Connect Cognos Analytics to ERP

[superman99]

Hello Cognos Gurus,

I know that Cognos can connect to SAP and Sibel ERP but I would like to know if it is possible to create dashboards just by connecting to an ERP system? I will appreciate if someone can shed some light on this topic as what is the process to create dashboard/reports if the source is ERP system.

Thank You

[MFGF]

Hello Cognos Gurus,

I know that Cognos can connect to SAP and Sibel ERP but I would like to know if it is possible to create dashboards just by connecting to an ERP system? I will appreciate if someone can shed some light on this topic as what is the process to create dashboard/reports if the source is ERP system.

Thank You

If the data source connection to the ERP is via DQM and has a property "Allow web based modelling", you can set this, then create a Data Module based on the tables in the ERP data source. Once you save this Data Module you can then use it as a data source for dashboards.

Cheers!

MF.

[superman99]

Thanks MF for your reply.

Please correct me if I am wrong, you are saying that Cognos can connect to and ERP via DQM but we need to enable "Allow web based modeling; then we can create dashboard in Cognos.

Where will I find the setting "Allow web based modelling" is it in Cognos FM or ERP? By connecting directly to an ERP, would there be any performance issue? Is it suggested to directly connect to an ERP to create a FM model and Dashboard?
Would you please share the best practice and/or documentation?

Thanks in advance!!

[bus_pass_man]

It's a property of the data source.   You'd need to open administration console and click on the properties of the data source.  It's at the bottom of the middle tab (connection).

https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/SSEP7J_11.0.0/com.ibm.swg.ba.cognos.bi_install_faq.11.0.0.doc/c_inst_crit_config.html

Here's some documentation.
https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/SSEP7J/welcome

The question 'Would you please share the best practice and/or documentation' is a wee bit vague.  Defining the problem a bit more specifically could help.  Was the previous response helpful and you're trying to follow up on that or what?   

When you say 'connecting directly' what do you mean?

You can't use FM packages in dashboards.  You'd need to use modules.

[bdbits]

I have a strong opinion that while you can connect to an application database, it doesn't mean you should. If your organization can afford and has enough data for an ERP, you can likely afford and should be able to justify a data warehouse. In most cases.

[superman99]

Thanks for your replies.
In the past, the data from ERP, CRM was coming into DWH and that is where I was doing the reporting. This is something new for me. As I understand, ERP system has different areas such as customer, supplier, manufacturing, finance, etc. Does CA data module will let me connect all areas and create dashboards? or Will there be need a of DWH?
I agree that FM packages can not be used to create Dashboards but there will be some reporting based on FM packages. By connecting directly to an OLTP I am sure there will be performance issue. I am asking for an opinion as to what will be the best approach?
I hope it helps.

Thanks