How to Save Cognos Reports to a File System

Sometimes you don’t want reports sent by email or stored in SharePoint. Instead, you might need them saved directly into a server folder or shared drive. Cognos can do this with a little configuration, and it can save a lot of time for teams.

Why Save to the File System?

• Easy access – Users just grab the file from a shared folder they already use.
• Automation – Reports land in the folder on a set schedule, no manual steps.
• Integration –  Other systems or processes can pick up the files directly.
• Less clutter – No more inbox overload with large attachments.

How to Configure It

1. Create a folder on the server
• Example: D:\CognosReports\
• Make sure the Cognos service account has read/write permission.
2. Set the root in Cognos Configuration
• On the Content Manager machine open Cognos Configuration.
• Actions → Edit Global Configuration → General → set Archive Location File System Root to a file:// style path (for example file://\\network_location\folder then Click Test, then Save.
• Save and restart the services.
3. Enable saving to file system
• In the Content Manager settings, set Save report outputs to a file system? to True.
4. Define File System Locations in Cognos Admin
• In IBM Cognos Administration, go to Configuration → Dispatchers and Services → Define File System Locations.
• Add subfolders (e.g., Finance, HR, DailyReports).
5. Schedule the report
• Open the report → Schedule.
• Under Delivery, choose Save to the file system.
• Select the location you created and the format you need (PDF, Excel, CSV).

Example

Your Finance team wants a daily Excel report. You schedule the report to run every morning at 6 AM and deliver it to \\Server\Shared\Finance\Daily. Everyone can open the updated file from the folder without logging into Cognos or waiting for an email.

Saving reports to the file system is simple but powerful. It makes report sharing easier, cuts down on email clutter, and gives you flexibility for automation and integration. Once set up, it runs quietly in the background no extra clicks needed.