Testing a report

[Joker]

When we have a large number of records in our report then How can we test a report to check if the data we are getting is correct data?

[bdbits]

Usually, our data source has an associated application that has some capability to produce totals we can use for verification. If not, then we run direct database queries to produce totals to verify. In either case, if it is a separate warehouse we also do random sampling at the lowest granularity to ensure details are as expected.

[charon]

Hi Joker,

in our case what we do is generate some parametrized sql (based on main queries of the reports, then modified for several test runs) and run them against the database. These test cases are highly automized and will show us e.g. correct joins, sums, and also filters and data security.
It works for us, so you might think about a test concept for data testing based on cognos generated sqls.
have a nice weekend
regards charon

[Joker]

Hi Bdbits/Charon/All,

Thanks a lot for your quick reply. :)

Please clarify my doubts on how to create these test cases.
And how should I create these  direct database queries(Parameterised sql). Do I need to do it manually or Do i need some tool for that?
Please tell me the steps to perform the report testing.

Please don't mind as i am new to cognos.
Thanks in advance..