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IBM Cognos Framework Manager – Proven Practice

A proven practice for Framework Manager Meta Modeling is to divide your model into a series of layers, each layer having a specific purpose. (Originally IBM recommended the use of two layers (data and modeling), but later added a presentation layer, and (optionally) a separate dimensional layer).

The layers should be:

  • The top layer – or the “presentation layer”,
  • The middle layer – or the “logical layer” and
  • The lowest level – or the “data layer”.

(The dimensional layer can be used to replace the presentation layer, or can be used in addition to the presentation layer).

The Data layer

Contains the data source or “query subjects”.

The Logical layer

Where most of the modeling is done, providing business context to the data layer. For example, you can join fields from multiple tables, rename fields, assign aliases, organize by folders, etc.

The Presentation layer

This is what the report author sees when you publish a package for report creation.

The Dimensional layer

The dimensional layer is required only for models which include Dimensionally Modeled Relation data (DMR) rather than only the relational data. Specifically, this is for creating regular and measure dimensional query subjects.

By Default…

In my last post, I created a new FM project named “corvette” and added a simple relational datasource (a SQL database).

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You can see that by default, FM created a “namespace” named “FelxibleModel”.

In order to adhere to our “layers” proven practice, we need to make some changes to our project (before we do any real modeling). To do that you can simply right-click on the namespace and select Create and then Namespace”:

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From there, rename the namespace as “Data Layer” (right-click on the namespace and select rename). Next, I moved my 2 database tables (Product and Sales) under it (click, drag and drop):

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Now I can create my 2 other namespaces (Logical and Presentation):

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Remember to save the project. One note, the names for the “layers” can be anything that makes senses within your organization, but give some thought to a convention as object names must be unique identifiers.

Now we are ready to do some real “meta modeling”. See you next post!

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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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