All rules can be optimize using the skip check

In Cognos, the "skip check" feature refers to a technique used to optimize rules in report queries. It
allows Cognos to skip unnecessary calculations or evaluations if certain conditions are not met, thereby
improving query performance. By using skip checks effectively, you can reduce the processing time and
improve the overall efficiency of your reports.

To apply skip checks in Cognos, you need to follow these general steps:

1. Identify the areas in your report where skip checks can be implemented. These are typically
calculations or conditions that are not required for every query execution.

2. Determine the conditions under which the skip checks should be triggered. For example, you may
have a calculation that only needs to be evaluated if a certain parameter or variable meets a specific
criterion.

3. In Cognos, use conditional expressions or functions to implement skip checks. These expressions
should evaluate the conditions and return a value that either performs the calculation or skips it.

4. Apply the skip check expressions to relevant calculations or conditions in your report. This can
typically be done using the expression editor or formula builder provided by Cognos.

5. Test your report to ensure that the skip checks are working as intended. Verify that the calculations
are skipped when the conditions are not met and that the correct values are calculated when the
conditions are satisfied.

It's important to note that the specific implementation of skip checks may vary depending on the version
of Cognos you are using and the context of your report. It's recommended to consult the official Cognos
documentation or seek assistance from IBM or an experienced Cognos developer for detailed guidance
tailored to your specific use case.

Describe the feeder statements

In the context of IBM Cognos, "feeder statements" refer to expressions or calculations used to populate
values in a cube or a multi-dimensional data model. Feeder statements are crucial for maintaining the
accuracy and efficiency of calculations performed within a cube.

Feeder statements work by identifying the source or input data that contributes to a particular cell or
intersection in the cube. When changes occur in the source data, feeder statements ensure that the
affected cells in the cube are updated accordingly. This helps maintain data integrity and enables
efficient cube calculations without having to recompute the entire cube.

Feeder statements in Cognos typically consist of two main components:

1. The "source" or "contributor": This refers to the data item or expression that provides the value to be
fed into the target cells in the cube. It can be a single data item or a complex calculation involving
multiple data items.
2. The "target" or "receiver": This represents the specific cell or intersection in the cube where the value
from the source is to be populated.

Feeder statements are defined and managed within the Cognos Transformer tool, which is used for
building and maintaining multi-dimensional data models. Within the Transformer tool, you can specify
feeder statements for specific cubes or dimensions.

The process of setting up feeder statements involves:

1. Identifying the source data items or calculations that contribute to a specific cell in the cube.

2. Mapping the source data items to the appropriate target cells or intersections in the cube.

3. Defining the feeder statement using the appropriate syntax and expressions provided by Cognos
Transformer.

4. Verifying and testing the feeder statements to ensure they accurately reflect the relationships
between the source and target data.

Once the feeder statements are defined, the Cognos Transformer tool uses them to populate and update
the values in the cube automatically, based on changes in the source data.

Feeder statements play a critical role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of multi-dimensional
data models in Cognos. They ensure that cubes are updated accurately and efficiently, reflecting changes
in the underlying data sources.

Describe a virtual cube with its purpose

A virtual cube is a concept in multidimensional data modeling used to combine and analyze data from
multiple cubes or data sources as if they were a single unified cube. It acts as a virtual layer that provides
a consolidated view of data without physically merging or duplicating the data.

The purpose of a virtual cube is to enable comprehensive analysis and reporting across different
dimensions and measures that exist in separate cubes or data sources. It allows users to access and
analyze data that may be distributed across multiple systems, databases, or business units, providing a
unified and consistent view of the information.

Here are some key purposes and benefits of using a virtual cube:

1. Consolidated analysis: A virtual cube brings together data from different sources, enabling users to
perform analysis across various dimensions and measures that are otherwise separate. It provides a
holistic view of the data, allowing users to explore relationships and uncover insights that may not be
apparent when working with individual cubes.
2. Cross-dimensional analysis: Virtual cubes allow users to perform analysis across dimensions that may
not exist in the original cubes or databases. By combining dimensions, users can gain a deeper
understanding of how different aspects of the data relate to each other, facilitating complex analysis and
decision-making.

3. Simplified reporting: Instead of having to create complex reports or queries across multiple cubes or
data sources, a virtual cube provides a simplified interface for reporting and analysis. Users can define
reports and queries against the virtual cube, which internally handles the retrieval and consolidation of
data from the underlying sources.

4. Data integration and harmonization: Virtual cubes can incorporate data from different sources and
transform it into a standardized format, ensuring consistency and uniformity across the dimensions and
measures. This allows for easier integration and comparison of data from diverse systems or business
units.

5. Performance optimization: Virtual cubes can enhance performance by pre-calculating and

aggregating data from the underlying cubes. By performing calculations and aggregations in advance,
users can access summarized and optimized data, leading to faster query response times and improved
overall performance.

6. Data security and access control: Virtual cubes provide a layer of abstraction that can help enforce
data security and access control policies. Users can be granted access to the virtual cube based on their
specific roles and permissions, without exposing the underlying cubes or data sources directly.

Overall, a virtual cube serves as a powerful tool for data analysis, consolidation, and reporting, enabling
users to derive insights from disparate data sources and perform comprehensive multidimensional
analysis. It enhances data integration, simplifies reporting, and improves performance, making it an
essential component in multidimensional data modeling and business intelligence systems.

How attributes can be used in rules? Give arguments and its/their descriptions

In the context of IBM Cognos or other business intelligence tools, attributes can be used in rules to
enhance the calculations and analysis performed on the data. Attributes provide additional context or
descriptive information about the data elements, which can be leveraged in various ways within rule
definitions. Here are some arguments and their descriptions illustrating how attributes can be used in
rules:

1. Filtering: Attributes can be used as filters to conditionally include or exclude specific data elements in
calculations. For example, you can define a rule that performs a calculation only on data items that have
a certain attribute value, such as "Region" equals "North America."

2. Grouping and Aggregation: Attributes can be utilized for grouping data items together based on
common characteristics. By specifying attributes in rule definitions, you can aggregate or summarize data
within specific attribute categories. For instance, you can create a rule that calculates the total sales for
each product category by grouping data items based on the "Product Category" attribute.
3. Conditional Logic: Attributes can be employed in conditional expressions within rules to control the
flow of calculations. By using attribute values as conditions, you can define rules that perform different
calculations or apply specific logic based on attribute properties. For example, you can have a rule that
calculates different discount percentages based on the attribute value of "Customer Segment."

4. Sorting and Ranking: Attributes can influence the sorting and ranking of data items within a report or
analysis. You can use attribute values to define the sorting order of data elements or determine their
ranking based on specific attribute criteria. This allows for customized presentation and analysis of data.

5. Hierarchical Analysis: Attributes that represent hierarchies, such as product categories or

organizational structures, can be utilized in rules to perform hierarchical calculations or roll-ups. This
enables analysis and reporting at different levels of the hierarchy, allowing users to drill down or roll up
the data based on the attribute hierarchy.

6. Conditional Formatting: Attributes can be utilized to define conditional formatting rules for data
visualization. By specifying attribute values and associated formatting conditions, you can dynamically
change the appearance of data elements based on their attribute properties. This helps highlight or
emphasize specific data points in reports or dashboards.

What applications can be accesses from IBM Planning Analytics? Elaborate the steps to examine the
applications

IBM Planning Analytics is a comprehensive planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis solution that
offers various applications for different purposes. These applications can be accessed and examined
using the following steps:

1. Launching IBM Planning Analytics: Open a web browser and enter the URL provided by your
organization to access the IBM Planning Analytics portal. Log in using your credentials to access the
application.

2. Home Page: Upon logging in, you will be directed to the home page of IBM Planning Analytics. This
page serves as the central hub for accessing different applications and features. It provides an overview
of your current tasks, notifications, and recent activities.

3. Explore Applications: On the home page, you will find a navigation menu or a dashboard with options
to access different applications available in IBM Planning Analytics. The specific applications and their
names may vary based on your organization's configuration and licensing. Here are some common
applications:

a. Planning Analytics Workspace: This application provides a web-based interface for data analysis,
reporting, and dashboarding. It allows you to create interactive visualizations, build reports, and perform
ad-hoc analysis on your data. To access Workspace, click on the corresponding option in the navigation
menu or dashboard.
 b. Planning Analytics for Excel (PAX): PAX is an Excel add-in that integrates IBM Planning Analytics
capabilities directly into Microsoft Excel. It provides powerful spreadsheet-based planning and analysis
capabilities. To use PAX, you may need to install the add-in and launch it from within Excel.

c. Planning Analytics Contributor: This application is primarily used for collaborative planning and data
input. It allows business users to enter and submit data, review and validate plans, and participate in the
planning process. Access to Contributor may be provided through a separate link or option in the
navigation menu.

d. Performance Modeler: Performance Modeler is a tool used for building and maintaining planning
models within IBM Planning Analytics. It offers features for designing dimensions, creating calculations,
defining business rules, and managing the overall model structure. Performance Modeler can typically
be accessed from the navigation menu or through a separate client application.

4. Select and Explore an application: Choose the desired application from the available options in the
navigation menu or dashboard. Click on the corresponding link or icon to launch the application.

5. Application-Specific Features: Once you access a specific application, you can explore its features and
capabilities. These may include building reports, creating data visualizations, entering and reviewing
planning data, designing dimensions and hierarchies, defining calculations and business rules, and
performing various analysis tasks.

6. Navigate and Interact: Within each application, navigate through the menus, toolbars, or interfaces to
access different functionalities. Depending on the application, you may have options to create, edit, and
save planning models, reports, and templates, import or export data, collaborate with other users, and
configure application settings.

Procedure to identify the workflow state

1. Launch IBM Planning Analytics: Open a web browser and enter the URL provided by your organization
to access the IBM Planning Analytics portal. Log in using your credentials to access the application.

2. Navigate to the Workflow Application: Depending on your organization's configuration, the Workflow
application may be accessible directly from the navigation menu or dashboard. Look for an option like
"Workflow" or "Task Management" and click on it.

3. View the Workflow List: Once you access the Workflow application, you will typically see a list of
available workflows or tasks. This list provides an overview of the workflows and their current statuses.
The workflows may be organized based on different criteria, such as the process, department, or user
assignments.

4. Identify the Relevant Workflow: Locate the workflow you are interested in. It could be a workflow
associated with a specific planning process, such as budgeting, forecasting, or approval cycles. Review
the list and identify the workflow that corresponds to your current task or process.

5. Review Workflow Details: Click on the selected workflow to view its details. This will provide more
information about the workflow, including its current stage, status, assigned users, due dates, and any
associated comments or attachments.
6. Check the Workflow Stage: Within the workflow details, you will find the information about the
current stage. The stage represents the specific step or phase within the workflow that the process is
currently at. It could be an initial data entry stage, an approval stage, a review stage, or any other
defined step in the process. The workflow stage may be labeled with a name or description that
indicates its purpose or function.

7. Review Workflow Progress: Besides the current stage, you may also find information about the overall
progress of the workflow. This could include the percentage of completion, a progress bar, or indicators
that show which stages have been completed and which are pending.

What are the 4 core benefits for using planning analytics software?

1. Improved Accuracy and Data Integrity: Planning analytics software provides a centralized platform for
data collection, consolidation, and analysis. By leveraging automated data integration and validation
capabilities, it helps ensure the accuracy and integrity of the planning and forecasting process. With
standardized data and built-in validation rules, errors and inconsistencies can be minimized, leading to
more reliable and trustworthy results.

2. Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: Planning analytics software facilitates collaboration

among team members involved in the planning and budgeting process. It enables users to share data,
models, and insights, allowing for real-time collaboration, document sharing, and task management. This
promotes transparency, streamlines communication, and fosters better coordination among
stakeholders, resulting in more efficient and effective planning outcomes.

3. Faster Planning Cycles and Agility: Planning analytics software automates repetitive tasks, such as
data collection, consolidation, and calculation, thereby accelerating the planning and budgeting cycles.
By reducing manual effort and providing real-time data access, it enables faster decision-making and
agility in adapting to changing business conditions. The ability to generate instant reports, scenario
modeling, and what-if analysis empowers organizations to respond quickly to market dynamics and make
informed strategic choices.

4. Advanced Analysis and Insights: Planning analytics software offers robust analytical capabilities,
including data visualization, multidimensional analysis, and predictive modeling. These features enable
users to gain deeper insights into the data, identify trends, patterns, and correlations, and perform
sophisticated scenario analysis. With advanced analysis tools, organizations can optimize resource
allocation, evaluate alternative strategies, and make data-driven decisions that drive business
performance and competitiveness.

Procedure to load the data into the communication cube

1. Prepare the Data: Ensure that the data you want to load into the comm cube is properly formatted
and organized. This may involve consolidating data from different sources, cleaning and transforming the
data as needed, and preparing it in a format compatible with the cube structure.
2. Access the Cube: Launch the appropriate software or tool that allows you to access and manage the
comm cube. This could be a multidimensional database management system or a specific application
designed for cube management, such as IBM Cognos TM1 or SAP Business Planning and Consolidation
(BPC).

3. Connect to the Cube: Connect to the comm cube using the software or tool you have chosen. Provide
the necessary connection details, such as the cube server address, database name, and authentication
credentials. This step establishes a connection between the tool and the cube, allowing you to interact
with the cube's structure and data.

4. Define Data Source: Identify the source of the data you want to load into the comm cube. This could
be an external file, a database table, or another cube. Specify the location and format of the data source
within the cube management tool.

5. Map Data Source to Cube: Map the data elements from the data source to the appropriate
dimensions and measures within the comm cube. This involves defining the relationships between the
source data and the corresponding cube elements, ensuring that the data is correctly aligned with the
cube structure.

6. Define Data Load Options: Configure the data load options based on your requirements. This includes
specifying whether to append or replace existing data in the cube, defining any transformation or
calculation rules to be applied during the data load, and setting any filters or conditions to control the
data that is loaded.

7. Initiate Data Load: Start the data load process by triggering the appropriate command or action
within the cube management tool. This will initiate the extraction, transformation, and loading of data
from the source into the comm cube.

8. Monitor and Validate the Load: Monitor the data load process to ensure it progresses successfully.
The cube management tool may provide progress indicators, status updates, or logs that allow you to
track the loading process. Once the data load is complete, validate the loaded data in the cube to ensure
its accuracy and integrity.

9. Perform Data Quality Checks: Conduct data quality checks and verification to identify any
inconsistencies or errors in the loaded data. This may involve running validation rules, comparing the
loaded data against expected results, and resolving any discrepancies or issues.

10. Refresh Cube and Access Data: After successfully loading the data into the comm cube, refresh the
cube to update its calculations, aggregations, and any derived values. Once the cube is refreshed, you
can access and analyze the loaded data using reporting tools or analysis applications connected to the
cube.

What is an application

In IBM Cognos, an application refers to a specific software component or module that serves a particular
purpose within the overall Cognos suite. Each application is designed to address specific needs and
provide specialized functionalities for different aspects of business intelligence, reporting, and analytics.
Here are some common applications in IBM Cognos:

1. IBM Cognos Analytics: Cognos Analytics is the primary application for creating interactive reports,
dashboards, and data visualizations. It offers a web-based interface that allows users to explore and
analyze data, build customized reports and interactive dashboards, and share insights with others.

2. IBM Cognos Planning Analytics: Planning Analytics, formerly known as IBM TM1, is an application
focused on planning, budgeting, and forecasting. It provides powerful modeling capabilities,
multidimensional analysis, and scenario planning. Planning Analytics enables organizations to create and
manage complex planning models, perform what-if analysis, and drive collaborative planning processes.

3. IBM Cognos Controller: Cognos Controller is an application designed for financial consolidation,
reporting, and statutory compliance. It helps organizations streamline the financial consolidation
process, manage financial data, and generate accurate financial statements. Cognos Controller enables
companies to meet regulatory requirements and improve the efficiency of financial reporting.

4. IBM Cognos Disclosure Management: Disclosure Management is an application that assists in creating
and managing financial and regulatory reports. It provides features for document collaboration, content
management, workflow automation, and report generation. Disclosure Management helps organizations
streamline the report creation process, ensure data accuracy, and comply with regulatory reporting
standards.

5. IBM Cognos Data Manager: Data Manager is a data integration and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load)
application within IBM Cognos. It allows users to extract data from various sources, transform it to meet
specific requirements, and load it into data warehouses or data marts. Data Manager provides a visual
interface for designing data integration workflows and managing data extraction and transformation
processes.

6. IBM Cognos Framework Manager: Framework Manager is an application for designing and managing
metadata models within IBM Cognos. It provides a layer of abstraction between the data sources and the
reporting or analysis applications. Framework Manager allows users to create consistent and reusable
business models, define relationships between data elements, and apply security and access controls.

Explain IBM Planning Analytics Applications

IBM Planning Analytics is a comprehensive planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis solution that
consists of several applications designed to support different aspects of the planning and analytics
process. These applications work together to provide a unified and integrated platform for organizations
to plan, analyze, and optimize their business performance. Here are the main applications within IBM
Planning Analytics:

1. Planning Analytics Workspace: Planning Analytics Workspace is a web-based interface that serves as
the primary user interface for data analysis, reporting, and dashboarding. It offers a modern and intuitive
interface that enables users to interact with data, create visualizations, build reports, and perform ad-
hoc analysis. It supports drag-and-drop functionality, customizable dashboards, and collaboration
features, making it easy for users to explore data and gain insights.

2. Planning Analytics for Excel (PAX): Planning Analytics for Excel is an Excel add-in that integrates IBM
Planning Analytics capabilities directly into Microsoft Excel. It provides powerful spreadsheet-based
planning and analysis capabilities while leveraging the data and models from the Planning Analytics
platform. PAX allows users to work with familiar Excel interfaces, formulas, and formatting while
accessing the centralized data and leveraging the platform's advanced calculation engine.

3. Planning Analytics Contributor: Planning Analytics Contributor is an application that focuses on

collaborative planning and data input. It provides a user-friendly interface for business users to enter and
submit data, review and validate plans, and participate in the planning process. Contributor supports
workflow-based approvals, data spreading, and consolidation, and allows users to contribute their inputs
to the overall planning and budgeting process.

4. Performance Modeler: Performance Modeler is a modeling and design application within IBM
Planning Analytics. It allows users to build and maintain planning models, design dimensions and
hierarchies, create calculations and business rules, and manage the overall model structure.
Performance Modeler provides a graphical interface that simplifies the design process and enables users
to define and configure the key elements of their planning models.

5. Data Integration: IBM Planning Analytics includes capabilities for data integration and ETL (Extract,
Transform, Load). These capabilities allow organizations to extract data from various sources, transform
and cleanse it as needed, and load it into the Planning Analytics platform. This ensures that the planning
and analysis processes are based on accurate and up-to-date data from multiple data sources.

6. IBM Planning Analytics for Microsoft Power BI: This application enables the integration of IBM
Planning Analytics data with Microsoft Power BI, a popular business intelligence and data visualization
tool. It allows users to leverage the advanced data visualization capabilities of Power BI while accessing
and analyzing the data from IBM Planning Analytics. This integration provides additional options for data
visualization, reporting, and sharing insights with a wider audience.

How the administrator role can be examined? Explain all the steps

1. Access IBM Planning Analytics: Log in to the IBM Planning Analytics portal using your credentials.
Ensure that you have the necessary permissions and access rights to examine the administrator role.

2. Navigate to the Administration Interface: Once logged in, locate and access the administration
interface or console. The exact location and name of the administration interface may vary depending on
the version and configuration of your IBM Planning Analytics deployment. Look for options such as
"Administration," "Admin Console," or "System Administration."

3. Identify the Administrator Role: Within the administration interface, navigate to the section or menu
that provides information about user roles and permissions. Typically, this section is related to user
management, security, or access controls. Look for an option or tab that specifically refers to user roles
or profiles.
4. Review the Administrator Role Details: Locate the administrator role within the list of available roles
or profiles. The administrator role is typically designated with a specific name or label, such as
"Administrator," "System Administrator," or "Admin." Click on the administrator role to access its details
and configuration options.

5. Examine Role Permissions: Within the administrator role details, review the permissions and
privileges associated with the administrator role. This includes the actions, functions, and areas of the
system that administrators can access and control. Pay attention to the level of access and the specific
capabilities granted to administrators, such as user management, system configuration, security settings,
and other administrative functions.

6. Check Role Membership: Verify the users who are assigned the administrator role. This may involve
reviewing a list of users or searching for specific individuals who have been granted the administrator
role. Ensure that the appropriate individuals have the administrator role assigned to them.

7. Understand Role Responsibilities: Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities and duties typically
associated with the administrator role in IBM Planning Analytics. This may include tasks such as
managing user accounts, configuring system settings, monitoring system performance, troubleshooting
issues, and ensuring data security and integrity.

8. Modify Role Permissions (optional): Depending on your level of access and authority, you may have
the ability to modify the permissions and privileges associated with the administrator role. If necessary,
make any required changes or adjustments to align the administrator role with your organization's
specific needs and security requirements.

9. Save and Apply Changes (if applicable): If you made any modifications to the administrator role,
ensure that you save and apply the changes within the administration interface. This will update the role
configuration and apply the modified permissions to the designated administrator users.

With the help of suitable diagrams and examples explain the operations of OLAP.

OLAP stands for Online Analytical Processing Server. It is a software technology that allows users to
analyze information from multiple database systems at the same time. It is based on multidimensional
data model and allows the user to query on multi-dimensional data (eg. Delhi -> 2018 -> Sales data).
OLAP databases are divided into one or more cubes and these cubes are known as Hyper-cubes.

There are five basic analytical operations that can be performed on an OLAP cube:
1. Drill down: In drill-down operation, the less detailed data is converted into highly detailed data.
It can be done by:
• Moving down in the concept hierarchy
• Adding a new dimension
In the cube given in overview section, the drill down operation is performed by moving
down in the concept hierarchy of Time dimension (Quarter -> Month).
2. Roll up: It is just opposite of the drill-down operation. It performs aggregation on the OLAP cube.
It can be done by:
• Climbing up in the concept hierarchy
• Reducing the dimensions
In the cube given in the overview section, the roll-up operation is performed by climbing up
in the concept hierarchy of Location dimension (City -> Country).

3. Dice: It selects a sub-cube from the OLAP cube by selecting two or more dimensions. In the
cube given in the overview section, a sub-cube is selected by selecting following dimensions
with criteria:
• Location = “Delhi” or “Kolkata”
• Time = “Q1” or “Q2”
• Item = “Car” or “Bus”
•

4. Slice: It selects a single dimension from the OLAP cube which results in a new sub-cube
creation. In the cube given in the overview section, Slice is performed on the dimension
Time = “Q1”.
 5. Pivot: It is also known as rotation operation as it rotates the current view to get a new view
of the representation. In the sub-cube obtained after the slice operation, performing pivot
operation gives a new view of it.

Describe the procedure to calculate average commission percentage at consolidation level

1. Define the Calculation Logic: Determine how you want to calculate the average commission
percentage at the consolidation level. This may involve considering the hierarchy or structure of your
dimensions and identifying the appropriate consolidation level where the average commission
percentage should be calculated.

2. Create a Calculation Rule: Within IBM Planning Analytics, use the calculation engine or rule editor to
create a calculation rule specifically for calculating the average commission percentage. This rule will
define the logic and calculations needed to derive the average commission percentage at the
consolidation level.

3. Identify the Required Elements: Determine the elements or variables that are necessary for the
average commission percentage calculation. This typically includes the relevant commission amounts
and the related sales or revenue figures that contribute to the commission calculation.

4. Retrieve Data: Retrieve the required data elements from your data sources, such as sales transactions,
commission rates, and other related information. Ensure that the data is accurate, complete, and aligned
with the consolidation level where you want to calculate the average commission percentage.
5. Apply Calculation Logic: Utilize the calculation rule created in Step 2 to apply the defined calculation
logic to the retrieved data. This may involve performing mathematical calculations, aggregations, and
comparisons to derive the average commission percentage.

6. Consider Data Filters or Restrictions: If you need to apply specific data filters or restrictions, such as
excluding certain products, regions, or time periods from the calculation, incorporate those into the
calculation logic. This ensures that the average commission percentage is calculated based on the
relevant and desired data set.

7. Aggregate and Consolidate Data: Aggregate and consolidate the calculated average commission
percentage at the desired consolidation level. This may involve using the consolidation functionality
within IBM Planning Analytics or performing custom aggregations based on the dimension hierarchy.

8. Validate and Verify Results: Review the calculated average commission percentage to ensure it aligns
with your expectations and matches the desired consolidation level. Perform validation checks, compare
the results against known values or benchmarks, and verify the accuracy of the calculation.

9. Store or Publish the Result: Save or publish the calculated average commission percentage at the
consolidation level to make it available for reporting, analysis, and other downstream processes. This
allows users to access the consolidated commission data for further decision-making and planning
activities.

2 marks
Define OLAP with examples

OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) is a technology and approach used for analyzing and querying
multidimensional data from various perspectives. It allows users to perform complex and interactive
analysis on large volumes of data, enabling them to gain insights, make informed decisions, and uncover
patterns or trends. OLAP provides a multidimensional view of data, allowing users to navigate and
analyze data along different dimensions and hierarchies.

Here are a few examples to illustrate OLAP:

1. Sales Analysis: In a retail business, OLAP can be used to analyze sales data from different dimensions
such as product, region, time, and customer. Users can explore sales performance by drilling down or
slicing the data across these dimensions. For instance, they can analyze the total sales for a specific
product category in a particular region over time or compare the sales of a specific product across
different customer segments.

2. Financial Reporting: OLAP can be applied to financial data for reporting and analysis purposes. Users
can analyze financial metrics such as revenue, expenses, and profit by dimensions like time, department,
geography, or product line. They can generate reports that provide a comprehensive view of financial
performance, compare actuals against budgets or targets, and perform variance analysis across different
dimensions.
3. Supply Chain Optimization: OLAP can be utilized in supply chain management to optimize inventory,
logistics, and production processes. Users can analyze data related to inventory levels, product demand,
supplier performance, and transportation costs across different dimensions like product, location, time,
and supplier. This enables them to identify trends, optimize inventory levels, evaluate supplier
performance, and make data-driven decisions to improve supply chain efficiency.

4. HR Analytics: OLAP can be employed in human resources to analyze workforce data. Users can analyze
metrics such as employee turnover, recruitment, performance ratings, and compensation across
dimensions like department, location, job role, and time. This allows them to identify patterns, perform
trend analysis, and gain insights into workforce performance, engagement, and development needs.

5. Customer Segmentation: OLAP can be utilized in marketing to perform customer segmentation and
analysis. Users can analyze customer data based on attributes like demographics, behavior, purchasing
history, and geographic location. They can segment customers into different groups, perform analysis
within each segment, and gain insights into customer preferences, buying patterns, and profitability.

What is the potential use of virtual cube and lookup cube

Both virtual cubes and lookup cubes provide flexibility and customization in OLAP systems. While virtual
cubes allow users to create custom views by combining and manipulating data from multiple cubes,
lookup cubes provide additional attributes and hierarchies for dimensional enrichment and data
validation. These components enhance the analytical capabilities and flexibility of OLAP systems,
supporting more comprehensive analysis and reporting requirements.

1. Virtual Cube: A virtual cube is a logical construct or virtual representation of data that combines and
consolidates data from multiple source cubes or dimensions. It allows users to create a customized view
of data by combining and manipulating dimensions, measures, and hierarchies from different cubes.
Virtual cubes enable users to analyze data from different angles, perform complex calculations, and
create aggregated or derived measures.

Potential uses of a virtual cube include:

- Creating customized reports and analysis: Virtual cubes allow users to define their own dimensions,
hierarchies, and measures to suit their specific reporting and analysis requirements. They can
consolidate data from multiple cubes into a single view and perform analysis across different dimensions
or levels of detail.

- Complex calculations and KPIs: Virtual cubes enable users to define calculated measures, aggregations,
or ratios that are not available in the source cubes. They can perform complex calculations and define
key performance indicators (KPIs) that provide insights into business performance.

- Consolidating data from different sources: Virtual cubes can integrate data from different OLAP cubes
or data sources. This is particularly useful when data is stored in separate cubes or databases but needs
to be combined for analysis or reporting purposes.
2. Lookup Cube: A lookup cube, also known as a reference cube or dimension, is a small cube that
contains dimension data used for reference or lookup purposes. It provides additional information or
context to the measures and dimensions in the primary cube. Lookup cubes are typically used to enrich
data in primary cubes by providing additional attributes or hierarchies.

Potential uses of a lookup cube include:

- Dimensional enrichment: Lookup cubes can contain additional attributes, hierarchies, or codes related
to dimensions in the primary cube. For example, a lookup cube for customers may include attributes
such as customer demographics, location details, or customer segmentation.

- Hierarchical transformations: Lookup cubes can be used to define alternative hierarchies or roll-ups for
dimensions in the primary cube. This allows users to view data at different levels of detail or drill down
along alternative paths in the hierarchy.

- Data validation and integrity checks: Lookup cubes can be used to validate and cross-reference data in
the primary cube. They can include reference data or validation rules to ensure data integrity and
accuracy in the primary cube.

What are relative spread options

Relative spread options, also known as data spreading options, are features available in OLAP (Online
Analytical Processing) systems, including IBM Planning Analytics, that allow users to distribute or spread
data across multiple cells based on predefined rules or formulas. These options enable users to allocate
or distribute values in a flexible and automated manner, ensuring data consistency and accuracy within a
multidimensional data model.

Here are some common relative spread options:

1. Spread Evenly: This option evenly distributes a value across multiple cells. For example, if a value
needs to be spread evenly across three months, the system will calculate the average and assign one-
third of the value to each month.

2. Spread Proportionally: This option distributes a value proportionally based on the weight or
percentage assigned to each cell or dimension member. It considers the relative weights or percentages
defined for the target cells and allocates the value accordingly.

3. Spread Incrementally: This option distributes a value incrementally, increasing or decreasing the
allocation from one cell to the next based on a specified pattern or formula. It allows users to define a
specific pattern or sequence for spreading values, such as linear, geometric, or custom formulas.

4. Spread Based on Ratios: This option distributes a value based on predefined ratios or relationships
between cells or dimension members. It considers the ratios or relationships specified by the user and
distributes the value accordingly.
5. Spread Using Weighted Factors: This option distributes a value based on weighted factors assigned to
cells or dimension members. The weighted factors can represent factors such as volume, importance, or
priority. The system calculates the distribution based on the assigned weights.

6. Spread Using Statistical Methods: Some OLAP systems provide advanced statistical spreading
methods, such as regression analysis, trend analysis, or predictive models. These methods use statistical
algorithms to estimate or predict the distribution of values based on historical data or patterns.

Why is spreading used among the cells?

1. Allocation: Spreading allows for the allocation of values from a source cell to multiple target cells. This
is useful when there is a need to distribute a value across different periods, scenarios, departments, or
other dimensions. Spreading ensures that the allocated values are distributed appropriately and
consistently based on predefined rules or formulas.

2. Proportional Distribution: Spreading enables proportional distribution of values based on predefined

ratios or percentages. This ensures that values are distributed in proportion to the weights or
percentages assigned to the target cells or dimension members. Proportional spreading allows for
accurate representation of relationships or proportions in the data.

3. Consistency: Spreading ensures consistency in data distribution across related cells. By applying
spreading rules or formulas, the values are distributed in a consistent and standardized manner. This
helps maintain data integrity and ensures that the data is accurately represented across different
dimensions and hierarchies.

4. Efficiency: Spreading automates the process of distributing values, saving time and effort. Instead of
manually entering values in each target cell, spreading allows users to define the spreading logic once
and apply it across multiple cells. This improves efficiency, reduces errors, and streamlines the data entry
or data manipulation process.

5. Planning and Budgeting: Spreading is commonly used in planning, budgeting, and forecasting
processes. It allows users to distribute values across time periods, scenarios, or departments based on
predefined rules or formulas. This helps in creating accurate and realistic plans or budgets by allocating
resources or expenses appropriately.

6. Data Analysis: Spreading can be used for data analysis purposes. It enables the distribution of data
across different dimensions or levels of detail, allowing for comparative analysis, trend analysis, or
scenario analysis. Spreading helps in understanding the impact of values across various dimensions and
facilitates insightful data exploration.

What is consolidation and sparsity

Consolidation and sparsity are concepts related to data storage and optimization in OLAP (Online
Analytical Processing) systems:
1. Consolidation: Consolidation refers to the process of aggregating or combining data from multiple
levels of detail or dimensions into higher-level summaries. It involves grouping and summarizing data to
create consolidated views or roll-ups for reporting, analysis, and performance optimization.
Consolidation helps to simplify data structures, reduce the number of cells to be stored and processed,
and improve query and calculation performance. It allows users to view data at different levels of detail,
such as at the overall organization level, regional level, department level, or product category level.
Consolidation supports multidimensional analysis by providing aggregated information while maintaining
the ability to drill down to more detailed levels.

2. Sparsity: Sparsity refers to the presence of empty or sparse cells in an OLAP cube or data structure. In
a multidimensional model, not all combinations of dimension members may have data associated with
them. This leads to sparse cells where data is not available. Sparsity occurs when the data set being
analyzed has many possible combinations of dimension members, but the actual data is only available
for a small subset of those combinations. For example, in a sales analysis cube, certain products may not
have sales in certain regions or during specific time periods.

Managing sparsity is crucial for optimizing storage and query performance in OLAP systems. Techniques
such as data compression, sparse matrix representation, and intelligent storage schemes are employed
to efficiently store and access data in a sparsely populated cube. These techniques help reduce storage
requirements and improve query performance by avoiding unnecessary computations on empty cells.

Dealing with sparsity involves balancing the trade-off between storing all possible combinations of
dimension members (dense representation) and storing only the non-empty cells (sparse
representation). It requires careful consideration of the data distribution, analysis requirements, and
available system resources.

Explain the effects of rules on sparse consolidation

1. Data Propagation: Rules play a crucial role in propagating or spreading data across sparse
consolidations. They define how values are distributed or allocated from detailed levels to higher-level
consolidated cells. By applying rules, sparse cells can be populated with aggregated or calculated values
based on the available data.

2. Data Accuracy: Rules ensure that the data in sparse consolidations is accurate and reflects the
intended calculations or transformations. They define the logic for aggregating or calculating values,
taking into account the specific requirements of the consolidation process. Properly defined rules help
maintain data accuracy and consistency throughout the consolidation hierarchy.

3. Zero Suppression: Rules can suppress or eliminate zero values in sparse consolidations. In some cases,
certain combinations of dimension members may result in zero values due to the absence of data. Rules
can be used to suppress these zero values, making the consolidated view cleaner and more meaningful.
Zero suppression can help improve data readability and avoid clutter in reports or analyses.

4. Sparse Data Handling: Rules provide mechanisms to handle sparse data effectively during
consolidations. They can incorporate special calculations or logic to handle specific cases where data
sparsity exists. For example, rules can include conditional statements or calculations that address missing
or sparse data points, ensuring the consolidation process is robust even in the presence of sparsity.

5. Performance Optimization: Rules can impact the performance of consolidations in sparse data
scenarios. Since sparse consolidations involve aggregating data from a limited subset of cells, rules need
to be designed efficiently to minimize unnecessary calculations on empty or non-existent cells. Properly
optimized rules can help streamline the consolidation process and improve overall performance.

6. Dimensional Hierarchies: Rules define the relationship and interaction between different levels of a
dimensional hierarchy during consolidations. They ensure that the consolidation process adheres to the
hierarchy's structure and aggregation rules. Rules help maintain the integrity and consistency of the
hierarchy by correctly aggregating data at each level, even in the presence of sparsity.

What is “Feeding Cells”?

In the context of OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) systems, "feeding cells" refers to the process of
populating or filling data into specific cells within a multidimensional cube or data model. Feeding cells
involves the assignment or input of values to the appropriate locations within the cube to represent the
data being analyzed or processed.

Feeding cells can occur through various methods, including manual data entry, data import from external
sources, data transformation and calculation rules, or data integration from other cubes or databases.
The purpose of feeding cells is to provide the necessary data for analysis, reporting, planning, or other
OLAP operations.

Feeding cells can involve populating both base or leaf-level cells, which represent the most granular or
detailed data points, as well as aggregated cells at higher levels of the cube's dimensions. The data
entered or fed into cells can include measures, such as sales revenue, quantities, expenses, or any other
relevant numeric values, as well as dimension member assignments that define the characteristics or
attributes associated with the data.

Feeding cells is an essential step in building and maintaining accurate and up-to-date OLAP data models.
It ensures that the cube contains the necessary information for analysis and reporting purposes. The
feeding process can be performed by end-users, administrators, or automated processes, depending on
the specific OLAP system and the organization's data management practices.

Once the cells are fed with the appropriate data, OLAP systems can perform various operations such as
aggregations, calculations, drill-downs, slicing and dicing, and generating reports or visualizations based
on the available data within the cube.

What is the D/B feeders and the rules?

1. D/B Feeder: The D/B (Data/Buffer) feeder is a mechanism in IBM Planning Analytics that facilitates the
movement of data from a data source (typically a relational database) into the TM1 cube. It allows for
the retrieval of data from external databases and the loading of that data into TM1 cubes for analysis
and reporting.
The D/B feeder establishes a connection to the external database and retrieves the required data based
on the defined selection criteria or query. The retrieved data is then mapped to the corresponding
dimensions and cells within the TM1 cube using defined rules or mappings. The D/B feeder supports
both the initial loading of data as well as periodic updates or refreshes from the source database.

The D/B feeder provides a means to integrate data from external systems into the TM1 environment,
enabling users to leverage the power of TM1 for analysis, planning, and reporting purposes.

2. Rules: In IBM Planning Analytics, rules are used to define calculations, aggregations, allocations, and
transformations on data within TM1 cubes. Rules allow users to perform complex calculations and define
relationships between cells or dimensions within the cube. They determine how data is calculated,
consolidated, or allocated based on the defined logic.

Rules are written in a formula language specific to TM1, such as TurboIntegrator (TI) processes or TM1
Rules syntax. They can include mathematical operations, conditional statements, references to other
cells or dimensions, and built-in functions to perform calculations. Rules can be applied to individual
cells, cell ranges, dimensions, or the entire cube, depending on the specific requirements.

Rules are flexible and dynamic, allowing users to create calculations that adapt to changes in the data or
dimensions. They can be created and modified by administrators or power users with appropriate access
rights, providing control and flexibility in data transformations and calculations.

By utilizing rules, users can define the business logic and perform complex calculations within TM1
cubes, ensuring accurate and consistent results for analysis, reporting, and planning purposes.

Define the term “Inter cube feeder”.

The term "inter cube feeder" refers to a data integration mechanism used in OLAP (Online Analytical
Processing) systems to transfer data between multiple cubes or data models. It involves the movement
of data from one cube to another, allowing for the sharing, synchronization, or consolidation of
information across different cubes within an OLAP environment.

Inter cube feeders enable the transfer of data while preserving the dimensional structure and integrity of
the cubes involved. The data being transferred can include measures, such as sales figures, quantities, or
financial metrics, as well as associated dimension member assignments or attributes.

Inter cube feeders are typically used when there is a need to synchronize or consolidate data across
different cubes that represent distinct aspects of an organization's data or different business units within
the organization. For example, one cube may contain sales data by region, while another cube may hold
financial data by department. Inter cube feeders can facilitate the transfer of data between these cubes,
allowing for comprehensive analysis or reporting that spans multiple dimensions or perspectives.

The process of setting up an inter cube feeder involves defining the mappings or relationships between
the source and target cubes, specifying the dimensions and cells to be transferred, and configuring any
transformation or aggregation rules required during the transfer.
Inter cube feeders play a crucial role in ensuring data consistency, accuracy, and accessibility within an
OLAP environment. They allow for a holistic view of data across multiple cubes, enabling more
comprehensive analysis, reporting, and decision-making.

Explain why "zeros are the fact of life" in multidimensional cubes

"Zeros are the fact of life" in multidimensional cubes refers to the common occurrence of zero values
within the data of an OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) cube. Zeros are an inherent part of the data
landscape and can have various reasons for their presence. It is important to understand that zeros are
not necessarily indicative of missing or incorrect data. They are a natural outcome of the
multidimensional modeling and analysis process. While zeros can impact storage requirements and
performance in certain scenarios, they are a fundamental aspect of working with multidimensional
cubes.

Here are a few reasons why zeros are prevalent in multidimensional cubes:

1. Data Sparsity: Multidimensional cubes often represent a vast number of possible combinations of
dimension members. However, not all combinations have associated data. In many cases, the data set
being analyzed or modeled may have sparse areas where certain combinations of dimensions have no
relevant or available data. As a result, zeros are present in those sparse cells.

2. Data Granularity: Multidimensional cubes provide the flexibility to store data at different levels of
granularity. At the most granular level, individual data points or transactions are recorded. However, not
every combination of dimension members will have data at this detailed level. Zeros emerge when there
is no data available for specific combinations, either due to the absence of transactions or the design of
the cube structure.

3. Aggregation: Aggregations within multidimensional cubes involve the consolidation of data from
lower-level cells to higher-level cells. During this process, zeros can appear when the aggregated values
result in zero due to the absence or cancellation of positive and negative values. Zeros in aggregated cells
are a consequence of the mathematical calculations applied during the consolidation process.

4. Data Integrity: In some cases, zeros in multidimensional cubes represent valid and meaningful
information. For instance, a zero value may indicate a specific condition or status, such as a product
being out of stock, no sales occurring in a particular time period, or an account having zero balance.
Zeros can be essential for accurate analysis and reporting, as they reflect actual conditions or constraints
within the data.

OLAP systems and tools are designed to handle zeros efficiently, allowing users to apply zero suppression
techniques, optimize storage for sparse data, and interpret zero values appropriately in analysis and
reporting. By considering the presence of zeros, analysts can gain insights into the data landscape and
make informed decisions based on the complete picture provided by the multidimensional cube.
Benefits of custom scripts

1. Flexibility and Customization: Custom scripts provide the flexibility to tailor software or systems to
specific requirements. They allow users to implement unique business logic, calculations, or workflows
that may not be available out of the box. Custom scripts empower organizations to adapt and customize
their tools to fit their specific needs, resulting in enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Automation and Efficiency: Custom scripts automate repetitive or complex tasks, saving time and
reducing manual effort. By writing scripts to automate data processing, analysis, reporting, or system
administration tasks, organizations can streamline their workflows, eliminate human errors, and increase
productivity. Automation through custom scripts enables more efficient operations and frees up valuable
resources for more strategic activities.

3. Integration and Interoperability: Custom scripts facilitate integration between different systems,
applications, or data sources. They allow organizations to connect disparate systems or databases and
exchange data seamlessly. Custom scripts enable data transformations, data transfers, or synchronization
across systems, improving data integrity and accessibility. This integration capability helps organizations
leverage existing investments in software or infrastructure while enabling the sharing and utilization of
data across different platforms.

4. Advanced Data Analysis: Custom scripts enable advanced data analysis capabilities beyond the
standard features provided by software tools. By writing custom scripts, analysts can implement
sophisticated algorithms, statistical models, or machine learning techniques tailored to their specific
analysis requirements. This empowers organizations to gain deeper insights, uncover patterns, and make
data-driven decisions that go beyond the basic functionalities offered by off-the-shelf solutions.

5. System Customization: Custom scripts allow for the customization of software or system behaviors to
align with unique business processes or industry requirements. They enable organizations to modify user
interfaces, create custom reports, or extend the functionality of existing systems. Custom scripts offer
the ability to create personalized dashboards, add new features, or integrate additional functionalities
that address specific business needs, improving user experience and system adoption.

6. Troubleshooting and Debugging: Custom scripts assist in troubleshooting and debugging processes.
When issues arise, custom scripts can be used to collect diagnostic data, perform logging, or conduct
error handling. They provide flexibility in identifying and resolving issues, improving the overall reliability
and stability of systems.

It is important to note that while custom scripts offer significant benefits, they also require proper
planning, development, testing, and maintenance. Organizations should ensure that scripts are
developed by skilled professionals and adhere to best practices to achieve the desired outcomes
effectively and securely.

The "push nature" of feeders refers to the mechanism by which data is pushed or propagated from one
cell to another within an OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) system, specifically in the context of
feeders used in IBM Planning Analytics (formerly known as IBM Cognos TM1).
In an OLAP system, feeders are used to populate data in cells that are part of a multidimensional cube.
Feeders define the relationships between cells, determining which cells provide the data for others
during the consolidation or calculation process. The push nature of feeders means that data flows from
the source cells to the target cells based on these defined relationships.

When data is updated or entered into the source cells, the push nature of feeders ensures that the
changes are automatically propagated to the target cells that depend on the source cells. This
propagation occurs without explicit user intervention and is driven by the rules and feeder definitions
established within the OLAP system.

What is the push nature of feeders?

1. Efficiency: By automatically pushing data from source cells to target cells, the push nature of feeders
eliminates the need for manual data entry or update operations. This improves efficiency and reduces
the potential for human errors.

2. Real-Time Updates: As soon as data is updated in the source cells, the push mechanism immediately
pushes the changes to the target cells. This enables real-time updates and ensures that the data in the
target cells is always up to date.

3. Consistency and Accuracy: The push nature of feeders ensures consistency and accuracy in data
calculations and consolidations. As data changes in the source cells, the feeder mechanism guarantees
that the corresponding target cells are updated accordingly, maintaining the integrity of the calculations
and consolidations.

4. Scalability: The push mechanism allows for scalable data propagation. It can handle large volumes of
data and efficiently update target cells that depend on multiple source cells, enabling the processing of
complex calculations and consolidations within the OLAP system.

Overall, the push nature of feeders in OLAP systems facilitates automated and efficient data propagation
from source cells to target cells, ensuring real-time updates, maintaining data consistency, and
supporting accurate calculations and consolidations.

What are additional T1 processes components

In IBM Planning Analytics (formerly known as IBM Cognos TM1), there are several additional
components associated with TurboIntegrator (TI) processes, which are used for data integration,
transformation, and automation. These additional components enhance the functionality and
capabilities of TI processes. Here are some of the additional components:
1. Parameters: Parameters allow you to define input values that can be passed to a TI process at
runtime. They provide flexibility and allow for dynamic customization of process execution. Parameters
can be used to pass variables, file paths, database connection details, or any other relevant information
required during the process execution.

2. Variables: Variables are used to store and manipulate data within TI processes. They can hold values
of different data types, such as strings, numbers, or dates. Variables allow for data manipulation,
conditional branching, looping, and calculations within the process. They provide a means to perform
dynamic actions based on the values stored in the variables.

3. Metadata Functions: Metadata functions are functions specifically designed to retrieve information
about dimensions, cubes, elements, or other metadata objects within the TM1 server. These functions
allow you to access and utilize metadata information dynamically during the execution of TI processes.
Examples of metadata functions include DIMIX, DIMNM, ATTRS, HIERNAME, and more.

4. Data Functions: Data functions enable data manipulation and transformation within TI processes.
These functions perform calculations, data conversions, aggregations, and other operations on TM1 cube
data. Data functions allow you to perform tasks such as data filtering, sorting, string manipulations,
mathematical calculations, date manipulations, and more. Examples of data functions include CellGetS,
CubeGetData, STR, NUM, SUBST, and many others.

5. Process Control Functions: Process control functions provide control over the execution flow and
behavior of TI processes. They enable conditional branching, looping, error handling, and process control
logic. Process control functions include IF, ELSEIF, ELSE, FOR, WHILE, EXIT, Error, Skipcheck, and others.

6. Error Handling: Error handling components allow you to define how TI processes handle errors or
unexpected situations during execution. Error handling mechanisms include TRY, CATCH, THROW, and
various functions for error checking and logging. These components help in identifying and resolving
errors during the execution of TI processes.

These additional components enhance the power and flexibility of TI processes in IBM Planning
Analytics, enabling complex data integration, transformation, automation, and control over the
execution flow. They provide a robust framework for building sophisticated data workflows and
automation routines within the TM1 environment.

What are the parameters used by T1 to update the dimension?

In IBM Planning Analytics (formerly known as IBM Cognos TM1), when updating dimensions using
TurboIntegrator (TI) processes, several parameters are commonly used to control the dimension update
process. These parameters provide flexibility and allow for customization of the dimension update based
on specific requirements. Here are some commonly used parameters:

1. Dimension Name: This parameter specifies the name of the dimension to be updated. It identifies the
target dimension that will be modified during the TI process execution.
2. Dimension Elements: This parameter defines the elements that need to be added, modified, or
removed within the dimension. It can include the element names, codes, parent-child relationships, and
other attributes associated with the dimension elements.

3. Dimension Attributes: This parameter includes the attributes associated with the dimension
elements. Attributes provide additional information or characteristics related to the elements, such as
descriptions, flags, classifications, or any other relevant data.

4. Dimension Hierarchies: If the dimension has multiple hierarchies, this parameter specifies the
hierarchy structure and the relationships between elements within each hierarchy. It defines the parent-
child relationships, levels, and the order of elements within each hierarchy.

5. Security Settings: This parameter allows for the specification of security settings for the dimension. It
controls the access and permissions for different users or user groups to view, modify, or interact with
dimension elements.

6. Consolidation Methods: This parameter determines the consolidation methods or rules to be applied
within the dimension. It defines how data is aggregated or rolled up across different elements or levels
of the dimension hierarchy.

7. Data Transformations: If required, this parameter allows for the transformation or mapping of data
associated with the dimension elements. It enables the modification, conversion, or reassignment of
data values during the dimension update process.

8. Process Logging and Error Handling: These parameters control the logging and error handling
behavior during the dimension update. They specify how the TI process should handle errors, log
messages, and track the progress or status of the dimension update.

These parameters provide control over various aspects of the dimension update process, such as adding
or modifying elements, managing hierarchies, defining attributes, applying security, and handling data
transformations. By utilizing these parameters, TI processes can be customized to meet specific
dimension update requirements in IBM Planning Analytics.

Different sources of data

1. Databases: Relational databases, such as Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, or DB2, are common sources of
structured data. Data can be extracted from these databases using SQL queries or database connectors.

2. Spreadsheets: Excel spreadsheets or CSV files are commonly used as a source of data. Data can be
imported from spreadsheets directly into Planning Analytics or other systems for analysis and
integration.

3. Data Warehouses: Data warehouses and data marts store large volumes of structured and historical
data. They can serve as a centralized source for data integration and reporting purposes.

4. External Systems and Applications: Data can be sourced from various external systems, such as
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems,
Human Resources Management systems (HRMS), or other specialized applications. These systems may
provide APIs, web services, or data exports for integration.

5. Web Data: Data from websites or web-based APIs can be a source of information. This includes data
scraped from websites or APIs that provide data in JSON, XML, or other formats.

6. Real-Time Data Streams: Streaming data sources, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, or
social media feeds, can provide real-time data updates. These sources often require specialized
connectors or adapters for data ingestion.

7. Legacy Systems: Older or legacy systems that store data in proprietary formats may require custom
extraction methods or data conversion processes to make the data accessible for integration.

8. External Files and Documents: Data can be sourced from various file formats, including text files, XML
files, JSON files, PDFs, or other document types. Extraction and parsing techniques are employed to
extract relevant data from these files.

9. Data Lakes and Big Data Platforms: Data lakes or big data platforms, such as Hadoop, Apache Spark,
or Amazon S3, can store large volumes of structured and unstructured data. They provide scalable
storage and processing capabilities for integrating and analyzing diverse data sources.

10. Cloud Services: Cloud-based applications or services often offer APIs or connectors for data
integration. These include services like Salesforce, Google Analytics, or Microsoft Azure, which provide
data access and integration capabilities.