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:

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.