problems with impromptu queries

[nontekki]

Hi
I am not a technical person or a programmer.
Just a clerical person who has been asked to create queries in impromptu.
What type of experience do you really need for this tool?
I am having a terrible time just trying to understand it and am under a lot of pressure but I do not have a programming background at all. Never took any type of programming class in my life and I'm not good at these "statements".
I am merely what they call in the old days "secretarial".
Are they asking too much of me?
I did figure out how to write easy queries but that's it.
This tool is difficult
Any suggestions for me? What type of experience is really needed for this tool for a person who is not technical.

 

[blom0344]

If your impromptu reports are based on a catalogue, then you should be able to generate reports without having to have a clue about the SQL generated for the query. In real life, however it always pays off to have some knowledge of the structure of the database and what SQL is generated.

'Programming' is the wrong term here, you should consider following some SQL courses..

Ties Blom

 

[CognosProfessional]

It is best to look at the Cognos example reports that come with the product, and then try to build one with your catalog just like it. When you highlight an item with your mouse, it tells you what you are looking at, and you can use the help files to find out more. This will take some time. You probably want to take an impromptu course, or if you can't do that, read the help files and play with it as much as possible. You will be surprised what it can do. I have written reports for Impromptu versions 3.0 through 7.4, and it is quite interesting. I do remember my first look at impromptu and was just floored, and didn't know what to do. When you finally figure out that you can't hurt anything by playing with the product, then you will be amazed. Good luck to you. Don't get discouraged.

CP