping columns from the dimension tables whereas drill up is removing grouping columns from the dimension tables.

What is the advantage of using shortcuts?

There are two shortcuts – Local and Global. Local is used for the local repository and Global for global repository. Advantage is to reuse an object instead of creating multiple objects.

What is a Framework manager?

Frame manager is a tool, which is used to develop end user layer and it can be used by Authors to build their own BI objects.

What is the difference between Standard and Metrics folder?

Standard Folder – This is a container of all folders and it is used for Organizational purposes. It acts like a local computer folder. It is yellow in color.
Metrics Folder – This folder is used by Metrics studio to store metrics related information. Metrics folder will open up directly in Metrics studio and it is dark blue in color.

What is the difference between a cascading report and drill through report?

Cascading report is used to extract data from one prompt to another prompt.

Drill through report is used to extract the data by selecting the column in a report and it can be drilled down by clicking the column data.

What are all types of Batches?

Following are the types of Batches.

Sequential – Run the sessions one by one
Concurrent – Run the sessions simultaneously

What is Report item?

Report item is defined as a query item which can be dragged and dropped into a work area.

What is set to be Cardinality?

Cardinality is defined as relationships between the tables. Following are relationship formed between the tables.

One to One
One to Many
Many to Many
Many to One

What are the components of Report Net?

Following are the components of Report Net.

Framework manager
Cognos connection
query Studio
Report Studio

So, this brings us to the end of the Cognos Analytics Interview Questions blog.This Tecklearn ‘Top IBM Cognos Analytics Interview Questions and Answers’ helps you with commonly asked questions if you are looking out for a job in Cognos Analytics or Business Intelligence Domain. If you wish to learn Cognos Analytics and build a career in Business Intelligence domain, then check out our interactive, IBM Cognos Analytics Training, that comes with 24*7 support to guide you throughout your learning period.

https://www.tecklearn.com/course/ibm-cognos-analytics-11-training/

IBM Cognos Analytics 11 Training

About the Course

IBM Cognos 11 training provides in-detailed knowledge on how to build complex and advanced reports and dashboards using IBM Cognos reporting tool, and this will enable you to become a Cognos developer. Major topics of this Cognos reports and dashboard training include Cognos architecture, the components of Cognos, Analysis Studio, OLTP system, Query Studio, advanced report designing, Cognos Framework Manager and Cognos Administration. By the end of this training, you will get an insight into working with IBM Cognos reporting tool by implementing real-time Cognos projects, and you will be able to use this knowledge in real-time environments.

Why Should you take IBM Cognos Analytics 11 Training?

The average Cognos developer salary is $78417 or an equivalent hourly rate of $38-Erieri.com.
Cognos has a market share of around 9% globally.
Cognos Analytics V11 enhances the efficiency and capabilities of business users, report authors, and administrators alike through a simplification of and the graduated nature of its user experience.

What you will Learn in this Course?

Overview of IBM Cognos BI and Cognos BI Architecture

Overview of IBM Cognos Analytics 11
IBM Cognos Framework Manager Modelling
New UI features of Cognos Analytics 11

Cognos Analytics 11: Data Modules

Overview of Cognos Analytics 11 Data Modules
Creation of Data Server Connection
Using Data Modules to modulate data without using the Framework Manager
Data Discovery through intent-based modelling
Creating Data modules with inputs from various sources

Working with Dashboards

Process of Dashboarding in IBM Cognos
Creating a Dashboard
Filter Data in Dashboard
Widget-to-Widget Communication
Sorting, Grouping and Calculating Data
Storytelling

Cognos Environment

Active Report
New Visualization Types
Sharing and Embedding Contents

Cognos Reports

Cognos Report Studio
Reporting using Filters, Formatting, Charts
Advance Report Building Techniques
Cognos Active Reports
Geo Spatial Analytics

Cognos Administration

Deep Dive into Cognos Administration
Analysing and Administering Queries

Dimension Modelling

New Features in Smart Modelling
Transformer Cube and Drill through
Dynamic Cube and Drill Though

Got a question for us? Please mention it in the comments section and we will get back to you.

864