Performance Modeler

Cognos TM1 TI Processes Using Cubes for Dynamic Variables

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4/28/15

TM1 cubes can be used for more than calculations and analysis.  They can be utilized as parameter variables for TI Processes as well.  This can also be used as a work around if you are on a version of Perspectives that merges multiple parameters when you use an action button to execute TI Processes.

Here is an example of a cube used to make it easier to select the variables needed to allow TI Processes to be dynamic.  I created a basically generic cube and then saved different views of this cube for the user to choose the parameters for specific TI Processes.  Keep in mind that your measures dimension needs to be the last dimension, as it will contain string data.

TM1 Dynamic Variables

This cube has only two dimensions.  Since some processes may have one or more variables that need to be dynamic, the Parameters is a simple list of available slots for the parameters needed.  I also added a slot that gets populated with a time/date stamp of when the process last ran.

TM1 Dynamic Variables

Leveraging a picklist control cube and aliases, the views make it easy to choose valid variables for running your TI processes.

Picklist control cube:

TM1 Dynamic Variables

Aliases:

TM1 Dynamic Variables

View:

By creating the picklist control cube, the user can simply choose a valid parameter from a drop-down menu.

 TM1 Dynamic Variables

In the Prolog tab of the TI Process, I create a variable using the CellGetS function to retrieve the variables chosen in my parameter cube:

TM1 Dynamic Variables

In the Epilog tab of the TI Process, I script the coding to populate my parameter cube with the timestamp of when the process ran.

TM1 Dynamic Variables

Another benefit of using a cube instead of the Parameters tab in a TI Process is that, like in this case, I needed to use these same exact parameters to run several processes to populate data in different cubes.  Doing it this way, the user makes the selections once and then runs a TI Process that has those multiple processes batched to run.

Last, organize it in your applications folders.

TM1 Dynamic Variables

TM1 Performance Modeler – Creating Model Flow Charts

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Using Performance Modeler to create TM1 Model Flow Charts

Two of our recent blogs described the great benefits of TM1Compare and Pulse that can be used to document your TM1 model and be useful tools to control Change Management. I am sure some of you are like, “Great! Another piece of software to buy/use.” No need to fret. Starting with version 10.2, Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler (Click Here For More Info) now has built-in functionality to create TM1 model flow charts and can generate reports that define your objects and rules. TM1 Performance Modeler can even suggest rule changes that can help performance. These built in tools are not as robust as the other products, but for those of you that do not have the budget, time, or need for full-blown documentation, you will find that TM1 Performance Modeler will still be a very helpful asset.

You can generate a model report that exports into Excel which summaries your objects as well as listing your dimensions, subsets, cubes, views and links. It also will show the formulas for Dimension and Cube calculations. The rule and feeder analysis reports will be exported to HTML files. If you run and save these reports with time-stamped file names periodically, you can keep track of your changes.

Show Data Flow in Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler

You can see a graphic representation of your application using the Show Data Flow option in Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler. To see a graphic representation of your application:

  1. Import the application into Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler.
  2. Right-click the name of the application in the Application Design tab.
  3. Select Show Data Flow.

Here is a diagram of the application's cube and rules displays. You can take the following actions on the flow diagram:

Performance Modeler – TM1 Model Flow Charts

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  • Select or unselect the Rule Links, Process Links, Rules, or Feeders to control the display of those elements in the current application.
  • control the zoom with + and -
  • Use Reset Layout to organize the diagram in the most logical fashion.
  • Drag the elements to new locations. Or, when one or more diagrams are open in the pane and a clicked objected is the kind of object that can be added, use the Add Data Flow Diagram option.
  • Double-click the elements to display their values in the Properties pane.
  • Double-click the Rule or Link icons within the model to display the Link and Rule editing windows.
  • Double-click the object name to open the dimension for editing. Close the new tab to return to the flow diagram.
  • Drag an Object from the TM1 Objects pane into the diagram to add it to the model and display the relationships between the new and existing objects.
  • Export diagram to file.
  • Group and ungroup. You can also create a new diagram from grouped data.
  • Remove from diagram.
  • Remove from group.The Show Data Flow feature cannot be used to change any structure of your model. It is used simply to provide a visual representation of the existing structure.

Creating a Feeder Analysis Report

You can generate a report with TM1 Performance Modeler that analyzes the rules in your model and displays the proposed feeders for each rule. Generating a report does not commit any proposed feeders to your model or otherwise alter your model. The report allows you to review the proposed generated feeders before you either enable automatic feeder generation on your server or generate feeders on demand.

To generate a feeder analysis report:

  1. On the Model Design pane, right-click the TM1 server at the top of the Model Design tree.
  2. Click Generate Report.
  3. Select Rule/Feeder Analysis.
  4. Specify the folder where you want to save the analysis report.
  5. Click OK.

To review the proposed feeders:

  1. Navigate to the folder where you saved the analysis report.
  2. Open index.html.

The Feeder Analysis Report contains four tabs:

Problems - This tab displays all the rules for which feeders could not be generated. Rules are referenced by a link, which you can click to view the rule in context.

Difficult Rules - This tab contains two sections. The Inefficient Feeders sections show feeders that were generated, but which are not very efficient. The Feeders That Are Not Dynamic section shows feeders that were generated, but which may not work in a dynamic way.

Suggested Feeders - This tab lists all the cubes for which rules exist on your server. Click a cube name to view the suggested feeders. If you choose to generate feeders in TM1 Performance Modeler, there are the feeders that will be written to the model.

Rules Analysis - This tab lists the rules for each cube, and provides an icon and hyperlink to show the suggested feeder relating to that rule.

If you liked this blog on TM1 Model Flow Charts, check out this blog on how to kill a  TM1 Operation using TM1Top by clicking here.

TM1 Scorecarding and Cognos Metric Studio

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TM1 Scorecarding and Cognos Metric Studio, a look into the future!

You might ask yourself, what do I need to know about TM1 Scorecarding and Cognos Metric Studio.  Cognos TM1 10.2, which launched in Q3 of 2013, includes scorecarding capabilities that are embedded directly in the Cognos TM1 product. It provides flexible metric model design, model scalability and data interactivity to the scorecard solution. IBM’s goal appears to be to create a closer synergy between scorecarding and strategic plans by allowing models to be developed for planning and analysis. Follow along to see what happens to IBM Cognos Metric Studio.

Cognos TM1 10.2, which launched in Q3 of 2013, includes scorecarding capabilities that are embedded directly in the Cognos TM1 product. It provides flexible metric model design, model scalability and data interactivity to the scorecard solution. IBM’s goal appears to be to create a closer synergy between scorecarding and strategic plans by allowing models to be developed for planning and analysis. Follow along to see what happens to IBM Cognos Metric Studio.

Cognos TM1 10.2, which launched in Q3 of 2013, includes scorecarding capabilities that are embedded directly in the Cognos TM1 product. It provides flexible metric model design, model scalability and data interactivity to the scorecard solution. IBM’s goal appears to be to create a closer synergy between scorecarding and strategic plans by allowing models to be developed for planning and analysis. Follow along to see what happens to IBM Cognos Metric Studio.

Cognos TM1 10.2, which launched in Q3 of 2013, includes scorecarding capabilities that are embedded directly in the Cognos TM1 product. It provides flexible metric model design, model scalability and data interactivity to the scorecard solution. IBM’s goal appears to be to create a closer synergy between scorecarding and strategic plans by allowing models to be developed for planning and analysis. Follow along to see what happens to IBM Cognos Metric Studio.

I love the fact that they are realizing that what’s on the scorecards should be directly tied to the planning process. Especially considering that TM1 can handle the complex calculations that can go into some measures. This is a great improvement!

How it works
The IBM Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler allows for the creation of a TM1 scorecard and resulting visualizations, which can then be consumed in Cognos Insight, Cognos TM1 Web and Cognos Workspace.

Licensing

  • The Performance Management Modeler role (fka TM1 Modeler) and BI Architect (new licensing model) have design rights for Scorecarding, using the TM1 Performance Modeler tool.
  • The Performance Management User (fka TM1 Contributor) and Enterprise User (fka Advanced Planner) have read-write scorecard rights in every client – TM1 Web, Cognos Insight, Cognos Workspace (through TM1 web widgets).
  • The Business Intelligence User (new licensing model) and BI Advanced Business Author have read-write scorecard rights in Cognos Insight, and read-only rights in Cognos Workspace.
  • The BI Enhanced Consumer has read-only scorecard access to published scorecard views and BI reports written against TM1 in Cognos Workspace. Note: A full Cognos Analytic Server (TM1) license is required for both PM and BI deployment. The Cognos Analytic Server for BI does not permit sufficient access to Performance Modeler functions for TM1 Scorecard modeling.

Future of Cognos Metric Studio?

Given that IBM is adding Metricsto TM1, what’s the future of Cognos Metric Studio? IBM has not announced any immediate changes for Cognos Metrics Studio. IBM will continue to incorporate customer-driven enhancements, test new conformance, and provide product bug fixes to Metric Studio. Cognos Metric Studio will continue to be supported and available for general purpose scorecarding and business intelligence-based metrics management.

Build New Scorecard Projects in TM1
It is the views of Lodestar Solutions, and not necessarily IBM, that clients may want to consider focusing on using TM1 for any new scorecarding initiatives instead of Metric Studio. If we examine the new licensing model release in 2013 by IBM and compare the functionality of each license

TM1 Scorecarding and Cognos Metric Studio

(see video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgfcZeSLikQ on IBM Cognos Licensing), we will notice that Metric Studio functionality is not included in the new licensing model. It is my belief that, as IBM advances the metric functionality in TM1, TM1 most likely will be their go forward strategy for Metrics. Since currently there is no tool to move Metric Studio models to TM1, you may want to consider building any new scorecards in TM1.

As we learn more about IBM’s plans, licensing and the new functionality of TM1, we will keep you posted. The IBM licensing is subject to change. If you have any questions please contact us (813-254-2040) or your IBM sales representative for more information.   If you liked this blog onTM1 Scorecarding and Cognos Metric Studio, please check out on reporting in TM1 and BI by clicking here.

Cognos TM1 Data Security

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Wondering what's up with the Cognos TM1 Data Security?

You build a model. You deploy it and you are locked out. Wondering how Cognos TM1 Data Security really works?

The ability to access Cognos TM1 cube data changes significantly once the TM1 application is deployed. While we are just starting off building our model in TM1 Performance Modeler, the cells within our cube are writable as long as they are not a calculated element. Below in our Revenue cube, we can manually enter data into any of the cells that appear white.

TM1 Data Security

The cells for Average Unit Price is grayed out. We cannot enter data into the Average Unit Price because it is a calculated element. Its cell values are derived from the Unit Price and Initiative Discount cell values.

TM1 Data Security

The Average Unit Price cells automatically update when we enter data for Unit Price and Initiative Discount.

TM1 Data Security

We want our end users to enter data into the Revenue cube via TM1 Web, so we create an application in Performance Modeler that contains a view of the Revenue cube. We then deploy the application.

After receiving confirmation that the application has been deployed, we go back into Model Design mode in Performance Modeler. However, now all the cells in our Revenue cube are grayed out. We locked out the ability to enter data into these cells.

TM1 Data Security

We see the same if we view the Revenue cube in TM1 Perspectives cube viewer. We cannot manually enter any new data.

The reason the cells are locked is the TM1 Data Security changes it when you deploy the model. Now that the TM1 application containing the Revenue cube is deployed, we need to take ownership of the cube node in TM1 Web. You will no be able to enter data until you take ownership. The fact that the TM1 Data Security automatically forces it to be greyed out before taking ownership, results in common end users calls. So, make sure your end users are train to take ownership or TM1 Data Security will lock them out.

In our example we take ownership of the Theme Parks channel node in TM1 Web.

After taking ownership, we see that we can now enter data once again either in Performance Modeler or via TM1 Perspectives.

Cognos TM1 Data Security creates a locking system to guard against unwanted intruders who could change your data. For more information or assistance with Tm1 Data Security contact us at services@lodestarsolutions.com.

Copying a TM1 Service to Another Server

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​Copying a TM1 service from one environment to another

I recall growing up on the north shore of Eastern Long Island. Our cozy little house was surrounded by acres of farmland. Being completely cold weather phobic (I’m not sure of the scientific term for that if there is one), I haven’t been back there in over a decade. Sadly, my parents tell me that all of the open farmland has been plowed over and replaced with tightly packed housing developments. In my mind’s eye, however, I still see our happy home amid the fields of crops. Sometimes retaining an image can be a nice trip down memory lane, but in the case of copying a TM1 service from one environment to another, it can create an error.
We recently built a simple TM1 model and deployed the TM1 Web application for use as a demonstration model. We wanted to keep a backup copy of it on another server. We copied over all of the data and log files to the second machine, including the tm1.cfg file. We then added the new service instance to IBM Cognos Configuration for TM1.
The copied model opened and was fully functional within Performance Modeler. However, when we tried to deploy the application, we received the error message, “Approval Hierarchy is being used by another application”. TM1 was retaining its reference to the application deployed on the other machine. Since TM1 does not allow sharing of the dimension subset that serves as the application hierarchy, we needed to erase any references to the application on the first machine. Accomplishing that task is easy within Performance Modeler where all we have to do is run a prebuilt TurboIntegrator process. The system administrator can access the many control objects contained within TM1 to simplify its administration.

By default, the control objects are hidden. In order to view them, click the Actions menu icon on the TM1 Performance Modeler toolbar. Then select Show Control Objects from the submenu. The Control Objects folder will become visible.

Steps to Copying a TM1 service

copying a tm1 service

There are subfolders containing each of the different types of control objects. Since we are looking to execute a TI process, we expand the Processes subfolder. We want to run }tp_admin_delete_all, which is the TI process to remove all Contributor applications references from TM1 model. Right click on the }tp_admin_delete_all process and select Execute Process. Upon completion of the process, the application deployed with no error message. We succeeded in creating a fully functional copy of the TM1 model and TM1 Web application on a second machine.

copying a tm1 service

copying a tm1 service

If you liked this blog on copying a Cognos TM1 service from one system to another check out this blog on Perspective Websheets & Active Forms For Cognos TM1 by clicking here.

Creating A New TM1 Server

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​Creating A New TM1 Server - easy as 1 2 3

Lodestar Solutions understands the frustration of a new modeler not being able to gain access to the new TM1 server he/she had just created. They closely followed the set of instructions they had again and again to no avail. First, he/she had copied the tm1s.cfg file from an existing operating model on the same network, changing the ServerName, PortNumber, LoggingDirectory and DatabaseDirectory within that new file to reflect the name and location of the new server they were setting up. Second, they created a new server instance in IBM Cognos Configuration and edited the location to point to the directory from the tm1s.cfg file resided.

TM1 Server

Next, they added the new server in IBM Cognos Application Configuration. They were able to successfully add the server, but upon doing so received a warning message. The message can be expected because the server has been set up without security. Setting up the log in permissions will be the next step in the process. Below we see our demonstration Blog server added to IBM Cognos Application Configuration and the resulting warning message.

TM1 server

The next step should be to open the application with no password and set up new users. However, the application seemed to be inaccessible. An error message similar to the one below left our new modeler confused as to where his instructions had failed.

tm1 server

The missing step involved the setting of the IntegratedSecurityMode within the tm1s.cfg file. It was set at 5, which was the setting copied from the existing server when we copied its tm1s.cfg file. The setting of 5 was exactly the correct setting for existing server operating in an environment where the network used NTLM authentication. The generic instructions our frustrated modeler was following made the assumption of local security; thereby using a setting of 1 for IntegratedSecurityMode. The following additional steps had to be taken:

1) In Services, stop the server.

2) Open the TM1.cfg file in Notepad and change the IntegratedSecurityMode to 1. Save.

3) In Services, Start server back up.

4) Open the server in Architect or Perspectives with log in as user name admin and no password.

5) Right click on the server. Choose Security, Clients/Groups to add the new users. Presently we see that Admin is the only user and status is active.

tm1 server

Now we have added three new users and set the appropriate permissions for each.

tm1 server

6) Close out of the Architect or Perspectives.

7) Stop the new server in Services.

8) Open the TM1.cfg file back up. Now change the IntegratedSecurityMode to 5. Save.

9) Start the server in Services

10) Log onto Cognos TM1 Applications using the Administrator user name with its assigned network password. Now when opening Performance Modeler we can choose the new Blog server.

tm1 server

The server opens and we can begin creating our Model.

If you find yourself stuck on a TM1 issue contact Lodestar Solutions at services@lodestarsolutions.com

If you found this blog on Creating A New TM1 Server helpful, check out this blog on creating TM1 Dimensions with Excel Upload Worksheet by clicking here.

Different Methods to TM1 Model Development

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IBM Cognos TM1 allows for different preferences and with the release of version 10 and offers the end user yet another way of developing a model. Performance Modeler is even more user friendly than the familiar modeling tools of Architect and the Excel add-in Perspectives. Performance Modeler is an excellent path to take for the beginning modeler. Its many built-in wizards will guide the end user through the building and populating of cubes. Experienced modelers may prefer to stick with the familiar environment of Architect, instead of learning the nuances of a new tool. Many finance folks are married to Excel and want to remain in a formula driven workspace.
Performance Modeler, Architect and Perspectives are each vehicles to the same model data and structure. Therefore, we see two way interactions between each of these vehicles. An ActiveForm provides a good example of the seamless interaction between Performance Modeler and Perspectives.

An ActiveForm can be created in Perspectives from one of the cube views in Performance Modeler. We will create an ActiveForm from the Default view of the Revenue cube. Below is a screen shot of the cube view and the resulting ActiveForm.

TM1 Model Development

TM1 Model Development

Notice that both the cube view and ActiveForm display the Organization, Channel, Revenue, Year and Version dimensions. The data values in each are exactly the same. The above formula tells us we are looking at the Channel Total element of the Channel dimension of the Smartco model. Just as with a normal Excel worksheet, we can change our data points by altering our formula.

Looking at the Channel dimension in Performance Modeler we can see that there are three elements; Retail, Internet, and Distribution that roll up to the Channel Total. Let’s change the ActiveForm formula to look at the Internet element instead of Channel Total. See that the data values have changed with the formula change.

If we then change our budgeted amount for the Spectrum Analyzers product for the month of May from 158 to 800 in Performance Modeler we will see the data values likewise update in the ActiveForm.

By clicking the “Rebuild Current Sheet” button from the ActiveForm dropdown, our entire sheet has updated to now show 800 Spectrum Analyzers for May and 68,092 total products for the year.

IBM Cognos TM1 provides options understanding that, with a department of end users, each may prefer a different interface to the model data.

What is Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler?

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​What is Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler?

IBM Cognos TM1 10 includes a component called the Performance Modeler (PMP. It’s a great step in the right direction for IBM to simplify the model building process in TM1. It’s a wizard based component that will allow less technical people to manage and maintain models. However, if you are an existing IBM Cognos TM1 user who is considering moving to IBM Cognos TM1 PM, you should be aware of the following:

Performance Modeler

TM1 Model Creation and Management

TM1 PM allows users to perform many of the tasks historically performed in Server Explorer like object creation and model management.

You can maintain your Cognos TM1 models in Cognos TM1 PM with the following exceptions:

•Replication and synchronization is not supported in Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler. If your model uses replication and synchronization, you must maintain this part of your model in the Cognos TM1 Server Explorer.
•Drill-through process and rules must be created and maintained in Cognos TM1 Architect or Perspectives.
•Server administration tasks such as disconnecting individual users, broadcasting messages to users, and shutting down the server with notification to users must be performed from the Clients Messaging Center. This is accessible from the Server Explorer.
•Turbo Integrator processes with ODBO data sources must be created and maintained in Architect or Perspectives. The Cognos TM1 PM Turbo Integrator editor does not support ODBO datasource. All other Turbo Integrator data sources can be maintained in Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler.
•If you want to add Microsoft Excel worksheets to a Cognos TM1 Application in the Application Organizer, you must do so in the Server Explorer.
•If you create a Turbo Integrator process through Guided Import in Cognos TM1 PM, you should not subsequently edit the process in the native Architect or Perspectives.

Differences between IBM Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler and Cognos TM1 Architect/Perspectives

•Cube creation is simplified through a drag and drop interface in Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler. Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler also allows you to re-dimension an existing cube. By either adding or deleting dimensions from a cube or changing the order of dimensions in a cube.
•Subset creation is somewhat limited in Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler in comparison to Cognos TM1 Architect/Perspectives. There is no Expand Above capability in Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler and there is limited support for dynamic subsets in Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler.
•Rule creation is greatly simplified in Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler. The Rules Editor includes Content Assist features that present contextually relevant elements or information while creating a rule. Additionally, Cognos TM1 Performance Modeler automatically generates rules and associated feeders when you define a calculation dimension or create a link.

•The TurboIntegrator editor in Cognos TM1 PM includes improved editing features in the Advanced scripting tabs (Parameters, Prolog, Metadata, Data, Epilog).
•The Dimension Editor in Cognos TM1 PM provides a more intuitive and comprehensive environment for managing all aspects of dimensions. For example, you can create specific dimension types that fulfill unique requirements in your model. Additionally, all dimension management is accomplished in a single window. There is no need to open a separate window to manage attributes or set element properties.

If you are interested in learning more about TM1 10 or need assistance with upgrades, training, or consulting, please contact Lodestar Solutions at 813-415-2910 or services@lodestarsolutions.com

If you liked this blog about TM1 Performance Modeler, check out this blog on creating a new TM1 server by clicking here.

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