Previously in Watson Analytics, I could upload an Excel file and use Refine to add Groupings and calculations, etc.  Is there a similar feature in Cognos Analytics that will allow me to modify an Excel datasource in CA, rather than having to make the changes in Excel before uploading it each time?  I haven't been able to find it...

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Laura Gilligan
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#CognosAnalyticswithWatson

Hi Laura,

You need to create a Data Module.  You can create data groups and calculations in a data module and use that in a dashboard or report. 

Cheers,
Rob

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Rob Hatfield
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You can create a Data module using the Excel file. Click on New, then Data module. 
Then you can add the excel file as a source file to the module.
If it is more than one sheet in the file, you can select the sheets to include, then the module will open with the data.
From there you can remove/hide columns, add additional data sources, create calculations and more.

Mike

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Michael McGeein
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Thanks to both of you... however, when I click New, I do not see "Data model" as an option.  I only see "Report, dashboard, story, job, or other" and under "Other" i just see "Open companion applications".  Nothing about a data model... am I looking in the wrong place or might it be the case that my installation doesn't allow for data model creations?

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Laura Gilligan
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2019 02:04 PM
From: Michael McGeein
Subject: Is there a Refine feature in CA when using Excel spreadsheets?

You can create a Data module using the Excel file. Click on New, then Data module. 
Then you can add the excel file as a source file to the module.
If it is more than one sheet in the file, you can select the sheets to include, then the module will open with the data.
From there you can remove/hide columns, add additional data sources, create calculations and more.

Mike

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Michael McGeein
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It sounds like you do not have the modeler role.  This role enables the web-based modeling features in Cognos Analytics.  Your administrator will need to grant this role to you in order to use data modules.

You can also create calculations in dashboards and reports.  But to create a sharable asset, you need data modules.

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Rob Hatfield
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-09-2019 04:11 PM
From: Laura Gilligan
Subject: Is there a Refine feature in CA when using Excel spreadsheets?

Thanks to both of you... however, when I click New, I do not see "Data model" as an option.  I only see "Report, dashboard, story, job, or other" and under "Other" i just see "Open companion applications".  Nothing about a data model... am I looking in the wrong place or might it be the case that my installation doesn't allow for data model creations?

------------------------------
Laura Gilligan
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2019 02:04 PM
From: Michael McGeein
Subject: Is there a Refine feature in CA when using Excel spreadsheets?

You can create a Data module using the Excel file. Click on New, then Data module. 
Then you can add the excel file as a source file to the module.
If it is more than one sheet in the file, you can select the sheets to include, then the module will open with the data.
From there you can remove/hide columns, add additional data sources, create calculations and more.

Mike

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Michael McGeein