Real-Time Dashboard

[superman99]

Hello Gurus,

I have a requirement for a real-time dashboard using Cognos Analytics. I would like to know the approach from someone who has already implemented this type of solution.


Thanks in advance!!

[BigChris]

Do you need something as simple as an HTML tag in each element of the dashboard to refresh the data at the required frequency?

[psten]

Elements in the dashboard can be updated as frequent as every 5 second from version 11.0.4.

[MFGF]

Hello Gurus,

I have a requirement for a real-time dashboard using Cognos Analytics. I would like to know the approach from someone who has already implemented this type of solution.


Thanks in advance!!

In release 4, IBM implemented an auto-refresh property for each widget. Make sure you are in edit mode within the dashboard, select your widget, and open the Properties pane. On the Visualization Details tab you will see a "Refresh automatically" option, with a refresh frequency below it.

Cheers!

MF.

[superman99]

Thanks everyone for your response.

What am I looking is the real-time solution? I understand that Cognos 11.0.4 has an option to update every 5 second and so one, but I am looking for is the backend, for example, the DWH can not be refreshed every 5 seconds/minutes depending on the data. If I have a huge dataset then it will not be possible to refresh the entire DWH. What backend solution are out there to overcome real-time reporting.
Is it only possible to have real-time reporting when connected to an OLTP?
What are the options for a real-time reporting when connected to a DWH?
Appreciate your feedback!!

[johnwilkinson]

IBM provide a product called "RTM" (Real time monitoring) that is designed to do exactly what you describe. It is built from the components of the "Cognos Now" appliance solution that Cognos bought and abandoned some years ago.

Last time I looked at RTM, it was a bit buggy, but that was 3 or 4 years ago. It's certainly worth looking at, but I don't think it's cheap!

[bdbits]

I think what you are looking is what is often called "change data capture". There are products to do this, but I hope you (or your client) has plenty of money to spend, because it won't be cheap - at least a few hundred thousand dollars.

Products you can look at:
* IBM Infosphere CDC
* Oracle GoldenGate (or maybe XStreams)
* SQL Server - has some built-in but you'll need to roll up your sleeves. 3rd-party products may be warranted.

There are a number of 3rd party products, google CDC or "change data capture".

I participated in a project for implementation of the IBM product. It did work, but was problematic to resync if a database went down. At least, that is what the DBA told me. Otherwise, no real problems. What you do with the changes you get will be up to you. So for example, if you have currently have transformations in your ETL stream, you may need to re-architect or refactor components so they can be called upon to do incremental updates. This can be very minor or a project itself, depending on your warehouse and ETL. If you lack experienced ETL staff, you may want to bring in some consultants to help.

[superman99]

Thanks bdbits!!

I will look into CDC.