Versions Compared

Key

  • This line was added.
  • This line was removed.
  • Formatting was changed.

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

titleHow does Sigma work?

...

General


Expand
titleHow does Sigma work?

Reports are configured in Sigma Studio by operation or IT users. Report consumers log-on to Sigma Application (portal) and generate or schedule the reports that they have access to based on their entitlement.


Expand
titleWhat skills are required to use Sigma product?

Sigma Studio facilitates quick configuration of reports using single-click and drag-and-drop interface. Sigma Studio users are expected to have knowledge and access to the functional schema or web services so that they can configure the data entities required for the reports.

Report consumers can easily access the reports they are entitled to view in the Sigma Application (portal) and can either generate ad-hoc reports or schedule reports.


Expand
titleI want to use Sigma. Whom to contact?

You need to clear online Sigma assessment with minimum 75% score. Reach out to ravikumar.babu@intellectdesign.com for training and assessment.

The assessment will have 30 questions (multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank). The duration for assessment is 30 minutes. A maximum of three attempts are provided to clear the assessment.


Expand
titleWhat skills are required to use Sigma productis Sigma Studio and Sigma Application?

Sigma Studio facilitates quick configuration of reports using single-click and drag-and-drop interface. Sigma Studio users are expected to have knowledge and access to the functional schema or web services so that they can configure the data entities required for the reports.Report consumers can easily access the reports they are entitled to view in the Sigma Application (portal) and can either is for configuring the reports and their functional data entities. Sigma Application is a portal for report consumers to generate and schedule reports that were configured in Sigma Studio. Typically, Sigma Studio is used by the operational or IT staff who have access and aware of the functional data entities and need to create reports for end-users. Sigma Application is used for end users (report consumers) who need to generate ad-hoc reports or schedule reports.

Expand
titleI want to use Sigma. Whom to contact?

You need to clear online Sigma assessment with minimum 75% score. Reach out to ravikumar.babu@intellectdesign.com for training and assessment.

The assessment will have 30 questions (multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank). The duration for assessment is 30 minutes. A maximum of three attempts are provided to clear the assessment.

Expand
titleWhat is Sigma Studio and Sigma Application?

Sigma Studio is for configuring the reports and their functional data entities. Sigma Application is a portal for report consumers to generate and schedule reports that were configured in Sigma Studio. Typically, Sigma Studio is used by the operational or IT staff who have access and aware of the functional data entities and need to create reports for end-users. Sigma Application is used for end users (report consumers) who need to generate ad-hoc reports or schedule reports. Sigma Application can be used by operational staff who need to generate reports on behalf of customers. 

Expand
titleWhich formats of reports can be generated using Sigma?

Sigma enables generation of reports in following formats - CSV, DOCX, HTML, PDF, TXT, XLS, and XML.

Expand
titleWhere are the generated reports get stored?

The generated reports are stored in the server where Sigma is deployed. However, you can specify custom location to store the reports, such as a specific target folder, FTP directory or cloud storage.

...

titleWhat to do when multiple notifications are sent instead of one?

Multiple emails get triggered even though only one entry in the table (OD_PENDING_MAIL) from where CT picks up records to be sent as email. In such cases refer these kind of errors found in the SystemOut.log (WebSphere log).

...

Code Block
languagepowershell
WTRN0006W: Transaction 00000188D7CBD648000000455D953708CCA97D4013E3EDB45FD179E3597A7D478393378300000188D7CBD648000000455D953708CCA97D4013E3EDB45FD179E3597A7D478393378300000001 has timed out after 120 seconds

...

...

Solution:
Run the following commands as user SYS:
Code Block
languagepowershell
grant select on pending_trans$ to <user>;
grant select on dba_2pc_pending to <user>;
grant select on dba_pending_transactions to <user>;
grant execute on dbms_system to <user>;  //If using Oracle 10.2.0.3 or lower JDBC driver 
grant execute on dbms_xa to <user>; //If using Oracle 10.2.0.4 or higher JDBC driver 

In the above commands, <user> is the username configured in the Oracle datasource's authentication alias.

Reference link : https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/exception-occurs-during-recovery-oracle-database-transactions

Sigma Studio (for Configuring Reports)

Expand
titleAre all the formats automatically enabled for all reports?

No. The report designers (Sigma Studio users) can configure or enable specific formats for each reports. Report consumers or generators (Sigma Application users) can generate the reports in the enabled formats only.

Expand
titleDoes Sigma store functional or business data in its schema?

No. Sigma fetches the functional data from the configured data entities at the time of report generation.

Expand
titleHow does user entitlement for reports work in Sigma?

The users and roles must be defined in the authentication and authorization system. The roles must be re-defined and mapped to the entitlements in Sigma Studio. The entitlement must be configured for the reports. Sigma provides role-based access to reports in Sigma Application based on the entitlements configured for the reports. When users log-on to Sigma Application (portal), they get to see the reports that they are entitled to view.

Expand
titleWhat are the integration options Sigma provides for functional data required for reports?

Sigma Studio provides following integration options for fetching functional data - Database, JNDI, REST Web Services, Excel Import, and Google Sheets.

Expand
titleCan we create a DB datasource with SQL statements in Sigma Studio?

Yes, in Sigma Studio you can create datasource with SQL statements. Alternatively, you can create datasource for DB tables, views and stored procedures.

Expand
titleI want some SQL statements to be executed before a report is generated in order to prepare the data for the report. Is this possible in Sigma?

Yes, you can execute stored procedures as pre-hooks before a report is generated. Refer Using Stored Procedure as pre-hook for Creating Reports.

Expand
titleWhat level of control Sigma provides for the report columns?

Using Sigma Studio you can configure the following for report columns:

  • Column positions
  • Column alignment (by default number/amount columns of float data type are automatically right-aligned)
  • Column width
  • Column data aggregation (average, count, maximum, minimum, and sum)
  • Display names for columns
  • Column visibility
  • Column datatype
  • Date and time, currency formats
Expand
titleCan the configuration to change the font size be turned off?

Not enabled as of now. It is always turned ON.

Expand
titleIs it possible to aggregate column data in Sigma?

Yes. Sigma Studio provides following options for aggregating report columns' data:

  • Average
  • Count
  • Maximum
  • Minimum
  • Sum
Expand
titleDoes reports have RTL support?

Yes.

Expand
titleCan Charts be included in the report?

Yes. The App Designer feature in the Sigma Studio can be used to create the chart as a individual app (widget). The Template Designer in Report configuration can be used to map the chart to the report. The generated report displays the chart and the report data. Refer Improve Business Reports with Charts.

Expand
titleIs it possible to password protect the report files in Sigma?

Yes. Password protection can be enabled for PDF, DOCX, and XLS formats. Refer Configuring Password Protection for Reports for more information.

Expand
titleCan the template used to render the report be modified?

In Sigma Studio, the HTML editor in Template Designer can be used to design the reports. Refer Template Designer Configuration.

Expand
titleIn the data builder what is the difference between record and object?

Record is a combined selection of rows in the table.

Object is an individual selection of an item in the table.

Expand
titleWhat is a derived column?

A custom column that can be used for computation purpose to deduce a value and use in report. Refer Adding Formulas in Data Aggregator for more information.

Expand
titleCan derived columns be created based on conditions?

Yes and it achieved in two ways:

  • Using the CASE WHEN expression in the SQL select statement itself.

OR

  • Using the Java Expression Language (JEXL) conditional statements in the Derived Column field in Sigma Studio.
Expand
titleCan data entitlements be controlled, e.g. Generate the reports for a specific set of clients?

Yes, based on system filter and default filter.

Expand
titleWhat is the maximum number of columns that can be configured in the report?

You can add columns without limits. However, the column length (width) must be specified appropriately to avoid error scenarios.

For example, if your specify 10 characters for an address column, the values for that column should not exceed that limit. Also, depending upon the number of columns, the report page size and orientation needs to be configured accordingly.

Expand
titleWhen the report / data source configuration changes is it enough to run the generated report again or should a child report be created?

When the data is updated, it gets reflected when you run the report. However, the structure of the database should not be changed.

Expand
titleIn cases where data is aggregated and there are no child records, instead of printing an empty page with no data message, is there a configuration to avoid adding it in the report?

Yes. Open the report in Sigma Studio, in the Report Parameters tab use the Generate output for no data drop-down to control report generation.

Expand
titleEnd of report message should be a configurable option in cases where data aggregation is used.

Currently the End of Report option is enabled for all. However, you can modify the End of Report message in the Add Labels screen with report configuration.

Expand
titleCan we have drop-down values or list box (multiple selection) as report parameters while generating reports in Sigma?

Yes. Refer Enabling Drop-downs for Report Filters for more information.

Expand
titleCan we include a report in another report?

Yes. Refer Sub-Reports for more information.

It displays the time taken to fetch the functional data

Sigma Application can be used by operational staff who need to generate reports on behalf of customers. 

Expand
titleHow to view the Data builder performance metrics?

Refer the CT_DATA_SOURCE_METRICS table, to view the Data builder performance metrics collection in detail:

Column NameDescription
APPLICATION_IDSIGMA
DATA_SRC_IDIt displays all the data source ID used in the Data builder.
REFERENCE_KEYA unique key is generated, when a report which has data builder configured is generated and hence this can be used to analyze the metrics of that particular report instance.
DATA_SRC_INSTANCE_IDA random data source instance ID is generated.
REFERENCE_TYPEREPORT
DATA_REQUEST_INFOIt displays the query data source used in the data builder, if not {} is displayed.
ROW_COUNTIt displays the number of records fetched. 
CREATED_DATEIt displays the report generated timestamp.
FETCH_TIME


Expand
titleWhich formats of reports can be generated using Sigma?

Sigma enables generation of reports in following formats - CSV, DOCX, HTML, PDF, TXT, XLS, and XML.


Expand
titleWhere are the generated reports get stored?

The generated reports are stored in the server where Sigma is deployed. However, you can specify custom location to store the reports, such as a specific target folder, FTP directory or cloud storage.


Expand
titleWhat to do when multiple notifications are sent instead of one?

Multiple emails get triggered even though only one entry in the table (OD_PENDING_MAIL) from where CT picks up records to be sent as email. In such cases refer these kind of errors found in the SystemOut.log (WebSphere log).

  • WTRN0006W: Transaction {0} has timed out after {1} seconds

    For example:
    Code Block
    languagepowershell
    WTRN0006W: Transaction 00000188D7CBD648000000455D953708CCA97D4013E3EDB45FD179E3597A7D478393378300000188D7CBD648000000455D953708CCA97D4013E3EDB45FD179E3597A7D478393378300000001 has timed out after 120 seconds


    Solution: Increase the total transaction lifetime timeout and maximum translation timeout in seconds. These settings can be updated through the WebSphere Application Server console, using Servers > Server Types > WebSphere application servers > server_name > [Container Settings] Container Services > Transaction Service
  • WTRN0037W: The transaction service encountered an error on an xa_recover operation. The resource was com.ibm.ws.rsadapter.spi.WSRdbXaResourceImpl@1f5b7ee3. The error code was XAER_RMERR.

    Solution:
    Run the following commands as user SYS:
    Code Block
    languagepowershell
    grant select on pending_trans$ to <user>;
    grant select on dba_2pc_pending to <user>;
    grant select on dba_pending_transactions to <user>;
    grant execute on dbms_system to <user>;  //If using Oracle 10.2.0.3 or lower JDBC driver 
    grant execute on dbms_xa to <user>; //If using Oracle 10.2.0.4 or higher JDBC driver 

    In the above commands, <user> is the username configured in the Oracle datasource's authentication alias.

    Reference link : https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/exception-occurs-during-recovery-oracle-database-transactions


Sigma Studio (for Configuring Reports)


Expand
titleAre all the formats automatically enabled for all reports?

No. The report designers (Sigma Studio users) can configure or enable specific formats for each reports. Report consumers or generators (Sigma Application users) can generate the reports in the enabled formats only.


Expand
titleDoes Sigma store functional or business data in its schema?

No. Sigma fetches the functional data from the configured data entities at the time of report generation.


Expand
titleHow does user entitlement for reports work in Sigma?

The users and roles must be defined in the authentication and authorization system. The roles must be re-defined and mapped to the entitlements in Sigma Studio. The entitlement must be configured for the reports. Sigma provides role-based access to reports in Sigma Application based on the entitlements configured for the reports. When users log-on to Sigma Application (portal), they get to see the reports that they are entitled to view.


Expand
titleWhat are the integration options Sigma provides for functional data required for reports?

Sigma Studio provides following integration options for fetching functional data - Database, JNDI, REST Web Services, Excel Import, and Google Sheets.


Expand
titleCan we create a DB datasource with SQL statements in Sigma Studio?

Yes, in Sigma Studio you can create datasource with SQL statements. Alternatively, you can create datasource for DB tables, views and stored procedures.


Expand
titleI want some SQL statements to be executed before a report is generated in order to prepare the data for the report. Is this possible in Sigma?

Yes, you can execute stored procedures as pre-hooks before a report is generated. Refer Using Stored Procedure as pre-hook for Creating Reports.


Expand
titleWhat level of control Sigma provides for the report columns?

Using Sigma Studio you can configure the following for report columns:

  • Column positions
  • Column alignment (by default number/amount columns of float data type are automatically right-aligned)
  • Column width
  • Column data aggregation (average, count, maximum, minimum, and sum)
  • Display names for columns
  • Column visibility
  • Column datatype
  • Date and time, currency formats


Expand
titleCan the configuration to change the font size be turned off?

Not enabled as of now. It is always turned ON.


Expand
titleIs it possible to aggregate column data in Sigma?

Yes. Sigma Studio provides following options for aggregating report columns' data:

  • Average
  • Count
  • Maximum
  • Minimum
  • Sum


Expand
titleDoes reports have RTL support?

Yes.


Expand
titleCan Charts be included in the report?

Yes. The App Designer feature in the Sigma Studio can be used to create the chart as a individual app (widget). The Template Designer in Report configuration can be used to map the chart to the report. The generated report displays the chart and the report data. Refer Improve Business Reports with Charts.


Expand
titleIs it possible to password protect the report files in Sigma?

Yes. Password protection can be enabled for PDF, DOCX, and XLS formats. Refer Configuring Password Protection for Reports for more information.


Expand
titleCan the template used to render the report be modified?

In Sigma Studio, the HTML editor in Template Designer can be used to design the reports. Refer Template Designer Configuration.


Expand
titleIn the data builder what is the difference between record and object?

Record is a combined selection of rows in the table.

Object is an individual selection of an item in the table.


Expand
titleWhat is a derived column?

A custom column that can be used for computation purpose to deduce a value and use in report. Refer Adding Formulas in Data Aggregator for more information.


Expand
titleCan derived columns be created based on conditions?

Yes and it achieved in two ways:

  • Using the CASE WHEN expression in the SQL select statement itself.

OR

  • Using the Java Expression Language (JEXL) conditional statements in the Derived Column field in Sigma Studio.


Expand
titleCan data entitlements be controlled, e.g. Generate the reports for a specific set of clients?

Yes, based on system filter and default filter.


Expand
titleWhat is the maximum number of columns that can be configured in the report?

You can add columns without limits. However, the column length (width) must be specified appropriately to avoid error scenarios.

For example, if your specify 10 characters for an address column, the values for that column should not exceed that limit. Also, depending upon the number of columns, the report page size and orientation needs to be configured accordingly.


Expand
titleWhen the report / data source configuration changes is it enough to run the generated report again or should a child report be created?

When the data is updated, it gets reflected when you run the report. However, the structure of the database should not be changed.


Expand
titleIn cases where data is aggregated and there are no child records, instead of printing an empty page with no data message, is there a configuration to avoid adding it in the report?

Yes. Open the report in Sigma Studio, in the Report Parameters tab use the Generate output for no data drop-down to control report generation.


Expand
titleEnd of report message should be a configurable option in cases where data aggregation is used.

Currently the End of Report option is enabled for all. However, you can modify the End of Report message in the Add Labels screen with report configuration.


Expand
titleCan we have drop-down values or list box (multiple selection) as report parameters while generating reports in Sigma?

Yes. Refer Enabling Drop-downs for Report Filters for more information.


Expand
titleCan we include a report in another report?

Yes. Refer Sub-Reports for more information.



Expand
titleHow to view the Data builder performance metrics?

Refer the CT_DATA_SOURCE_METRICS table, to view the Data builder and SQL query data source performance metrics collection in detail:

Column NameDescription
APPLICATION_IDSIGMA
DATA_SRC_IDIt displays all the data source ID used in the Data builder.
REFERENCE_KEYA unique key is generated, when a report which has data builder configured is generated and hence this can be used to analyze the metrics of that particular report instance.
DATA_SRC_INSTANCE_IDA random data source instance ID is generated.
REFERENCE_TYPEREPORT
DATA_REQUEST_INFOIt displays the query of the SQL data source, if not {} is displayed.
ROW_COUNTIt displays the number of records fetched. 
CREATED_DATEIt displays the report generated timestamp.
FETCH_TIMEIt displays the time taken to fetch the functional data.



Expand
titleWhen the report bursting is resumed, does it kick-start all instances or start from the next upcoming instances?

Report bursting schedules are executed like a normal report scheduling. Pausing the report-bursting process essentially puts it on hold. The process stops at the point where it was paused. If report bursting is resumed, it fires the missed schedules once and continues with the next upcoming instances based on the given frequency. For example, when a report bursting is paused on August 1 and resumed on August 15, it kick-starts the report bursting on August 15 and continues with the next upcoming instances based on the given frequency.

Sigma Application (Portal for Generating Reports)


Expand
titleWhat actions report-consumers can perform on Sigma Application (portal)?

Report consumers can perform the following on Sigma Application (portal):

  • Generate and download reports
    • Choose report formats from among those configured
    • Change column positions
    • Add or remove configured columns
    • Change column-level configurations
    • Change report orientation and page size
    • Use sort and group by columns if configured
    • Choose contacts and notification channels
  • Save base reports with customizations
  • Regenerate executed reports
  • Schedule reports
    • Configure multiple schedules for a report
    • Configure retry frequency in case of failures
    • Pause, resume and delete report schedules
  • Create group reports

...