Synchronizing Columns with Your Data Source

As the modeler, you must ensure that the columns in your model reflect the current state of your data sources. There is limited error-handling. For example, an error message is issued if you try to add a query item that is already referenced in your model.

You can quickly resynchronize your model columns after a data update. You can add data source items to the model or remove columns from the model. You can also resolve mismatches between data source items and columns in the model. For example, if you rename data source items, Cognos® Transformer may no longer be able to match those items with their corresponding columns in the model.

You can choose to resolve mismatches manually or let Cognos Transformer attempt to automatically resolve mismatches. For IBM® Cognos data sources, Cognos Transformer presents options for matches for your review. If Cognos Transformer determines that mismatches are caused by a structural change in the data source, Cognos Transformer provides a list of locations in the data source that may be possible matches for mismatched columns. If none of the locations provided are appropriate, or if Cognos Transformer is unable to suggest any locations in the data source, Cognos Transformer provides a list of items in the model that are similar to the source reference of the column. For each possible match, Cognos Transformer shows how closely the references match by using a percentage. If none of the items are appropriate, you can leave columns unmatched.

You can quickly resynchronize your model columns after a data update if your model uses a single query based on a text data file, an IQD, or an IBM Cognos package or report. Resynchronize your model by invoking the Modify Columns command from the Tools menu.

Use the following procedure to synchronize columns with IBM Cognos data sources.

Procedure

  1. In the Data Sources list, select the query whose columns you want to modify, and from the Tools menu, click Modify Columns.
  2. If there are columns in the model that cannot be matched to data source items, you will get a warning message. Click No to keep these unmatched columns in the model.

    If you click Yes, Cognos Transformer deletes the unmatched columns.

  3. For data source items that do not appear as columns in the model, select the items in the Source list and click Add.

    Tip: Click Refresh Source to refresh the source list for the data source. Click Validate to check whether columns in the model violate any Framework Manager governor settings.

  4. For columns that you want to remove from the model, select the columns in the model list and click Remove.
  5. For unmatched columns identified by and X in the Matched to Source column in the model list, do one of the following:
    • To manually match query items to columns, select a data source item in the Source list and a column in the model, and click Match.
    • To allow Cognos Transformer to automatically match query items to columns, select the columns in the model and click Auto Match.
  6. If Cognos Transformer provides one or more locations in the data source that may be appropriate for unmatched columns, do one of the following:
    • If one of the locations is an appropriate match, select the location and click Next or Finish.
    • If none of the locations are an appropriate match, click Match by reference instead and click Next. From the Candidates list of data source items, click the one that you want to match to the column or click Leave unmatched.
  7. Repeat step 6 for each mismatched column that Cognos Transformer attempts to resolve.
  8. For any mismatched items that Cognos Transformer cannot suggest locations for, Cognos Transformer presents possible name changes for your review. From the Candidates list, click the item that you want to match to the column to or click Leave unmatched.