IBM Cognos Framework Manager Fundamentals

Introduction to IBM Cognos Framework Manager

IBM Cognos Framework Manager is a tool based on the Windows platform and is useful for creating business models based on metadata obtained from more than one data source. The Framework Manager (FM) publishes the business models in the form of packages to Cognos BI for analysis.

Before starting any project in Framework Manager(FM), it is a must that you have to go through BI reporting demands. This will help you in identifying metadata, report package delivery, data strategies so that you can identify what data sources are required for the FM to acquire the required data to generate a BI report. 

Before starting a new project, consider the following factors:

• Data Sources needed to meet BI demands.
• Types of Data Warehouse system
• Data refresh in DW
• BI Reporting that is either Daily, Weekly, or monthly.

In This Tutorial, You Will Learn

What is a Metadata model? IBM Cognos Framework Manager User Interface Reporting objects importing metadata from a relational database

What is a Metadata model?

A Metadata model is a collection of metadata that is imported from a database. It describes all the entities of a database such as tables, rows, columns, and relationships. The metadata is transferred in the form of packages to the IBM Cognos BI and to generate accurate SQL commands to the database to execute the reports.

MetaData WorkFlow

In some cases, to meet reporting and presentation requirements, the metadata is changed in Framework manager Cognos to ensure predictable results. The model is capable of hiding the complex structure of underlying data sources and hence provides more control over the data presented to BI users. You have an option to organize data and choose which data has to be displayed to users. The main motto of modeling the metadata is to create a model that provides accurate predictable results.

IBM Cognos Framework Manager User Interface (UI):

The following are the various components User Interface explained in detail:

• Project Viewer 
• Project Info 
• Properties 
• Tools 

Project Viewer: As displayed in the image, this pane lies on the left side of the window and allows you to access all the existing projects. It resembles a tree format.

Project Info: As shown in the image above this is the center pane and is used to manage objects of the current project. This contains three tabs: Dimension, Diagram, and Explorer.

Properties: it is present at the bottom of the interface and is used to set values for different properties of an object.

Tools: This pane lies on the right side and provides access to important tools. You’ll find the options such as changing project language, display of an object and its dependents, search, etc.

Learn how to use the IBM Cognos framework manager, from beginner basics to advanced techniques, with online video tutorials taught by industry experts. Enroll in IBM Cognos Framework Manager Training for a free Demo!

Reporting Objects

There are several objects in IBM Cognos Framework Manager UI with which you interact in Project info panes. The following screenshot shows Model objects in the Project Viewer pane that includes reporting objects:

The following types of query objects:

1. Data Source Object

maps data to a corresponding object in the data source and uses an alternating SQL statement to restore data. 

2. Model object

Maps data to existing metadata in the model.

3. Stored Procedure

Used to execute the database stored procedures to retrieve data. 

4. Query item

It is present within a query subject and maps data to the adjacent object present in the data source. The following image shows query items:

5. Regular Dimension

These objects contain the highest level of granularity and are descriptive.

6. Measure Dimension object

It is a collection of OLAP queries. The following is the image that shows Measure Dimension:

Importing Metadata from a Relational Database:

To import Metadata from an RDBMS, you need to map the database objects with the FM objects. In this FM, you can import a particular object or all the objects like views, tables, functions, columns, and stored procedures. The user-defined stored procedures are supported.

The following is a table imported from Relational Database.

Database Objects	Framework Manager Objects
Column	Query Item
View	Query Subject
Synonym	Query Subject
Procedure	Query Subject
Table	Query Subject
Function	Project Function

Example: To create a metadata model, you must follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step1: You need to set up the application and run the metadata wizard and choose an action from the menu.

Step 2: Select a data source connection you are looking for and choose the next button. 

Step 3: Tick the checkboxes for the corresponding objects that you want to import.

Step 4: Specify the method to import and handle the duplicate object names. 

Step 5: Choose either to import not to import. If you are willing to import then create a distinct name. 

Step 6: if you Choose to create a distinct name, then the imported object appears with a count.

The screenshot below shows the QuerySubject and QuerySubject1. When we click on the Import button, the following appears:

“You can choose what object you are willing to Import i.e. statistics along with the list of objects that were imported and list of objects that can’t be imported are segregated.”

Click on the “Finish” button to end the process.

The final step: After importing Metadata, you need to check the following areas:

• Relationships and Determinants
• Cardinality
• Regular aggregate and usage property for query items

Related Article: Cognos Interview Questions

Conclusion:

IBM Cognos Framework Manager is the best tool to obtain metadata. By following the above steps, you can obtain data from a single data source. The obtained metadata can be a vital source for generating reports and performing analysis.