Are You Preparing to Excel at Your Cognos TM1 Interview? If that is the case, look no further!

This blog article provides expert guidance for answering frequently asked interview questions related to Cognos TM1, including common queries and their corresponding responses.

Take your time studying these inquiries and reactionsto become familiar with all types of questions you could face andpractical means of responding.

By thoroughly preparing, you’ll make a solid first impression even on even the strictest recruiter!

1. What is TM1?

TM1 is an analysis tool designed for market research, such as analysing the popularity of the Apple iPhone among middle-aged consumers. It allows for extensive data analysis, including finance projects, marketing, administration, and HR.

2. What is TM1 used for in finance, and how does it differ from Excel?

TM1 is used for financing maintenance, budgeting, and forecasting in the finance world. It provides real-time calculation and is easier to use via Excel.

3. What is the difference between TM1 and other products like Cognos Planning or Informatica?

TM1 is an in-memory OLAP 64-bit multi-dimensional tool that doesn’t require a database or ETL tool like those found in other products like Cognos Planning or Informatica. It can pull data from any database, such as PeopleSoft or ERP systems, using an inbuilt ETL tool called Turbo Integrator. This tool has been able to load 1.6 million records in 6 seconds, compared to 3-4 hours for other ETL tools like Informatica or Ab Initio.

4. What is the primary advantage of learning TM1?

The primary advantage of learning TM1 is its ability to handle large amounts of data quickly and efficiently, unlike other ETL tools that can take up to 4 hours to load.

5. How is the data populated in TM1?

The data is populated monthly, yearly, or hourly, depending on the project classification. The data is then compared with the actuals in the TM1 system to ensure accuracy. For example, the forecast statement can be prepared within the budget limits if a budget is allocated for marketing, finance, or HR. If the actuals exceed the budget, a red flag is raised, indicating that the budget was exceeded.

6. Is Cognos BI required to use TM1?

It is optional to learn Cognos BI, but other tools like architect perspectives, web client, application portal, performance modeller, and Cognos Insight can be used instead.

7. What is the architecture of TM1?

The architecture of TM1 includes a utility file called Cognos Configuration, which manages admin and application servers. The application server is a crucial component of a project management system (TM1), which can hold any number of application servers. It is designed for projects and can handle various operations, such as budgeting.

8. What are the primary advantages of using an application server with TM1?

The primary advantage of using an application server with TM1 is that users can avoid posting data, which is a problem with Cognos BI. This is because the data is refreshed every day or hour, making it difficult to retrieve information immediately.

To overcome this issue, users can use an ETL tool like Turbo Integrator to pull data from an Oracle database into TM1, which can be populated into a TM1 cube and act as a data source for the framework manager in TM1.

9. What is the difference between Cognos BI and Cognos Insight?

Cognos BI is used for reporting and analysis in ERP systems like PeopleSoft. Data is entered into TM1 cubes monthly, which are then loaded into the framework manager under packages. Reports are generated using TM1 for analysis. Cognos Insight, on the other hand, allows users to create dashboards and summation formulas and publish reports. With one admin server, up to 44,151 application servers can be installed, with the availability of ports to be discussed later.

10. How does the OLAP model work?

OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) is a cube with two or more dimensions, such as pentagons or hexagons. The time dimension is standard in all cubes. The OLAP model considers X, Y, and Z factors based on data. OLAP involves two aspects: online transaction process (OLTP) and online analytical process (OLAP). OLAP uses historical and current data to make sense of data and evaluate it for organisational advantage.

11. What are the different roles of TML?

There are different roles for TML, such as developer, administrator, analyst, and business contributor. Developers have more technical specialisation, while administrators need basic knowledge of TML. Analysts and business contributors interact with the contributor and analyst, ensuring they understand the business and its calculations.

12. What are the data sources for TML?

Data sources for TML include ERP, SRM, and SQL. Data are sourced using turbo integrators for modelling.

13. How long does it take for a Tableau report to populate data when connected to a particular file?

A Tableau report takes around 4 hours to populate data when connected to a particular file.

14. What is the reason behind not recommending the TM1 connector for integrating TMI with Tableau?

The TM1 connector is not recommended due to its limitations and the need for a connection between the two systems.

15. What is TML, and which MNCs use it for planning analytics and planning cycles?

TML is a tool used by MNCs, such as Good MNC, Light Automotive, and Johnson & Johnson, for planning analytics and cycles.

16. What are the three ways TM1 is used, and what are some examples of business-specific meanings for each instance?

TM1 is used in three ways: TM1 constructor, TM1 architect, and TM1 web. For example, a developer can start multiple instances within a PM, with numerous cases in different environments.

17. How can having multiple instances in one system be challenging to maintain and manage at an enterprise level?

Multiple instances in one system can be challenging to maintain and manage at an enterprise level because it requires innovative design and specific usage based on the cases.

18. What is the billing instance in TM1, and what can it be used for?

A billing instance in TM1 can be used to control billing, display, evaluate, and calculate calculations. Double-clicking on an example in TM1 will display all the objects in the system.

19. What are the main objects in a TM1 system, and what is their importance?

A TM1 system comprises applications, cubes, dimensions, replication, and processes. Each object has its importance and can be added or removed as needed.

20. What is the text’s primary focusregarding maintenance tasks in the TMS world?

The text emphasises the importance of understanding real-world situations faced in the TMS world and addressing them in the future.

21. What are the dimensions in a TM1 table, and what provides meaning to the data?

Dimensions in a TM1 table are the basic building blocks of a table, and they provide meaning to the data by defining the data points.

22. What are the different types of dimensions in a TM1 table, and what can they be used for?

Dimensions in a TM1 table can be numeric, string, or a mix of both. They can be used for various purposes, such as creating a hierarchy sort and everything in another hierarchy to add further levels.

23. What is the auto-consolation engine in TM1, and how does it work?

The auto-consolation engine in TM1 automatically adds specific values without written input.

24. What are attributes in TM1, and how do they define features of an element?

Attributes in TM1 define features of an element, giving characteristics such as name, format, and precision.

25. How can dimensions be created in Excel, and what are the available options?

Dimensions can be created manually or using a TMI process in Excel. Dimension workstations and dimension worksheets are also available for creating dimensions.

26. How can a dimension be created manually in Excel?

To manually create a dimension in Excel, users can add a year element to display data for the whole year or a quarter under a quarter.

27. What is the TMI process for creating a dimension, and how does it work?

The TMI process for creating a dimension involves creating a queue and creating a complete one size, adding the total as the configuration. Measurements can be made manually or through a TMI process.

28. What is the difference between creating a dimension using a script or TMI process, and what are the available options?

Creating a dimension using a script or TMI process allows for various purposes, such as using data from different queues or creating code without a source.

MCQs are a quick way to see how much you know, so why not try them today?

 1. What is TM1 used for?

a) Analyzing the Apple iPhone’s appeal to middle-aged buyers

b) Checking projects about finances

c) Examining projects of marketing

d) Reviewing projects on human resources

Answer: c) Examining projects of marketing

2. What is the primary reason for learning TM1?

a) Its return on investment

b) Speed and efficiency in processing massive volumes of data

c) Competence in managing financial initiatives

d) Proficiency in HR projects

Answer: a) Its return on investment

3. What is the data stored in TM1 cubes?

a) Text

b) Images

c) Numbers

d) Videos

Answer: c) Numbers

4. What is the primary advantage of TM1 compared to other ETL tools?

a) Takes up to 4 hours to load data

b) Can load data from any database

c) Stores data in cubes

d) It can only handle finance projects

Answer: b) Can load data from any database

5. What is the data entry frequency in TM1?

a) Monthly

b) Yearly

c) Hourly

d) Quarterly

Answer: a) Monthly

6. What is the primary advantage of using Cognos BI compared to TM1?

a) Allows for more accurate and efficient data analysis

b) Designed for projects and handles various operations such as budgeting, forecasting, and marketing

c) It allows users to post data

d) Not designed for projects

Answer: d) Not designed for projects

7. What is the primary advantage of using an application server in TM1?

a) Allows users to post data

b) Can handle finance projects

c) Allows users to retrieve information immediately

d) It is not independent.

Answer: c) Allows users to retrieve information immediately

Overall, the Cognos TM1 interview process involves an intricacy of assessments and inquiries that may prove challenging to comprehend.

However, by carefully preparing and developing your skills beforehand, you will gain a comprehensive knowledge of topics relevant to this interview process and access all resources necessary for success during a Cognos TM 1 interview.

You will ultimately be chosen as the top candidate!

Wishing You Success