Overview
For answers to some frequently-asked questions concerning COGNOS, please see below.
Detail
Frequently Asked Questions about Cognos
Can I automate a query or report from Cognos?
Cognos provides jobs that can be configured to run reports or queries and email the results to a user.
How can I find training for Cognos?
New users of Cognos are notified about upcoming on-campus training opportunities. In addition, Pitt IT Business Intelligence regularly conducts webinar-based training for Cognos.
What data is available in Cognos?
Access is provided to data extracted from two systems that support major University business functions: the Student Information System (PeopleSoft) and the PRISM financial system. Data is organized into groups of tables called “Marts.” Student information will be housed in the Student Mart, and financial information will be housed in multiple Marts, beginning with the General Ledger (GL) Mart. See the Data Collections information for complete details about available Cognos packages.
How often is the data updated?
The General Ledger (GL) Mart will be updated monthly immediately following month-end closing. The Student Mart will be updated on a daily basis (Monday through Friday). Check the "Data Refresh" in My Pitt to view the effective date of data for each Mart.
What is the system availability of the Cognos Business Intelligence tool suite? The Cognos Tool set is always available with only one weekly outage. The weekly system outage occurs Sunday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Additional planned system outages may occur during the regularly scheduled maintenance window on Saturday from 11:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. Sunday.
What is the Cognos Business Intelligence tool?
The Cognos Business Intelligence tool is an integrated business intelligence suite that provides a wide range of functionality to help you access and analyze the University’s data. You can currently use the Cognos Business Intelligence tool to view reports that have been automatically generated. In the future, you will also be able to develop your own queries and reports.
How can I request a new report in Cognos?
If you have Cognos Query Studio Access, you can create your own report. Pitt IT creates standard University reports in Cognos. If you have an idea for a report that would be useful for users outside of your school, business unit, or area, contact the Technology Help Desk to suggest it.
What web browsers and operating systems are supported? (see table below)
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COGNOS CONNECTION / REPORT
VIEWER / QUERY STUDIO / METRIC STUDIO
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OPERATING SYSTEM
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SUPPORT STATUS
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Note: A small number of Cognos Connection dialogs are used in Framework Manager. Reference testing platform is Windows.
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0
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Windows 1 2000 /2003/XP/Vista
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Active
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP1
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Windows1 2000 / 2003
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Compatible
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP2
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Windows1 XP
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Compatible
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Firefox 3.0
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Windows1 / Mac2 / Unix / Linux
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Active
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Firefox 2.0
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Windows1 / Mac2 / Unix
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Compatible
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Firefox 1.5
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Windows1 / Mac2
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Compatible
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Firefox 1.5.02
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Linux / Unix
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Compatible
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Note: Microsoft Office integration is only supported on Windows platforms (i.e., export to Excel)
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REPORT STUDIO / ANALYSIS STUDIO / EVENT STUDIO
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OPERATING SYSTEM
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SUPPORT STATUS
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0
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Windows1 2000 /2003/XP
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Active
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP1
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Windows1 2000 / 2003
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Compatible
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP2
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Windows1 XP
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Compatible
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1- The Windows operating system applies to all versions of Windows that are currently supported by Microsoft.
2- The Mac operating system refers to any version up to Mac OS 10.6.