Overview of IBM Cognos BI

• discuss IBM Cognos BI and Performance Management
• describe IBM Cognos BI components
• describe IBM Cognos BI architecture at a high level
• define IBM Cognos BI groups and roles
• explain how to extend IBM Cognos BI

Identify Common Data Structures

• Define the metadata modeling role in IBM Cognos BI
• examine the characteristics of operational databases and databases designed for reporting
• examine dimensional data sources (OLAP, ROLAP, DMR)

Gather Requirements

• examine key modeling recommendations
• define reporting requirements
• explore data sources t identify data access strategies

Create a Baseline Project

• examine the IBM Cognos BI workflow processes
• define a project and its structure
• describe the Framework Manager environment
• create a baseline project
• enhance the model with additional metadata

Prepare Reusable Metadata

• identify facts and dimensions
• examine relationships, and data traps
• verify relationships and query item properties
• ensure efficient filters by configuring prompt properties

Model for Predictable Results: Identify Reporting Issues

• describe multi-fact queries and when full outer joins are appropriate
• describe how IBM Cognos BI uses cardinality
• identify reporting traps
• use tools to analyze the model

Model for Predictable Results: Virtual Star Schemas

• identify the advantages of modeling metadata as a star schema
• model in layers
• create aliases to avoid ambiguous joins
• merge query subjects to create as view behavior

Model for Predictable Results: Consolidate Metadata

• create virtual facts to simplify writing queries
• create virtual dimensions to resolve fact-to-fact joins
• create a consolidated modeling layer for presentation purposes
• consolidate snowflake dimensions with model query subjects
• simplify facts by hiding unnecessary codes

Calculations and Filters

• use calculations to create commonly-needed query items for authors
• use static filters to reduce the data returned
• use macros and parameters in calculations and filters to dynamically control the data returned

Implement a Time Dimension

• make time-based queries simple to author by implementing a time dimension
• resolve confusion caused by multiple relationships between a time dimension and another table

Specify Determinants

• use determinants to specify multiple levels of granularity and prevent double-counting

Create the Presentation View

• identify the dimensions associated with a fact table
• identify conformed vs. non-conformed dimensions
• create star schema groupings to provide authors with logical groupings of query subjects
• Rapidly create a model using the Model Design Accelerator

Create Analysis Objects

• Define dimensionally modeled relational (DMR) metadata
• apply dimensional information to relational metadata to enable OLAP-style queries
• define members and member unique names

Introduction to the Reporting Application

• Examine Report Studio and its interface
• Explore different report types
• Create a simple, sorted, and formatted report
• Explore how data items are added to queries

Create List Reports

• Format, group, and sort list reports
• Describe options for aggregating data
• Create a multi-fact query
• Create a report with repeated data

Focus Reports Using Filters

• Create filters t narrow the focus of reports
• Examine detail and summary filters
• Determine when t apply filters on aggregate data

Create Crosstab Reports

• Format and sort crosstab reports
• Convert a list to a crosstab
• Create crosstabs using unrelated data items
• Create complex crosstabs using drag and drop functionality

Present Data Graphically

• Create charts containing peer and nested items
• Present data using different chart type options
• Add context to charts
• Create and reuse custom chart palettes
• Present key data in a single dashboard report

Focus Reports Using Prompts

• Identify various prompt types
• Use parameters and prompts to focus data
• Search for prompt items
• Navigate between pages

Extend Reports Using Calculations

• Create calculations based on data in the data source
• Add run-time information to the reports
• Create expressions using functions
• Highlight exceptional data
• Show and hide data
• Conditionally render objects in reports
• Conditionally format one crosstab measure based on another
• identify changes that impact a MUN
• sort members for presentation and predictability

Customize Reports with Conditional Formatting

• Create multi-lingual reports
• Highlight Exceptional Data
• Create a Conditionally Rendered Column
• Conditionally Format One Crosstab Measure Based on Another

Drill-Through From One Report t Another

• Let users navigate from a specific report t a target report
• Pass parameter values t filter the data in drill-through targets
• Navigate through multiple reports

Create Reports using Relational Data

• Define Relational Data
• Define report layouts
• Build a report
• Explain how to add data query items
• Use calculations

Introduction t IBM Cognos BI Administration

• Describe the role of the Administrator in relation to the IBM Cognos BI administration workflow process.
• Describe the role of IBM Cognos Administration and IBM Cognos Configuration.

Identify IBM Cognos BI Architecture

Identify and explain:

• the features of the IBM Cognos BI architecture
• the three architectural tiers
• IBM Cognos BI servlets and services
• the default servlet container and alternatives t its use
• an example of IBM Cognos BI request processing
• installation options
• load balancing mechanisms
• configuration options
• the IBM Cognos Application Firewall

Secure the IBM Cognos BI Environment

• Identify the IBM Cognos BI security model
• Define authentication and authorization in IBM Cognos BI.
• Identify security policies
• Secure the IBM Cognos BI environment

Manage Run Activities

• Manage current, upcoming and past activities
• Manage schedules

Manage Content in IBM Cognos Administration

• View Data Sources Associated with a Package and Add a Data Source
• Add Multiple Connections for a Single Data Source
• Create a Distribution List
• Create an Export and Import Archive
• Save Content t the File System

Post class e-Learning:

• IBM Cognos for Microsoft Office: Integrate with Microsoft Office (V10.1/10.2) (B5130)
• IBM Cognos BI Event Studio: Create and Manage Agents (V8.4/10.1) (B5131)
• IBM Cognos Transformer: Create PowerCubes (V10.1) (B5169)
• IBM Cognos Workspace Advanced: Introduction (V10.2) (B5283)
• IBM Cognos Workspace Advanced: Intermediate (V10.2) (B5284)
• IBM Cognos BI for Consumers (V10.2) (B5288)
• IBM Cognos Workspace: Create Workspaces (V10.2) (B5217)