Automated process - Cube regeneration

[leonardogw]

Hello everybody


First of all, i'm using Cognos 8.3v and i'm not apart how it works on earlier versions.

I've created several cubes. I usually update them by manual process (using Transformer).

I want to know how to create an automated update (or regen) process.

I know that it's not that simple. And it's not something that i can do directly on Transformer.

I've read something about MDL, CubeSwap, Scripts and etc but i really still don't figure out.

So that, i'd like your help explaining (as simple as you can) what do i have to do to build this automated process.

If you give an example, i'd be very greatful


If you want comunicate by email:  leonardo.wandscheer@tokiomarine.com.br


Thanks everybody!

[hauge9]

I was in the same boat about a month ago. I'm still not an expert, but I've done a lot of research and talked to support about it. These are my main findings after going through all the research (I copied these from another post, so they're in the context of a response to somebody else):

If you are using Windows you need to write a batch file to update the cube, and schedule it using Windows Scheduler. This is what my file looks like, which works:

C:
cd "C:\Program Files\cognos\c83\bin"
Cogtr.exe -n2 -s "c:\Cube Update Test.pyj"

The -n2 command causes it to run in the backround.
The -s command saves the pyj or mdl file after the cube is built.

You will also need to create an auto login, in your pyl or mdl file, to automate login to your namespace.
You can do this by going to "View -> Signons" in Transformer.

If the cube is being used by someone, or has been recently, it will be locked for editing so the update won't work. There are various ways of dealing with this.

-----------------------

I am new to this, and still working on an ultimate strategy as well. I've just done a lot of research on the topic the past few weeks, and talked to support for a while about it.



If you do not want any downtime, you will need to update the cube in a separate folder from the existing cube...since you can't update a cube that is being used. You could basically have one folder where you build the initial cube and update it, and another folder where it is pointed at for reporting. Each night when the cube updates, you could copy it from the build folder to the production folder. If this is during a time where it is being used, you would need to name it something different (i.e. add a timestamp) then add logic in your batch file to update the connection path to the cube. I am still working on getting the connection path update to work, but you need to use the PCConn utility. If you do a search on this in the manual or support site, you will find all of the commands.



This is what I have now...it works when I type into command line, but I haven't got it working in a batch file:



connect 'servername':'port'

'namespace' 'userid' 'password'
set 'cube name' *This is the name of the package in Cognos Connection that references the cube

C:\Cognos Cubes\Cube Update Test.mdc *Here you put the patch that you want to update the cube to
exit



So let's say you had Cube1 in Cognos, which pointed to a file called Cube1_v1.mdc. You could paste a new file into the folder called Cube1_v2.mdc and then set Cube1 to point to C:\Cube1_v2.mdc



Another thing you need to factor in...you will need some sort of logic as far as what data you want added to the cube. Are you building it off of a package? If so, the package needs to have a filter so only new data gets through each time you update it. Data in a cube can't be modified, only data is added. You need to have the "Incremental Update" option selected in your cube properties as well (in Transformer)...otherwise it will rebuild the cube from scratch each time.

[leonardogw]

hauge9

Thank you

Your post is really helpful

I've realized that i have to build these scripts, so that i'm reading the Trasformer Guide (Command line).

Your example answered some doubts that i had.

Thank you again

Congrats

[MingusYoung]

I've just been through the same process. My backend is MSAccess, which updates every night. Then I needed to re-run 4 transformer models. I use the batch file setup as noted below with all four command line statements in the same file.

If you want to schedule it, you can use software from Christian Steven software (http://www.christiansteven.com/products/mars/index.html) called MARS. I got it primarily to update the databases, but I also use it to run the cubes on a schedule. It's kind of pricey, but it is a great toolset for handling multiple schedules across multiple apps.

Hope that helps.

Tom