IBM Cognos Finance New Features Guide

09-04-2008
IBM Cognos Finance
7.4

IBM(R) Cognos(R) Finance New Features Guide

NEW FEATURES GUIDE

IBM® Cognos® Finance

NEW FEATURES GUIDE

Product Information
® ®
This document applies to IBM Cognos Finance Version 7.4 and may also apply to subsequent releases. To check for newer versions of this
document, visit the IBM Cognos Resource Center (http://www.ibm.com/software/data/support/cognos_crc.html).

Copyright
Copyright © 2008 Cognos ULC (formerly Cognos Incorporated). Cognos ULC is an IBM Company.
Portions of Cognos ULC software products are protected by one or more of the following U.S. Patents: 6,609,123 B1; 6,611,838 B1; 6,662,188
B1; 6,728,697 B2; 6,741,982 B2; 6,763,520 B1; 6,768,995 B2; 6,782,378 B2; 6,847,973 B2; 6,907,428 B2; 6,853,375 B2; 6,986,135 B2;
6,995,768 B2; 7,062,479 B2; 7,072,822 B2; 7,111,007 B2; 7,130,822 B1; 7,155,398 B2; 7,171,425 B2; 7,185,016 B1; 7,213,199 B2; 7,243,106
B2; 7,257,612 B2; 7,275,211 B2; 7,281,047 B2; 7,293,008 B2; 7,296,040 B2; 7,318,058 B2; 7,325,003 B2; 7,333,995 B2.
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Table of Contents

Introduction 5
Chapter 1: New Features by Component 7
IBM Cognos Finance Windows 7
Reporting and Data Input Modules 7
Batch Reporting Module 7
Define Items Module 8
Delete Items Module 8
Calculation Tables Module 8
Common Accounts Module 8
Transfer Data Module 8
File Processing Module 8
Extract Module 9
Display Raw Data Module 9
Security Module 9
Maintain Submissions Module 9
IBM Cognos Finance Server Configuration Tool 9
IBM Cognos Finance Web 9
Shared Components 10
Access Manager 10
Upfront 10
Installation and Conformance 10
Chapter 2: Integration 11
Shared Components 12
Stricter Basic Signon Password Management 13
Uploading Multiple Files to Upfront 13
Chapter 3: Improved Application Administration 15
Server Configuration Summary 15
Compare the Current System to the Saved System 15
Set Input Items to Zero 15
Assigning User Access by Users, Groups and Roles 15
Comparing Allocations Between Submissions 16
Importing Attributes from XML 16
Identifying and Removing Unused Data Items 16
Locking Calculations in Period Data 16
New Command Line Parameters 17
The New @Range Function 18
Suppressing Double Quotation Marks in Extractions 18
Including SQL Details in the Extract Transaction Log 18
Passing Parameters for Drill-through to IBM Cognos Finance Forms 19
Selecting Multiple Libraries for Deletion 19
Using Embedded Libraries 19
Additional Posting Codes for Extracted Data 19
Improved Performance of the Allocation Process 20
Importing and Exporting Allocation Map Files to CSV Files 20
Automatically Selecting All Table Input Items 20
Setting Defaults for the Web Browser Session 21
Setting the Default for the Microsoft Office Spreadsheet Toolbar 21
Controlling the Number of Report Pages Exported to Another Application 21

New Features Guide 3

 Chapter 4: Enhanced Authoring and Reporting Analysis 23
Undo and Redo for Creating and Modifying Reports 23
Enable Rolling Reports 23
Specify a Single Item for a Dimension in Batch Reporting 23
Set the Current Month 23
Improved Sorting for Dependency Reports 23
Dynamic Sorting 24
Dynamic Libraries 24
The Next Year Text Macro 24
Enhanced Headers and Footers 24
Viewing Report or Input Form Properties 24
Saving Reports, Input Forms, and Libraries to XML Files 25
Extended Variance Threshold and Operator Settings 25
Turning Off Report Numbering in Batch Reporting 25
Flexible Selection of Dimensions for Web-based Reports 25
Changing the Scaling of Numbers for Web-based Reports or Input Forms 25
Showing or Hiding Dependency Details in Web-based Reports 26
Chapter 5: Usability 27
Support for Microsoft Vista 27
Setting Employee Value Flags 27
Converting Report and Input Forms 27
Using Comma Delimited Map Files 27
Editing Allocation Map Files 27
Improved Security of Executable Directories and Easier Backup of Customized Files and
Settings 28
Support for Microsoft Excel 2007 28
Suppression of Zero Values on Each Page 28
Increasing the Character Size Limit for Text Periods 28
Showing Commas as Thousands Separator 28
Including Pointer Periods for Extraction 28
New Select Menu in the Extract Module 29
Customizing the Date Format for Extracting Employee Details 29
Extended Formatting for Dependency Reports 29
Extended Formatting for Intercompany Details 29
Ease of Adding the Double Accounting Underline 30
Showing Calculation Names in ID View 30
Enhanced Views for WorkFlow Administration 30
Support of the Shortcut Menu Edit Commands in Common Accounts 30
Improved Selection of Calculated Items and Supporting Details 30
Support of Unlimited Number of Libraries 31
Adding Web-based Reports or Input Forms to the Watch List 31
Hiding Table of Contents on Web-based Reports or Input Forms 31
Processing Data into Text Periods 31
Built-in Blank Rows and Columns 31
Index 33

4
Introduction

This document is intended for use with IBM Cognos Finance. IBM Cognos Finance provides a
single financial view of enterprise information by consolidating multiple data sources, such as
ledgers, spreadsheets, or manual input, into a dimensional chart-of-accounts structure. The
consolidation process can calculate the effects of multiple reporting currencies, intercompany
eliminations, and multitiered allocations, as well as calculate a wide range of financially intelligent
metrics.
In IBM Cognos Finance, you can create and view reports, and distribute professional reports
across the enterprise. You can also use IBM Cognos Finance Web to distribute dynamic reports
and collect data through a Web browser interface. IBM Cognos Finance Add-In for Excel provides
a simple toolbar and formula interface through Microsoft Excel, as well as a macro interface for
customizing spreadsheet applications.
This guide describes the new features in IBM Cognos Finance for version 7.4 and subsequent
releases.

Integrating with IBM Cognos Products

IBM Cognos Finance is integrated with various IBM Cognos products to provide a complete
solution for analysis and reporting. For more information, see "Integration" (p. 11).

Related Documentation
Our documentation includes user guides, getting started guides, new features guides, readmes, and
other materials to meet the needs of our varied audience. The following documents contain related
information and may be referred to in this document.

Document Description
IBM Cognos Finance Web User Administering and using IBM Cognos Finance from the
Guide Web interface

IBM Cognos Finance User Guide Administering and using IBM Cognos Finance

Finding Information
Product documentation is available in online help from the Help menu or button in IBM Cognos
products.
To find the most current product documentation, including all localized documentation and
knowledge base materials, access the IBM Cognos Resource Center
(http://www.ibm.com/software/data/support/cognos_crc.html).
You can also read PDF versions of the product readme files and installation guides directly from
IBM Cognos product CDs.

Getting Help
For more information about using this product or for technical assistance, visit the IBM Cognos
Resource Center (http://www.ibm.com/software/data/support/cognos_crc.html). This site provides
information on support, professional services, and education.

New Features Guide 5

Introduction

Printing Copyright Material

You can print selected pages, a section, or the whole book. You are granted a non-exclusive,
non-transferable license to use, copy, and reproduce the copyright materials, in printed or
electronic format, solely for the purpose of operating, maintaining, and providing internal training
on IBM Cognos software.

6
Chapter 1: New Features by Component

This release delivers many new features that provide quick and effective financial reporting, and
analytics capabilities that offer an accurate, accessible view of cross-organization functions.
You can view a list of the new features for each of the components that you use.

IBM Cognos Finance Windows

IBM Cognos Finance Windows has new features in several modules.

Reporting and Data Input Modules

The Reporting and Data Input modules, which provide a wide range of reporting and data
collection capabilities for both casual and power users, have the following new features:
"Undo and Redo for Creating and Modifying Reports" (p. 23)
"Enable Rolling Reports" (p. 23)
"Improved Sorting for Dependency Reports" (p. 23)
"The Next Year Text Macro" (p. 24)
"Enhanced Headers and Footers" (p. 24)
"Viewing Report or Input Form Properties" (p. 24)
"Saving Reports, Input Forms, and Libraries to XML Files" (p. 25)
"Dynamic Sorting" (p. 24)
"Dynamic Libraries" (p. 24)
"Extended Variance Threshold and Operator Settings" (p. 25)
"Suppression of Zero Values on Each Page" (p. 28)
"Increasing the Character Size Limit for Text Periods" (p. 28)
"Extended Formatting for Dependency Reports" (p. 29)
"Extended Formatting for Intercompany Details" (p. 29)
"Ease of Adding the Double Accounting Underline" (p. 30)
"Showing Calculation Names in ID View" (p. 30)
"Enhanced Views for WorkFlow Administration" (p. 30)
"Built-in Blank Rows and Columns" (p. 31)

Batch Reporting Module

The Batch Reporting module, which automates the repetitive task of generating regularly
scheduled reports, has the following new features:
"Specify a Single Item for a Dimension in Batch Reporting" (p. 23)
"Converting Report and Input Forms" (p. 27)
"Set the Current Month" (p. 23)
"Turning Off Report Numbering in Batch Reporting" (p. 25)

New Features Guide 7

Chapter 1: New Features by Component

Define Items Module

The Define Items module, which provides ongoing maintenance of IBM Cognos Finance, has the
following new features:
"Set Input Items to Zero" (p. 15)
"Set the Current Month" (p. 23)
"New Command Line Parameters" (p. 17)
"Locking Calculations in Period Data" (p. 16)
"Importing Attributes from XML" (p. 16)
"The New @Range Function" (p. 18)
"Improved Selection of Calculated Items and Supporting Details" (p. 30)

Delete Items Module

The Delete Items module, which lets the administrator delete submissions, components, accounts,
and tables, has the following new features:
"Identifying and Removing Unused Data Items" (p. 16)

Calculation Tables Module

The Calculation Tables module, which manages the order of complex calculations, has the
following new features:
"Using Comma Delimited Map Files" (p. 27)l
"Editing Allocation Map Files" (p. 27)
"Comparing Allocations Between Submissions" (p. 16)
"Using Embedded Libraries" (p. 19)
"Improved Performance of the Allocation Process" (p. 20)
"Importing and Exporting Allocation Map Files to CSV Files" (p. 20)

Common Accounts Module

The Common Accounts module, which provides a convenient way of maintaining data in one
place, has the following new features:
"Support of the Shortcut Menu Edit Commands in Common Accounts" (p. 30)

Transfer Data Module

The Transfer Data module, which transfers data directly from one submission to another or
transfers data within a single submission, has the following new features:
"Set Input Items to Zero" (p. 15)
"New Command Line Parameters" (p. 17)

File Processing Module

The File Processing module, which extracts, transforms, and loads data from the relational
database, has the following new features:
"Using Comma Delimited Map Files" (p. 27)
"New Command Line Parameters" (p. 17)
"Selecting Multiple Libraries for Deletion" (p. 19)
"Passing Parameters for Drill-through to IBM Cognos Finance Forms" (p. 19)

8
 Chapter 1: New Features by Component

"Additional Posting Codes for Extracted Data" (p. 19)

"Support of Unlimited Number of Libraries" (p. 31)
"Processing Data into Text Periods" (p. 31)

Extract Module
The Extract module, which extracts data from an IBM Cognos Finance system and writes data to
a relational database, has the following new features:
"Using Comma Delimited Map Files" (p. 27)
"New Command Line Parameters" (p. 17)
"Suppressing Double Quotation Marks in Extractions" (p. 18)
"Including SQL Details in the Extract Transaction Log" (p. 18)
"Using Embedded Libraries" (p. 19)
"Automatically Selecting All Table Input Items" (p. 20)
"Including Pointer Periods for Extraction" (p. 28)
"New Select Menu in the Extract Module" (p. 29)
"Customizing the Date Format for Extracting Employee Details" (p. 29)
"Support of Unlimited Number of Libraries" (p. 31)
"Improved Selection of Calculated Items and Supporting Details" (p. 30)

Display Raw Data Module

The Display Raw Data module, which shows the data values as they are stored in the database,
has the following new features:
"Showing Commas as Thousands Separator" (p. 28)

Security Module
The Security module, which controls user access, has the following new features:
"Assigning User Access by Users, Groups and Roles" (p. 15)

Maintain Submissions Module

The Maintain Submissions module, which allows you to check data integrity and repair system
files, has the following new feature:
"Compare the Current System to the Saved System" (p. 15)

IBM Cognos Finance Server Configuration Tool

The IBM Cognos Finance Server Configuration tool has the following new feature:
"Server Configuration Summary" (p. 15)

IBM Cognos Finance Web

IBM Cognos Finance Web has the following new features:
"Setting Defaults for the Web Browser Session" (p. 21)
"Setting the Default for the Microsoft Office Spreadsheet Toolbar" (p. 21)

New Features Guide 9

Chapter 1: New Features by Component

"Controlling the Number of Report Pages Exported to Another Application" (p. 21)
"Flexible Selection of Dimensions for Web-based Reports" (p. 25)
"Changing the Scaling of Numbers for Web-based Reports or Input Forms" (p. 25)
"Showing or Hiding Dependency Details in Web-based Reports" (p. 26)
"Hiding Table of Contents on Web-based Reports or Input Forms" (p. 31)
"Adding Web-based Reports or Input Forms to the Watch List" (p. 31)

Shared Components
The new features of the IBM Cognos Finance shared components include the following.

Access Manager
Access Manager has the following new features:
"Stricter Basic Signon Password Management" (p. 13)

Upfront
Upfront has the following new features:
"Uploading Multiple Files to Upfront" (p. 13)

Installation and Conformance

IBM Cognos Finance 7.4 includes the following new additions and changes:
"Support for Microsoft Vista" (p. 27)
"Improved Security of Executable Directories and Easier Backup of Customized Files and
Settings" (p. 28)
"Support for Microsoft Excel 2007" (p. 28)

10
Chapter 2: Integration

IBM Cognos Finance is integrated with various IBM Cognos products to provide a complete
solution for planning, analysis, and reporting. The following diagram illustrates these various
integration points.

Published data
Real-time Data (IBM Cognos 8)
Real-time Data (PowerPlay)

Upfront IBM Cognos Connection

Impromptu Web PowerPlay IBM Cognos 8 IBM Cognos ReportNet 1.1 IBM Cognos Metrics
Reports Enterprise Server Manager

Impromptu PowerPlay Framework Manager Metric Designer

Table publish

IBM Cognos
Controller

PowerPlay Exported
only file

IBM Cognos IBM Cognos IBM Cognos Planning -

Finance Planning - Analyst Contributor

Extract Performance
module Applications

IBM Cognos Finance is now a supported data source in IBM Cognos 8. This means that users can
use any IBM Cognos 8 Business Intelligence studio to remotely access real-time IBM Cognos
Finance data. This ensures that users are viewing the most up-to-date data while benefiting from
the centralized administration of security.
Users can directly connect to the IBM Cognos Finance data and fully use all the capabilities in the
chosen Business Intelligence studio, such as:
• using Report Studio to author sophisticated reports that offer flexibility in calculating and
formatting results
• using Analysis Studio to analyze plan data
The server properties specified in the Network API Server tab of the IBM Cognos Finance - Server
Configuration tool are used to set up the data connection between IBM Cognos Finance and the
IBM Cognos 8 Business Intelligence server.
For more information, see the chapter about integration in the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

New Features Guide 11

Chapter 2: Integration

You can find information about the following types of integration in other IBM Cognos
documents.

Integration Document
IBM Cognos Finance and IBM Cognos IBM Cognos Finance User Guide
Planning
IBM Cognos 8 Planning - Analyst User Guide

IBM Cognos Finance and IBM Cognos IBM Cognos Finance User Guide
PowerPlay

IBM Cognos Finance and IBM Cognos IBM Cognos Finance User Guide
Connection, IBM Cognos Impromptu,
IBM Cognos Metrics Manager, or IBM
Cognos 8
Note: For integration with IBM Cognos 8,
you must install IBM Cognos 8 Version
8.3 SP1 or later.

IBM Cognos Finance and IBM Cognos IBM Cognos Finance User Guide
Performance Applications

Shared Components
IBM Cognos Enterprise Framework Services provides a common infrastructure of shared
components across all IBM Cognos scorecarding, planning, and business intelligence products.
The shared components save IT both time and resources. Your applications share security,
metadata, administration, and a portal.

Access Manager
Access Manager is a security service that offers a centralized environment to define, store, and
maintain security information for IBM Cognos products. After all the security information is
defined, security administrators can specify what users can see and do within the application.
Users log on once in a Windows environment and once in a Web environment to explore and
share information across the enterprise. Security administrators can leverage an existing security
infrastructure by integrating single signon strategies.

Configuration Manager
Configuration Manager is the single interface you use to configure all IBM Cognos products. You
can also use Configuration Manager to save and script configuration information. You can then
create scripts that you can use to configure other computers in your configuration.

Upfront
Upfront is a Web portal service that centralizes content delivery and management. It is accessible
through an interface that can be modified to suit the needs of different users. Users use Upfront to
publish, find, organize, secure, and view business intelligence data and non-business intelligence
content, such as URLs to important Web sites.

Deployment Manager
You can use Deployment Manager to pack your IBM Cognos application data into a
transportable medium that can be unpacked into another IBM Cognos server environment.
Deployment Manager should not be used to back up your data.

12
 Chapter 2: Integration

Stricter Basic Signon Password Management

To meet stricter governance requirements in your IT environment, Access Manager administrators
can now enforce Basic Signon password rules. For example, you can force the inclusion of
uppercase and lowercase characters, numerals, and special characters. Administrators can also
enable password history enforcement to ensure that old passwords are not reused.
For information about setting password properties for users in a Namespace in the Access, see
Manager Administrator Guide.

Uploading Multiple Files to Upfront

In Upfront, users can upload static files to their NewsBoxes one at a time. To upload multiple
files, you can now use a command line utility. Using FMCmnd, you can script the uploading of
multiple files, and use wildcards and parameters. You can also upload the contents of an entire
directory. NewsBoxes can be automatically created for the uploaded files. The upload command
script can be run interactively, or it can be scheduled.
For information about Upfront automation interfaces, see the Upfront Developer Guide.

New Features Guide 13

Chapter 2: Integration

14
Chapter 3: Improved Application Administration

Enhancements in the administration of IBM Cognos Finance help financial professionals to

manage the core financial processes, such as budgeting, planning, consolidation, forecasting, and
reporting, in a single system.

Server Configuration Summary

When the Server Configuration tool opens, a summary page appears that shows IBM Cognos
Finance server information for all IBM Cognos Finance servers. This information includes the
type, name, system, port, and IP address. You can print this page.
For more information about server configuration, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Compare the Current System to the Saved System

After you make changes to dimension items such as attributes, views, and calculations you can
compare against a saved baseline version of the system.
Differences between the versions are highlighted in bold. You can double-click on highlighted
items for more information.

Set Input Items to Zero

When you import calculations through the SQL load, using the REFRESH_CALCS option, you
can create a zero reconciliation file. This file lists all the calculated items that become input items
during the import. If you want to make the input items zero, process the zero reconciliation file in
the Transfer Data module.
For more information about zero reconciliation, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Assigning User Access by Users, Groups and Roles

You can now use the IBM Cognos 8 security model to assign user access by users, groups, and
roles. Groups and roles are defined and managed in a third-party authentication provider, such as
Active Directory namespace, Windows native security (NTLM), or LDAP. This security model can
be easily integrated with the existing security infrastructure in your organization.
After an IBM Cognos 8 administrator sets up security credentials by adding users as members to a
group or role, you can link the users, groups, and roles to a specific set of user privileges and views
using the Security module. You must also provide the address for the IBM Cognos 8 gateway
server ordispatcher URI and the namespace where the security credentials are maintained.
To accommodate for the various types of authentication sources, the Add User, Copy User, and
Delete User menu options in the Security module were changed to Add Names, Copy Names, and
Delete Names.
Using the IBM Cognos 8 security model is optional.
For more information about IBM Cognos 8 security, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

New Features Guide 15

Chapter 3: Improved Application Administration

Comparing Allocations Between Submissions

You can now reconcile differences in allocations between submissions. Compare allocation tables
in different submissions to synchronize allocations, manage changes to the allocation tables, or
observe changes in the allocations over time.
You can set the display orientation of the comparison results, set filters to limit views, save the
comparison results for future analyses and reconciliations, and print the comparison results.
The File menu in Allocations now includes the Compare Allocations command.
For more information about allocation comparisons, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Importing Attributes from XML

The best reporting requires a layering of attributes or characteristics around each financial
organization structure. Importing the user-defined attributes creates a flexible, multidimensional
solution to delivering additional views of the organization.
When importing data from another IBM Cognos Finance system or other external data sources,
user-defined attributes that do not exist in the current IBM Cognos Finance system are now
automatically created. The import process also adds new values for both new and existing
user-defined attributes. Users can modify value descriptions or add new values to existing or new
attributes.
For more information about importing attributes, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Identifying and Removing Unused Data Items

IBM Cognos Finance administrators can remove items from the IBM Cognos Finance system
because they are no longer used in calculations or rollups by deleting them using the Delete Items
module. Before deleting the items, the administrator must confirm that they are no longer used as
part of any calculation, rollup, consolidation table, or allocation account map file.
Administrators can now check the decision to delete items by using new options available from
the Delete Items, Select menu. Use either of the following options to identify all unused data items
in all the dimensions within the IBM Cognos Finance system:
• Deletable Items Only
Shows only items that passed the checks and meet the requirements.
• Show All Deletable Items
Shows a complete list of items within each dimension that can be deleted. The read-only list
specifies each dimension in the submission and the associated items in each dimension that
can be deleted. Both the item ID and name appear.
For more information about deleting data items, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Locking Calculations in Period Data

By using the new Calculation Lock option in the Define Items module, IBM Cognos Finance
administrators can prevent changes to reporting data that result from an allocation process by
locking periods for calculation.
Previously, the application administrator could lock periods only for input. However, this did not
prevent data from moving into those periods from processes such as allocations. The Calculation
Lock option prevents input from new calculations and calculation table items.
For more information about locking calculation in period data, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

16
 Chapter 3: Improved Application Administration

New Command Line Parameters

Administrators can use new command line parameters to script multiple tasks and task flows into
scheduled or automatic activity using the same functionality available from the Windows
interface.

/ACTION LOCK and UNLOCK

When used with the corresponding /DIMENSION switch, /ACTION can now specify arguments
for a dimension for which items are locked or unlocked.
If the /DIMENSION argument is SUBMISSIONS, it specifies the submissions, except pointer
submissions, that are to be locked or unlocked. If the /DIMENSION argument is other than
SUBMISSIONS, you must identify the submission in which items will be locked and a /LIBRARY
switch that specifies the library file that contains the items for locking or unlocking.

/ACTION CURRENTMONTH
The new /ACTION CURRENTMONTH parameter can be used as part of the Define Items
module. This parameter specifies the current month for the year-to-date system default month.
The specified period must be a valid period. If CURRENTMONTH is not set, the current month
is set by the system clock.

/ACTION SETPTRSUB
When used with the corresponding /MODULE DEFINE, the /ACTION SETPTRSUB switch can
specify a pointer submission, such as Current Year Actuals. Use the /SUBMISSION switch to
specify the non-pointer submission ID and the /PTRSUB switch to specify the pointer submission
ID.

/EXISTINGFILE
The new /EXISTINGFILE parameter can be used as part of an Extract or General Ledger
Processor command. /EXISTINGFILE can take the argument APPEND or REPLACE.
If the output filename matches the name of an existing output file in your file system, you can use
the parameter to specify whether to append the transactions to the existing output file or to
replace the existing output file with the new one.

/MONTH
The new /MONTH parameter works with the /ACTION CURRENTMONTH parameter to
specify the current month in the Batch Reporting or Define Items modules In the Batch Reporting
module, the period ID for the /MONTH is a base input period, it is used as the current month. If
no period ID is specified or it is invalid, the current month set in Define Items is used.
In the Define Items module, if no /MONTH is specified, the system clock is used. If the period ID
is invalid or blank for /MONTH, you will receive an error.

/PTRSUB
The new /PTRSUB switch specifies the pointer submission. Use the /PTRSUB switch and the
/SUBMISSION switch with /ACTION SETPTRSUB.
The /PTRSUB switch is useful when referencing generic or pointer submissions, such as Prior Year
Actuals or Current Estimate, so that no updates are required to reports or input forms when the
calendar changes.
For more information about command line parameters, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

/VALIDONLY
For all /MODULE TRANSFER command lines, a new VALIDONLY parameter was added for the
/OPTION option. This parameter is stored and loaded from the Transfer Data libraries.

New Features Guide 17

Chapter 3: Improved Application Administration

The parameter is the command line equivalent of the Allow Valid Targets Only option available
from the Options menu command in the Transfer Data module in the Windows interface.
Administrators use this parameter to select items that are valid for input in the target submission.
Like the Allow Valid Targets Only option, this parameter automatically filters the items for
selection.

/ZEROFILE
The new /ZEROFILE switch creates a zero reconciliation file in the Define items module during an
ODBC import. This file specifies which calculated items became input items during the import.
In the Transfer Data module, the /ZEROFILE switch zeros out the input items specified in the zero
reconciliation file.

The New @Range Function

With the new @RANGE function, the administrator can create a system calculation to define an
account (including accounts that use tables) or a component that returns the sum of a list of values
within a specified range. This range is expressed by two parameters, the first and last data items in
the range. The list of items in the range is arranged in Administrator Order.
This function is similar to the existing @SUM function, except that it is dynamic.
The Administrator Order means that the @RANGE function can expand to include any newly
added data items in the system that fall within the range without having to redefine the
calculation. The sum of values that include the new data items is automatically updated.
Users can also drill down on an item that includes the @RANGE function to move from the
summary item to the detail data, or they can show the lower-level items in the rollup hierarchy
within the @RANGE function.
For more information about report functions, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Suppressing Double Quotation Marks in Extractions

The options for extracting IBM Cognos Finance data now include the special handling of double
quotation marks that are sometimes necessary for programs that support .csv files.
In general, .csv files are formatted files in which each field is delimited by commas. Because strings
can contain the delimiter character, they appear enclosed in double quotation marks. This feature
is useful in situations when some of the fields must be output without the double quotation marks.
You can show or hide quotation marks by either selecting or clearing the Quote CSV Data check
box in the Extract Options dialog box (Options, Extract Options) in the Extract module.
For more information about extracting IBM Cognos Finance data, see the IBM Cognos Finance
User Guide.

Including SQL Details in the Extract Transaction Log

The Extract transaction log includes information about the files and items that are exported. The
transaction log captures the number of rows or records written to an SQL database. This
quantitative detail is useful in maintaining the SQL database by checking the transactional
changes to the database. The transaction log may alleviate manual, trigger-based auditing.
For more information about transaction logs, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

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 Chapter 3: Improved Application Administration

Passing Parameters for Drill-through to IBM Cognos Finance

Forms
When defining the drill-through connection to an IBM Cognos Finance form, you can now add or
edit variables that are passed to the IBM Cognos Finance program. The drill-through connection
passes a few parameters as properties of the IBM Cognos Finance report or input form.
Passing parameters provides further customization of drill-through properties. You can use the
Insert button in the Add/Edit Drill-through Parameters dialog box in the File Processing module
to insert the required variables. The options listed represent all the dimensions and components in
the current IBM Cognos Finance system.
For more information about defining a drill-through connection, see the IBM Cognos Finance
User Guide.

Selecting Multiple Libraries for Deletion

In File Processing, you can now delete multiple Extract or General Ledger libraries in a single step.
Libraries are organized into hierarchical categories. You can delete libraries in any of the category
folders.
For more information about libraries, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Using Embedded Libraries

Library files can speed up the process of defining an extract operation or an allocation calculation.
In the Extract module, application administrators can save and retrieve complete sets of
specifications, including options, for the extraction of IBM Cognos Finance data. The extract
library contains a set of choices for each field in the main window of the module and other option
screens. Administrator can now also use libraries that contain a list of items in a dimension that
are extracted regularly.
Application administrators can now load libraries that were originally saved in the Reporting or
Data Input module to the Allocations Table. This action applies the selection of source and target
components to the selected Allocation row.
In this version, libraries that are created in the Reporting and Input modules may be dynamic.
This means that, when loaded into the Extract module or Allocations Table, the libraries can
automatically expand to include the following:
• any newly added dependents of a summary item in the library
• any newly added data items included in @ functions, such as @LIST, and @TOTLIST, that
filter data by attributes.
The selection of items in the library is determined when the library is loaded. As such,
administrators are not required to redefine or update the library each time that items in the library
are added, removed, or modified.
Embedding the libraries means that, in the Allocation tables, the current selection of data items,
including source and target components, is retrieved each time that the library file is opened. In
the Extract module, the library that contains the selection of data items in a dimension for export,
is a subset of the main extract library. The extract library contains the settings that populate the
main window, including other option screens.
For more information about libraries, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Additional Posting Codes for Extracted Data

For greater flexibility in how the General Ledger Processor writes data to the IBM Cognos
Finance database, the following posting codes were added for all accounts for the selected periods:
• Code X

New Features Guide 19

Chapter 3: Improved Application Administration

Replaces values with zeros in all input components in the specified submission, and then
replaces the values of the overlaid data in a transaction file.
• Code W
Replaces values with zeros in all input and calculated components in the specified submission,
and then replaces the values of the overlaid data in a transaction file.
Replacing values with zeros is restricted to base periods. Text, adjustment periods, and calculated
periods are ignored.
Codes are available from the Output Options tab in the Ledger Options dialog box (Options,
Ledger Options).
For more information about posting codes, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Improved Performance of the Allocation Process

Allocations are now processed faster. The speed of some internal operations is increased when
there are multiple source component groups and the Allocation type is By Account, By percent,
Distribute, or Reverse.
An allocation is processed if one or more of the following sets of accounts or components
changed:
• source component and source account
• target component and target account
• target component and basis account (Allocate by Account only)
Users can also accelerate the process by turning off the Allocation Log (File menu, Log Settings,
Allocation Log) in the Calculate Submissions module.
For more information about allocations, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Importing and Exporting Allocation Map Files to CSV Files

In Calculation Tables, users can convert an allocation map file to a .csv file when they want to
view data in any application that supports delimited ASCII files, such as Microsoft Excel. When
the map file is exported as a .csv file by using the Export to CSV File command, the comma (,)
character usually separates each field of text.
Conversely, users can convert a .csv file from another program, or an exported allocation map file,
to a new or existing map file by using the Import from CSV File command.
By converting to .csv files, users can modify allocation files using applications other than IBM
Cognos Finance.
For more information about importing and exporting allocation map files, see the IBM Cognos
Finance User Guide.

Automatically Selecting All Table Input Items

In the Extract module, IBM Cognos Finance can automatically select table dimension items using
the input items function (*INP). Users can be certain that all input items are selected for each
extract option, even if the list of items in the table changes.
For more information about the extract module, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

20
 Chapter 3: Improved Application Administration

Setting Defaults for the Web Browser Session

IBM Cognos Finance administrators can specify the default values that control the browser
session for IBM Cognos Finance Web users. The settings specified in the IBM Cognos Finance
Web Data Server Configuration page become the default for all Web users. In general,
administrators specify settings that are appropriate for the IBM Cognos Finance system and
related reporting requirements.
To prevent users from making changes to the default settings, the administrator can now lock the
browser options so that they cannot be selected from the Preferences page.
For more information about controlling the browser session, see the IBM Cognos Finance Web
User Guide.

Setting the Default for the Microsoft Office Spreadsheet

Toolbar
IBM Cognos Finance administrators can specify the default value for the new Display Office Grid
Toolbar browser setting. They can choose to show or hide the Microsoft Office toolbar when
users view reports or input forms in the Microsoft Office Spreadsheet mode.
The value set by the administrator is in effect for the browser session until it is changed. However,
users can also show or hide the toolbar by changing the setting from the Microsoft Office toolbar.
When the setting is changed from this location, the change applies only to the current report or
input form.
For more information about controlling the browser session, see the IBM Cognos Finance Web
User Guide.

Controlling the Number of Report Pages Exported to Another

Application
To improve the performance of processes on the Web server, you can specify the maximum
number of pages in a report or input form that users can export to another application, such as
Microsoft Excel or PDF.
Also, to better distribute requests across Web servers, another queue was added to handle the
load. The load distribution can optimize requests such as exporting to Microsoft Excel or PDF.
For more information, see the IBM Cognos Finance Web User Guide.

New Features Guide 21

Chapter 3: Improved Application Administration

22
Chapter 4: Enhanced Authoring and Reporting
Analysis

Report authors, financial managers, and operating managers can benefit from the enhancements
made to reports or input forms. They can spend more time on value-added analysis that supports
strategic decisions that can impact business performance.

Undo and Redo for Creating and Modifying Reports

Use the new undo and redo buttons to undo and redo most actions when using the Reporting and
Input modules to create or modify reports.
For more information about creating or modifying reports, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Enable Rolling Reports

You can set the number of time periods, preceding and following the current month, to include on
a report.
For more information about creating or modifying reports, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Specify a Single Item for a Dimension in Batch Reporting

You can limit the batch output by specifying one item for each component dimension on pages.
For more information about creating or modifying reports, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Set the Current Month

You can set the current month using the command line for the Batch Reporting and Define Items
modules. Using the /MONTH switch with a valid period ID, sets the current month for the
year-to-date system. This new command line switch automates the process of setting the default
for the current month.
For more information about using the command line interface, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Improved Sorting for Dependency Reports

A report author or user can sort items in a dependency report by the item ID or name. Users can
now sort data in rows by other criteria that are represented by data items assigned to the column
area of a report. For example, users can view or rank data by Sales or variances to detect problem
areas that require further exploration.
By using the new Dynamic Sort option (Report/Input Forms Options dialog box, Dependency
Structure tab), users can select a column or component dimension by which to sort the data items.
For more information about sorting dependency data, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

New Features Guide 23

Chapter 4: Enhanced Authoring and Reporting Analysis

Dynamic Sorting
Users can perform a dynamic sort on dependent items for account or component dimensions. A
dynamic sort spans logical pages of a multipage report or input form. The sorting functionality is
possible only when summary items from an account or component dimension are assigned to
rows, and then dependency levels are specified for the rollups. This type of sorting means that
users can analyze corporate data based on specific component criteria.
The Sort command is available from the shortcut menu only when you first select the column by
which you want to sort in the Dynamic Sort box from the Dependency Structure tab on the
Report/Input Forms Options dialog box, and then select a dependency level from the Selection
dialog box.
For more information about dynamically sorting dependency data, see the IBM Cognos Finance
User Guide.

Dynamic Libraries
Library files are used to contain a group of data items that authors use regularly to create reports
or input forms. The group can be the result of a selection criterion, or items that authors require
for the report or input form. Instead of entering the same items in the Selection dialog box each
time that the authors create a report, they can enter the items once and then save the selection as a
library.
In this version, libraries are dynamic. This means that, when loaded into reports, input forms, or
any other module, the libraries can automatically expand to include the following:
• any newly added dependents of a summary item
• any newly added data items included in @ functions that are used in report or input form
calculations, such as @LIST, @RANGE, and @TOTLIST
The selection of items in the library is determined when the library is loaded. As such, report
authors are not required to redefine the library each time that items in the library are added or
removed.
For more information about libraries, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

The Next Year Text Macro

The &NY macro shows the value for next year in reports or input forms. It is calculated as the
current year, as defined in the Define Items module, plus one year. In previous versions, only the
&CY (Current Year) or &PY (Prior Year) were available.
For more information about text macros, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Enhanced Headers and Footers

The &ATEXT macro shows the attributes, such as class, type, or user-defined attribute of the
component or account assigned to each page of the report or input form. By placing the macro in
the header or footer, users can easily view information relevant to their reporting requirements.
For more information about &ATEXT, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Viewing Report or Input Form Properties

When a report or input form is opened, users can view details about the report or input form that
help identify it. These details include the file name, the date the form was created or last modified,
and, if previously saved, its location. The dimension specifications used to create the report or
input form are also provided, including information about any embedded libraries used.
For more information about properties, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

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 Chapter 4: Enhanced Authoring and Reporting Analysis

Saving Reports, Input Forms, and Libraries to XML Files

To make reports, input forms, and libraries more portable, they can be saved to XML files. In
earlier versions, these documents were saved in the IBM Cognos Finance native, proprietary
formats. Reports and input forms that are saved to XML files and stored in the Sysrpts folder are
also available from the IBM Cognos Finance Web interface.
By saving reports, forms, and libraries to XML files, you can modify the files outside of IBM
Cognos Finance.
For more information about XML reports, input forms and libraries, see the IBM Cognos Finance
User Guide.

Extended Variance Threshold and Operator Settings

Report authors can create exception rules to measure performance, correct inefficiencies, or
identify cost issues. These rules consist of two threshold values that determine the minimum and
maximum values for an acceptable range of variance.
You now have more flexibility in setting the variance thresholds and can provide visual cues that
help users to focus on results. The minimum integer constraint under which a positive result or a
negative result of an index variance (IDV), percent variance (V), or Better/Worse (BW) calculation
can be set as acceptable or unacceptable changed from 1 to 0 (zero).
As a result of this change, a new option named Neutral Variance was added to the Cell Color tab
on the Report/Input Form Options dialog box. This option is used to set the text and background
color for the range between the favorable (acceptable) and unfavorable (unacceptable) results
based on the variance calculations. Report authors can add color to other parts of the report
rather than focus only on the Unfavorable and Favorable results.
For more information about variance analysis, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Turning Off Report Numbering in Batch Reporting

When outputting reports from the Batch Reporting module to a Microsoft Excel workbook, you
can now turn off the automatic insertion of the report number prefix to the report name shown on
the Excel sheet tab.
Because reports are often referenced in other reports, excluding the report number helps users
achieve consistency with report name conventions whether the reports originate in the Reporting
or Batch Reporting module.
For more information about outputting to Excel from Batch Reporting, see the IBM Cognos
Finance User Guide.

Flexible Selection of Dimensions for Web-based Reports

In earlier versions, users could select items from component dimensions that were not part of the
report specification. To further customize reports, users can now select items from any dimension
in the database.
For more information about selecting dimensions, see the IBM Cognos Finance Web User Guide.

Changing the Scaling of Numbers for Web-based Reports or

Input Forms
Application administrators can change how values are represented in a Web-based report to bring
them into a different range based on the decimal scale. For example, values can appear in
thousands, millions, or in currency units depending on the selection that the administrator makes.

New Features Guide 25

Chapter 4: Enhanced Authoring and Reporting Analysis

For more information about scaling reports or input forms, see the IBM Cognos Finance Web
User Guide.

Showing or Hiding Dependency Details in Web-based Reports

Users can show the lower-level items (dependents) in their rollup hierarchy in Web-based reports.
To show dependents, a new check box named Show dependency detail was added to the Options
Web page. When the dependency report is generated, the selected data items are expanded to
show dependents that supply data.
IBM Cognos Finance automatically updates dependency reports when any changes are made to
the component, account, or table dimension hierarchy. Report authors can generate dependency
reports on the component, account, or table dimension by assigning the dependent dimension to
rows, columns, and pages.
For more information about dependency details in Web-based reports, see the IBM Cognos
Finance Web User Guide.

26
Chapter 5: Usability

This release provides various user interface changes intended to enhance the user experience.

Support for Microsoft Vista

Microsoft Vista is supported in IBM Cognos Finance 7.4 as of version MR2. By supporting Vista,
IBM Cognos Finance 7.4 maintains platform support that is consistent with other IBM Cognos
Series 7 products.
For more information about supported platforms, see the IBMCognos Resource Center
(http://www.ibm.com/software/data/support/cognos_crc.html).

Setting Employee Value Flags

Each employee stores a flag indicating whether initial values, increase amounts, both, or neither
are set from a transaction. It also stores a flag indicating whether the increase amount or increase
percentage is used if increases are being set. You can now display and alter the state of these flags
in the transaction editor. This allows administrators to override defaults and set whether increase
amount or increase percentage controls will be used when the account is recalculated.

Converting Report and Input Forms

You can now convert report and input forms from binary files to XML files through batch
conversion in the Batch Reporting module or through the command line interface. The original
file is unchanged during the conversion process.
For more information about converting report and input forms, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Using Comma Delimited Map Files

You can now used comma delimited map files in addition to fixed-width map files. This change
allows you additional flexibility in the type of map file you use. You cannot use comma delimited
map files in allocations.

Editing Allocation Map Files

You can now edit allocation map files by right-clicking on a source, target, or basis account in an
allocation. You do not have to return to the Calculation Tables module to change an allocation
map.
For more information about editing allocation maps, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

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Chapter 5: Usability

Improved Security of Executable Directories and Easier

Backup of Customized Files and Settings
You can edit a Documents and Settings location during installation. The Documents and Settings
location contains all files and locations to which end users may need to write when using the
product. This includes content such as template directories and .ini files. By separating user
writable files from your executable directories, you have the option to further secure write access
to Cognos executable directories without impacting any end user activities. In addition, this
feature makes it easier for you to back up all customized files and settings.
This feature applies to client installations only.

Support for Microsoft Excel 2007

Excel 2007 is supported in IBM Cognos Finance 7.4 MR1.
For more information about supported software environments, see the IBM Cognos Resource
Center (http://www.ibm.com/software/data/support/cognos_crc.html).

Suppression of Zero Values on Each Page

You can suppress a row or a column if all values in the row or column contain zero values. The
Each Page option available from the Number Display tab of the Report/Input Form Options
dialog box now affects what is shown in the online report or input form as well as any printouts.
This option is similar to the Across Pages option except that Each Page is more useful when
consumers print the report or input form for distribution and want to enhance the presentation by
ignoring data items that do not apply or that return zero values.
For more information about suppressing zero values, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Increasing the Character Size Limit for Text Periods

To support larger grid work, the maximum number of characters that can be stored or shown in a
text period was increased from 100 to 1024.
The increased size limit means that you can include useful information about assumptions or
other aspects of your budget. You can also use the additional space to record the details behind a
number.
For more information about text periods, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Showing Commas as Thousands Separator

To facilitate the comprehension of numbers with many digits, IBM Cognos Finance raw data is
now separated into groups of three, counting from the decimal sign towards the left and the right.
The thousands separator is for viewing purposes only. It does not affect the way source data is
stored.
For more information about the Display Raw Data module, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Including Pointer Periods for Extraction

Pointer periods, such as Current Month or Prior Quarter, are now included as periods that can be
extracted from an IBM Cognos Finance database and written to an external database, such as
SQL, or to another IBM Cognos Finance database.

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 Chapter 5: Usability

Administrators can use this enhancement to set up automated monthly or weekly processes using
the Extract module.
For more information about extracting data, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

New Select Menu in the Extract Module

Previously the File menu in the Extract module included commands that were used to select items,
such, as dimensions or output files. The commands for selecting items are now available from the
new Select menu.
New submenus for the Select command include all the commands also available from the shortcut
menu of a selected dimension.
For more information, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Customizing the Date Format for Extracting Employee Details

When extracting employee information from the IBM Cognos Finance system, you can now
specify the date format that is required for the target database. Options are available to select
either the current Windows locale settings as the format for showing dates or select a customized
format.
Some relational databases, such as Oracle or DB2, require a specific format for dates. The new
options for the date format allow the extract to conform to the correct date format for the target
database.
For more information about extracting employee details, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Extended Formatting for Dependency Reports

Dependency reports are more readable due to the following formatting features:
• template symbols
Selecting the Extend Template Decorators check box retains the template formatting for the
percentage and currency symbols on dependency rows. This check box is available from the
Dependency Format tab of the Report/Input Options dialog box.
• gridlines
For dependent items, if the Show Gridlines option is selected in the Display Options dialog
box (View menu, Display Options), vertical gridlines are applied when items are assigned to
columns, and horizontal gridlines are applied when items are assigned to rows.
For more information about formatting dependency reports, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Extended Formatting for Intercompany Details

Report authors can select the appropriate font styles and formatting for intercompany parent
items so that users can focus on critical areas.
The new Font button is available from the Intercompany Item Display Group on the
Intercompany Detail tab of the Report/Input Options dialog box.
For more information about intercompany elimination reports, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

New Features Guide 29

Chapter 5: Usability

Ease of Adding the Double Accounting Underline

In prior versions, adding a double underline required several steps. A new button now exists for
this purpose.
To denote a number in a report or an input form as the final total of the preceding numbers, the
Double Underline button was added to the Format toolbar. Clicking the Double Underline button
inserts a double accounting underline as the bottom cell border.
For more information about formatting reports or input forms, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Showing Calculation Names in ID View

Users can specify how data items for the dimensions appear in a report or input form. For
example, users can show the ID, the name, or both. A calculation that is designed in the Selection
dialog box is assigned a name but no ID. When the Display Option is set to show ID, the row or
column header for the calculation now shows its name.
For more information about formatting reports or input forms, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Enhanced Views for WorkFlow Administration

Budget administrators can view input forms based on when the input form was last modified. This
timestamp can be shown as local time, which is based on the Windows Regional and Language
settings, or on UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), formerly known as GMT.
Previously, timestamps were shown as UTC. To convert UTC to local time, administrators were
required to add or subtract hours from the local time zone.
In IBM Cognos Finance Windows, the View menu in the WorkFlow Administration dialog box
now includes two new options, Local or UTC, for customizing the viewing of enrolled input
forms. In IBM Cognos Finance Web, in the Web Administration page, the Last Activity column in
the History table shows the timestamp. Users can click the new UTC or Local link to change the
viewing of timestamps.
For more information about WorkFlow administration, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide
or the IBM Cognos Finance Web User Guide.

Support of the Shortcut Menu Edit Commands in Common

Accounts
The shortcut menu in the Common Accounts module now includes all the Edit commands, such as
Cut, Copy, Paste and Insert. Although most of the commands are also available from the main
menu, it is often quicker to right-click the Common Accounts table.
For more information about the Common Accounts module, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Improved Selection of Calculated Items and Supporting

Details
In the Define Items module, when defining and maintaining calculated data items, you can now
automatically select all the underlying items that are referenced in the calculation formula. The
improved selection is especially useful when maintaining accounts that are defined as complex
formulas. These formulas are typically used as working models for balance sheet forecasting or
proforma financial statements.

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 Chapter 5: Usability

This functionality is available in all dimensions except submissions.

The new Hierarchy Selection option is available from the View menu only when calculated items
are shown in the List view.
For more information about defining system calculations, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Support of Unlimited Number of Libraries

In earlier versions, the number of Extract or General Ledger libraries that could be stored was
limited to 999. This restriction was removed for this version. Users can store an unlimited number
of libraries using either the Extract or File Processing (General Ledger mode) module. However,
each library file has a size restriction of 2GB.
For more information about working with libraries in the Extract or File Processing modules, see
the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

Adding Web-based Reports or Input Forms to the Watch List

You can place a report or an input form on the Watch List so that you can monitor it closely to
spot irregularities or to analyze trends. Adding these forms to the Watch List places them under
the Watch List group in the Welcome page for easier access. The next time that you begin your
browser session, these reports or input forms are available from the Welcome page.
For more information about returning to regularly used reports, see the IBM Cognos Finance Web
User Guide.

Hiding Table of Contents on Web-based Reports or Input

Forms
When a report or an input form is opened from the Internet Explorer Favorites list, you can hide
the Table of Contents. This functionality is useful when IBM Cognos Finance reports or input
forms are presented in a company portal that includes its own table of contents. You can hide the
IBM Cognos Finance table of contents and use the company portal navigation to view other
reports.
For information about adding reports or input forms to the Favorites list, see the IBM Cognos
Finance User Guide

Processing Data into Text Periods

When using the General Ledger mode of the File Processing module, users can now input text
periods.
For information about the general ledger or file processing, see the IBM Cognos Finance User
Guide.

Built-in Blank Rows and Columns

By default, a blank row is now inserted under the last row and a blank column is inserted to the
right of the last column of a report or input form. The built-in blank row and column are used to
facilitate the insertion of additional data, such as calculated items, at the endpoints of a grid.
Previously, to show the row or column at the endpoints of the grid, users were required to change
the order of the selected dimensional items that were assigned to rows or columns in the Selection
dialog box.
For more information about rows or columns, see the IBM Cognos Finance User Guide.

New Features Guide 31

Chapter 5: Usability

32
Index

Symbols calculations
showing names in ID view, 30
&ATEXT macro, 24
cell borders
&NY macro, 24
double accounting underlines, 30
.csv files, 18
Code W (posting code), 19
importing and exporting allocation map files, 20
Code X (posting code), 19
@LIST function
comma delimited map files, 27
dynamic libraries, 24
command line parameters
@RANGE function, 18
ACTION, 17
dynamic libraries, 24
EXISTINGFILE, 17
@SUM function, 18
MONTH, 17
See also @Range function
PTRSUB, 17
@TOTLIST
VALIDONLY, 17
dynamic libraries, 24
ZEROFILE, 18
commas
A using as thousands separator, 28
Access Manager, 12 Common Accounts module
Basic Signon management, 13 supporting shortcut menus, 30
ACTION parameter, 17 Configuration Manager, 12
Active Directory namespace, 15 copyright, 2
allocation map files CURRENTMONTH, 17
importing and exporting to .csv files, 20 CURRENTMONTH (ACTION argument), 17
Allocation tables
comparing between submissions, 16 D
speeding performance, 20
Data Input module
using dynamic libraries, 19
dynamic libraries, 24
allocation types, 20
suppressing Zeros, 28
allocations
data items
map file, 27
deleting, 16
Allow Valid Targets Only option, 17
data sources
Analysis Studio
supported by IBM Cognos 8, 11
connecting to IBM Cognos Finance data, 11
date formats
APPEND (EXISTINGFILE argument), 17
customizing for data extracts, 29
authentication providers, 15
decimal scales
changing for Web-based reports/forms, 25
B defaults
backup, 28 setting IBM Cognos Finance Web, 21
Basic Signon password, 13 Define Items module
batch reporting, 27 identifying deletable items, 16
Batch Reporting module locking period data, 16
turning off report numbering, 25 Deletable Items Only option, 16
binary files, 27 delimiters
By Account (allocation type) handling during data extraction, 18
improving performance, 20 dependencies
By percent (allocation type) showing or hiding in reports, 26
improving performance, 20 dependency reports
dynamic sorting, 24
dynamic sorting of row data, 23
C extending formatting, 29
Calculation Lock option, 16 Deployment Manager, 12
Calculation Tables Display Office Grid Toolbar (browser setting), 21
importing and exporting to CSV files, 20

New Features Guide 33

Index

Display Raw Data module IBM Cognos Finance Web (cont'd)

thousands separator, 28 selecting dimensions, 25
Distribute (allocation type), 20 setting browser defaults, 21
double accounting underline showing or hiding dependencies, 26
inserting, 30 using the Watch List, 31
double quotation marks Import from CSV File command, 20
suppressing during extract process, 18 input forms, 27
Double Underline button, 30 changing the decimal scale for Web-based, 25
drill-through to IBM Cognos Finance forms, 19 enrolled in WorkFlow, 30
dynamic libraries, 19, 24 showing or hiding dependencies, 26
Dynamic Sort option, 23 Input module
formatting intercompany details, 29
E inserting variable text, 24
saving input forms as XML, 25
Each Page option, 28 showing calculation names, 30
embedded dynamic libraries, 19 supporting double accounting underline, 30
enrolled input forms text periods restrictions, 28
timestamp views, 30 viewing input form properties, 24
Excel, See Microsoft Excel inserting page dimension variables, 24
exception rules intercompany details
setting thresholds, 25 formatting font styles, 29
EXISTINGFILE parameter, 17 Internet Explorer Favorites List
Export to CSV File command, 20 opening reports or forms, 31
Extend Template Decorators check box, 29
Extensible Markup Language, See XML
Extract module K
customizing date formats, 29 key performance measurements
deleting library files, 19 setting variance thresholds, 25
including Pointer periods in extractions, 28
new Select menu, 29 L
supporting unlimited libraries, 31
suppressing double quotation marks, 18 LDAP, 15
using embedded dynamic libraries, 19 libraries
writing SQL details in log, 18 supporting unlimited number, 31
library files
automatically updating, 24
F deleting, 19
favorable performance, 25 saving as XML, 25
File Processing module local time
deleting library files, 19 in WorkFlow administration, 30
supporting unlimited libraries, 31 LOCK (ACTION argument), 17
zeroing out periods, 19
font styles M
formatting intercompany details, 29
footers map files, 27
inserting page dimension variables, 24 Microsoft Excel
formatting outputting from Batch Reporting, 25
extending to dependency reports, 29 supported versions, 28
Microsoft Office Spreadsheet mode, 21
Microsoft Vista support, 27
G MONTH parameter, 17
groups (user access), 15
N
H Neutral Variance color, 25
headers, 24 NewsBoxes
automatically creating, 13
I NTLM (Windows Native Security), 15
IBM Cognos 8 Business Intelligence studios
IBM Cognos Finance integration, 11 P
IBM Cognos Finance Web parameters
changing the decimal scale for reports/forms, 25 passing parameters for drill-through, 19
hiding or showing Table of Contents, 31

34
 Index

performance SQL
speeding allocations processes, 20 details in Transaction Log, 18
period data submissions
locking calculations, 16 allocation comparisons, 16
pointer periods system calculations
including in IBM Cognos Finance extraction, 28 defining accounts or components, 18
pointer submissions
command line switches, 17 T
posting codes
zeroing out base periods, 19 Table of Contents
properties hiding or showing in CF Web, 31
viewing report or input form, 24 text macros, 24
PTRSUB parameter, 17 text periods
size restriction, 28
third-party authentication providers, 15
R thousands separators, 28
REPLACE (EXISTINGFILE argument), 17 time periods, 24
report Transfer Data module
rolling, 23 command line parameters, 17
report forms, 27
report numbering U
turning off in Batch Reporting, 25
Report Studio unfavorable performance
connecting to IBM Cognos Finance data, 11 setting variances, 25
reporting data UNLOCK (ACTION argument), 17
preventing changes, 16 Upfront, 12
Reporting module uploading static files, 13
dynamic libraries, 24 Upfront Command, 13
formatting dependency reports, 29 usability, 27
formatting intercompany details, 29 user access
saving reports as XML, 25 defining, 15
showing calculation names, 30 user-defined attributes
sorting dependents in reports, 23 importing from XML, 16
supporting double accounting underline, 30 Users (user access), 15
suppressing zeros for each page, 28 UTC time
viewing report properties, 24 in WorkFlow administration, 30
reports
changing the decimal scale for Web-based, 25 V
showing or hiding dependencies, 26 validations
Reverse (allocation type) deletable items, 16
improving performance, 20 VALIDONLY parameter, 17
roles (user access), 15 variable text
rolling inserting in reports or forms, 24
reports, 23 variances
setting thresholds, 25
S version of document, 2
scaling Vista
Web-based reports/forms, 25 support, 27
security, 28
Access Manager Basic Signon password, 13 W
IBM Cognos 8 model, 15 Watch List
Select menu (Extract module), 29 adding reports or forms, 31
SETPTRSUB (ACTION argument), 17 Web browser sessions, 21
shared components, 12 Web-based authoring
shortcut menus selecting dimensions, 25
supporting in Common Accounts, 30 Web-based input forms, 26
Show All Deletable Items option, 16 opening XML file types, 25
Show Dependency Detail option, 26 Web-based reports
showing or hiding dependencies, 26 opening XML files types, 25
Sort command, 24 showing or hiding dependencies, 26
sorting, 24 Windows native security (NTLM), 15

New Features Guide 35

Index

WorkFlow administration, 30

X
XML (Extensible Markup Language)
importing user-defined attributes, 16
saving reports, forms, and libraries, 25
xml files, 27

Z
ZEROFILE, 18
ZEROFILE parameter, 18

36