Transformer Guidelines

• In Transformer version 8.3, you can insert regular dimensions from SAP data sources directly from a IBM® Cognos® data source, using the Insert dimension from package option.
• Using the model wizard in Transformer, insert a data source of type Delimited-Field Text With Column Titles and start by selecting the CSV file. Do not run auto-design.
• Drag all the key figure columns from the Data Sources pane into the Measures pane. Ensure that the aggregation rule for each measure is correctly defined within Transformer to align as closely as possible with the aggregation rule defined in SAP BW.
• It is recommended that the storage type for all measures be set to 64-bit floating point.
• Using the date wizard, select a query item that will provide the dates for the PowerCube. Note that the dates for the PowerCube can be derived entirely from the transaction data.
• Insert the various CSV files corresponding to the characteristics that were externalized using Framework Manager.

  Each CSV file contains a column that corresponds to a column in the key figures CSV file. By right-clicking the various columns and editing the column properties, ensure the columns that provide the linkage between a characteristic and the key figures have the same name. For example, if a key figure column is named Customer and the corresponding column in the customer CSV file is named Customer - Key, then the name of the column in the key figures CSV file can be changed to Customer - Key.

• For each characteristic, create a new dimension, using the key columns, or other attributes of a characteristic, to drive the levels of the dimension. For each level, ensure that the properties for the label, short name, and description are assigned source columns, if applicable.
• For the root level of each characteristic (dimension), ensure it is marked as unique.
• SAP BW presentation hierarchies may contain ragged paths, typically in association with the "not assigned" and "#" nodes in the hierarchy. The gaps in these hierarchies produce blanks at the associated level in the Transformer hierarchy.

In Transformer, it is possible to define the text that should be used for blanks. The default text is blank, but you should define a more appropriate text for blank entries for all such levels.