Report Studio - Filter from a completely separate report

[dbaliki918]

Hi!

I have a list of application numbers that I need to exclude from around 20 separate reports. The current way of doing it is by opening each report and updating a couple of filters in a couple of queries. If this was done once a month or so, I wouldn't mind as much, but I have to do this twice a week. Is there a way for me to have a report with just those application numbers and filter from that one? That way I only need to update one report instead of 20.

I also work a lot in OBIEE and they have a function where you can use an external report in your filters. I'd love for something like that to exist in Cognos, but I can't find anything.

Thanks!

[bus_pass_man]

I would recommend that you look into using macros in your filter and have it use a parameter map with references to a table with the filter expression or some fragment (it depends on your preferences and needs).

That way, you would update the values in the table and the next time someone runs a relevant report which contains the filter it will look up the new value and perform the filter then.   

[dougp]

Another option (assuming you're using a data module) is to upload a spreadsheet that contains the current values and join that to your other data in the data module to filter it.  Then you should be able to refresh the spreadsheet twice a week.  You may also need to open and save the data module after each spreadsheet refresh to get it to take.

[dbaliki918]

I would love to do data modules, but I don't have the permission for it. I'm sending a request to get it, but it'll take a while. I asked around at work and also heard that data modules would be the way to do it.

Honestly, my access is barebones. I can only create reports, dashboards, stories, and jobs. I'm hoping I can get more.

[cognostechie]

To add to what bus_pass_an said, a parameter map can also contain manual values and be used in any filter in the report. That way, you would not have to have a table in the database.

In order to be fully effective in reporting, you need to have access to other components like modelling, admin etc. otherwise you would be working with your hands tied. Tell you management about this.

[dbaliki918]

To add to what bus_pass_an said, a parameter map can also contain manual values and be used in any filter in the report. That way, you would not have to have a table in the database.

In order to be fully effective in reporting, you need to have access to other components like modelling, admin etc. otherwise you would be working with your hands tied. Tell you management about this.

I did let my manager know and I sent a request for at least some additional functionality. Turnaround time is optimistically 2-4 weeks for these requests :(
I've never worked with parameter maps before, but from what I'm seeing, I need Framework Manager? I don't have access to that either.

[cognostechie]

Yes, Parameter Maps are created in Framework Manager.

One way to handle this is to 'throw the ball back'. When they tell you something needs to be done and if that requires a tool outside of your access limits then give them the solution and ask them to have someone implement that. That strategy is more likely to get you the access.

[dbaliki918]

One way to handle this is to 'throw the ball back'. When they tell you something needs to be done and if that requires a tool outside of your access limits then give them the solution and ask them to have someone implement that. That strategy is more likely to get you the access.

Clever! I like it  ;D

But I don't think it'll be necessary for now at least. I ended up getting permissions for Data Module and Upload Files in a few days instead of waiting a month! I did find a workaround for my issue. The problem is that the reports were using a data package and I found out the hard way I can't have a data module and a package in the same report. So I ended up just creating a data module comprised of the package and an Excel file with the app numbers I need to exclude. I can now rebuild the reports with that module. Now I can just update the module with the new app numbers twice a week.

Man I've been really held back with what I can do. I know that now having data module and upload files is just the tip of the iceberg with what I can do in Cognos, so hopefully I can get access to more in the future.