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TM1 Modeling Best Practice – Optimally Locating Solution Logic

llTo insure that acceptable levels of performance and maintainability can be achieved, an “architectural purist” (like me) will want to recommend that when implementing your Cognos TM1 model, great care be taken when deciding where you implement the specific logic that the solution requires.

Although there will always be “room for exception” (for example to address specific limitations due of the deployment environment, client policies, license allowances, support of the model after the initial release, etc.), the following guidelines will generally hold true:

Core Calculations

All of the fundamental calculations to be performed by the model (for example consolidations) should be implemented with TM1 dimensional hierarchies and element weightings.

Formal Model Calculations

Formal business model calculations (for example currency translations or the multiplication of prices by units) should be implemented using TM1’s real-time Rules Engine.

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Logic required for transformation, loading and reporting should almost always be implemented using TurboIntegrator scripting. In addition, certain model calculations (initially implemented as TM1 Rules) may also be considered as candidates for implementing in TI, based upon either performance test results or anticipated performance results.  In fact, generally, whenever you can move “rule logic” into a TI script (without compromising the overall value-add of the model), do it!

Spontaneous Modeling

It may be a requirement that your users have the ability to perform individual “unstructured” or “spontaneous” modeling. Cognos TM1 Spreading and Sandboxing features should be used for this.

Ad-Hoc Reporting and Specialized Presentation

When reporting and presentation of information require additional (simple) calculation or re-formatting of the information supplied by the model , the use of MS Excel functions is appropriate.

Usability Enhancements

Any specialized logic to satisfy specific usability needs should be implemented using VBA programming. (Note: this would not include any business logic requirements -no matter how specific or unique they may be!)

Extremely Specialized Solutions

In the most extreme cases, a combination of VBA and API programming can be used to implement solution logic requirements.

Final Thoughts

Also keep in mind that logic considered “generic” to (most) models (for example logic associated with consuming the outputs of your model) may change while logic that performs specific formal model calculations would most likely be the unique “value add” the model provides and most likely would not change over time. Be particularly careful where you “place” your “value add” logic.

Thoughts on “TM1 Modeling Best Practice – Optimally Locating Solution Logic”

  1. Jim-

    Thanks for your clear and thoughtful framework for TM1 best practices.

    In my experience I have often used rules for the generation of KPIs, for instance in the calculation of Loss Ratio, Premium Growth, or Combined Ratio (I’m an insurance guy). I have used TI script extensively for expense allocations to line of business.

    Is it fair to say that “rules vs TI script” is something to be decided on a case-by-case basis? Can you explain further when you would choose rules over TI script?

    Best Regards,

    Rob Davies

  2. Jim Miller Post author

    yes, I recommend careful consideration on a case by case basis.
    thanks for reading the blog!

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Jim Miller

Mr. Miller is an IBM certified and accomplished Senior Project Leader and Application/System Architect-Developer with over 30 years of extensive applications and system design and development experience. His current role is National FPM Practice Leader. His experience includes BI, Web architecture & design, systems analysis, GUI design and testing, Database modeling and systems analysis, design, and development of Client/Server, Web and Mainframe applications and systems utilizing: Applix TM1 (including TM1 rules, TI, TM1Web and Planning Manager), dynaSight - ArcPlan, ASP, DHTML, XML, IIS, MS Visual Basic and VBA, Visual Studio, PERL, Websuite, MS SQL Server, ORACLE, SYBASE SQL Server, etc. His Responsibilities have included all aspects of Windows and SQL solution development and design including: analysis; GUI (and Web site) design; data modeling; table, screen/form and script development; SQL (and remote stored procedures and triggers) development and testing; test preparation and management and training of programming staff. Other experience includes development of ETL infrastructure such as data transfer automation between mainframe (DB2, Lawson, Great Plains, etc.) systems and client/server SQL server and Web based applications and integration of enterprise applications and data sources. In addition, Mr. Miller has acted as Internet Applications Development Manager responsible for the design, development, QA and delivery of multiple Web Sites including online trading applications, warehouse process control and scheduling systems and administrative and control applications. Mr. Miller also was responsible for the design, development and administration of a Web based financial reporting system for a 450 million dollar organization, reporting directly to the CFO and his executive team. Mr. Miller has also been responsible for managing and directing multiple resources in various management roles including project and team leader, lead developer and applications development director. Specialties Include: Cognos/TM1 Design and Development, Cognos Planning, IBM SPSS and Modeler, OLAP, Visual Basic, SQL Server, Forecasting and Planning; International Application Development, Business Intelligence, Project Development. IBM Certified Developer - Cognos TM1 (perfect score 100% on exam) IBM Certified Business Analyst - Cognos TM1

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