Data Dictionary Program from within Reports (Relational)

[gosoccer]

Hi, we have a big issue and need to get your idea so pls help. :) :)

Is there a way to have a separate Folder or call a separate Report to deal with our Data Dictionary.
Our client wants to have Definition to each Column that is displayed in our Report we have that
works an Ad-hoc Report.

They have asked us to put a screen tip for every single Column in Framework Manager so for every
column, the screen TIP shows with a small definition.

I'm really against this and I think there must be something better we can do.

Our Package that is used for Ad-hoc through the Framework Manager is Folder Based. So, the user goes to each Folder, Opens the Subject Query (Car Information) and selects the necessary columns while running in Reports that in 10G, it was Workspace Advanced.

I thought about creating a Table with Two Columns one with Data Element Code and another with Definition at the DB level. Create the Subject Query in FM and then have this Folder that includes the Subject Query as following,

Folder: Car Information
Subject Query: Car Info
Car Type
Definition

Car Name
Definition

Car Year
Definition.

Now, use this Filer Option or Expand the Description/Definition Column to show the Definition to Car Type, Car Name, Car Year.

Let me know if you know a better way to do this. Even if the user could call a JSP or Java program within the Report, we could develop a separate Java Program to just do the above listing of Data Elements and their Definitions. Even if I could run a Report (Run a Report Studio Report) from within the Folder/Subject Query, I could run a separate program while online.

Thanks so much for your help as always.

[Lynn]

Hi, we have a big issue and need to get your idea so pls help. :) :)

Is there a way to have a separate Folder or call a separate Report to deal with our Data Dictionary.
Our client wants to have Definition to each Column that is displayed in our Report we have that
works an Ad-hoc Report.

They have asked us to put a screen tip for every single Column in Framework Manager so for every
column, the screen TIP shows with a small definition.

I'm really against this and I think there must be something better we can do.

Our Package that is used for Ad-hoc through the Framework Manager is Folder Based. So, the user goes to each Folder, Opens the Subject Query (Car Information) and selects the necessary columns while running in Reports that in 10G, it was Workspace Advanced.

I thought about creating a Table with Two Columns one with Data Element Code and another with Definition at the DB level. Create the Subject Query in FM and then have this Folder that includes the Subject Query as following,

Folder: Car Information
Subject Query: Car Info
Car Type
Definition

Car Name
Definition

Car Year
Definition.

Now, use this Filer Option or Expand the Description/Definition Column to show the Definition to Car Type, Car Name, Car Year.

Let me know if you know a better way to do this. Even if the user could call a JSP or Java program within the Report, we could develop a separate Java Program to just do the above listing of Data Elements and their Definitions. Even if I could run a Report (Run a Report Studio Report) from within the Folder/Subject Query, I could run a separate program while online.

Thanks so much for your help as always.

Why are you against screen tips in the Framework Manager model. Their exact purpose is to help authors better understand the packages to aid their reporting.

You could certainly also design a set of database tables to hold definitions, create a framework manager model over it, and publish a data dictionary package for users to also report on.

Personally I think the two options work very well together.

[gosoccer]

Good morning Lynn,

For three reasons I'm against the Screen Tip but it looks like we have to take this path.

1) Many Data Elements involved so we have to manually add Screen Tips for every Data Elements.
2) The updating of the screen Tips will have to occur manually within the Framework Manager. So, I'll
have to provide the rights to someone without Cognos knowledge to input the screen tips.
3) While the person is inputting the Screen Tips, the Model can be used for other development work.

The above is not a major problem over here so we should be ok but we may take both approaches.

Limited resources will judge on that.

Thanks for your time

[Lynn]

Good morning Lynn,

For three reasons I'm against the Screen Tip but it looks like we have to take this path.

1) Many Data Elements involved so we have to manually add Screen Tips for every Data Elements.
2) The updating of the screen Tips will have to occur manually within the Framework Manager. So, I'll
have to provide the rights to someone without Cognos knowledge to input the screen tips.
3) While the person is inputting the Screen Tips, the Model can be used for other development work.

The above is not a major problem over here so we should be ok but we may take both approaches.

Limited resources will judge on that.

Thanks for your time

You can import screen tips using language translation tools.
https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/community/forums/atom/download/attachment_14197152_Bulk_Loading_Screen_Tips_into_Framework_.doc?nodeId=b8ca17f1-1b23-46cf-8ab9-2a2ed873393f

[gosoccer]

Thank you. I'll look into it. The task starts a week or so.