All the hard work of merging budget submission numbers and getting them into the cubes is cut out. By using TM1 cubes, you benefit from being able to be speed up your budgeting process as the cubes can be used for budget collection. If a report requires a group summary, they may need to manually add up the figures across different cubes. Companies using Powerplay to report over big data often split the data into separate cubes due to size restrictions and speed issues. These types of cubes are different to Powerplay because they work in-memory, which means they have the potential to process data faster, and they don’t have size limits. Cubes with no size limits and super-fast speeds – Unlike Powerplay, WSA is compatible with TM1 and Dynamic cubes which means that the tool opens up opportunities to work with newer technology. Having one tool to cover all bases dramatically simplifies the business’ journey of data discovery.Ģ. Interface designs differed dramatically requiring double learning. Jumping between different tools was time consuming and inefficient. Educating the business on which to select and why was a headache. Before now, each tool was suited to different styles of reporting and different types of packages. It works with all types of packages including Powerplay cubes, TM1 cubes, Dynamic cubes, DMR packages and Relational packages. One tool to learn – Workspace Advanced (WSA) is suited to both lists and crosstabs. In its wake, this one tool is set to replace Query Studio, Analysis Studio, Powerplay Studio and Powerplay client. With Cognos 10, IBM hit it big when Workspace Advanced took to the stage. Despite its benefits over Powerplay, not all were convinced, myself included. When Cognos 8 launched, they tried to lure them away with Analysis Studio. Whether you loved the simplicity of the web based version, or the flexibility of the desktop/client version, IBM had a huge task on their hands to prise Powerplay away from loyal fans. During my time as a developer, and now consultant, I’ve trained hundreds of people on it (and all the other Cognos BI tools). This transparent and seamless modeling method makes Tableau’s semantic layer very appealing.Powerplay has a huge fan base, myself being one of them. The modeling process is simple and easy to use with a low learning curve. The semantic layer provided by Tableau assumes IT-centered model management with self-service capabilities in mind. Assigning semantics help attach information on the type of attributes and measures in the calculation view. For example, you can add filters or calculations.Īssigning semantics to measures or attributes in calculation views helps define output structure of views. You use IBM® Cognos® Framework Manager to modify query subjects to optimize and customize the data that they retrieve. The term is one of a group of English words formed from the various derivatives of the Greek verb sēmainō (“to mean” or “to signify”).Ī query subject is a set of query items that have an inherent relationship. Semantics, also called semiotics, semology, or semasiology, the philosophical and scientific study of meaning in natural and artificial languages. Intelligent Data Virtualization™ = A Universal Semantic Layer™.Option #4: Implement Intelligent Data Virtualization™.Option #3: Use Canned Reports and Dashboards.Option #2: Build the Business Logic into the Data Warehouse.Option #1: Use a BI Tool’s Semantic Layer.The metadata modeler’s job is to ensure consistent and expected results for users who create or consume content in IBM® Cognos® Analytics.Ī universal semantic data layer is a single business representation of all corporate data aimed at helping users access data using common business terms via the BI and analytics tools of their choice.įour Ways to Implement a Universal Semantic Layer The purpose of metadata modeling is to present a user-friendly representation of the data that is available to your query audience while adding business value where required. Stitch queries consist of subqueries, one for each fact table, that are then merged together on their common attributes from a shared dimension table. When queries that request facts from multiple tables are performed in IBM Cognos Analytics, the query service performs what IBM Cognos calls a stitch query. A semantic layer maps complex data into familiar business terms such as product, customer, or revenue to offer a unified, consolidated view of data across the organization.” “A semantic layer is a business representation of corporate data that helps end users access data autonomously using common business terms.

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