Database Reference
In-Depth Information
C
H A P T E R
2
Matching the Report
to the Analysis
In the IBM Cognos Report Studio classes, we discuss that traditional report writing over the years
was focused on delivering all the required data at one time, even if that meant building a report
that consisted of hundreds of pages.
Report Studio allows report writers to build reports that focus on the specific aspects of the
analysis of data. By using drill-up, drill-down, and drill-through tools, users can run reports that
follow their analysis methods. The reports can be focused on the key data items at each point in the
data review. Instead of creating one long-running report that forces the analyst to turn from page to
page, you can create a series of reports to match how end users look for trends and anomalies.
This chapter looks at the creation of a dashboard for the shipping department of a fictitious
organization called the Great Outdoors Company. Starting with a dashboard that reviews high-
level metrics, several reports will be created that provide additional details, focusing on the
results of specific areas.
After the reports have been created, each report will have drill-though functionality to allow
for analysis by the report consumer. While each of the reports is important individually, a system
linking them together allows real-time decision making based on the needs of the manager.
NOTE
If you want some help with the files and typing involved in this chapter, go to
www.ibmpressbooks.com/title/9780132656757
and download the supplements.zip file
from the Downloads section under
More Information
.
If you chose to load the individual reports from the attached XML files, the drill-through
functionality will be removed. You will need to complete the final section of this chapter to
complete the interactive dashboard.
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