Business Intelligence: FAQ

Where you start in data and analytics depends on what type of user you are.

• Consumers run reports to view and analyze data, but they do not frequently use Business Intelligence (BI) supported tools.
• Developers spend much of their time working with data and using Business Intelligence and Analytics supported tools. They have extensive knowledge of the data source and a working knowledge of tables and joins.

Viewing each data hub requires a separate request for access. The access approval process varies according to the data stewards and governing bodies.

1. See the list of available types of data.
2. Identify the data source(s) you want to use.
3. Submit a request for access to each type of data using the form(s) or email contact(s) listed.

The IT Services Business Intelligence and Analytics Team can help with questions about the procedures for your source(s).

Cognos

UC San Diego has an enterprise license for Cognos. No further action is needed to obtain a license for your project.

Tableau

Consumers: Viewing and interacting with pre-created Tableau reports does not require a license.

Developers: Departments must purchase one developer license for each person who will be creating or editing reports in addition to paying yearly maintenance.

Contact busintel@ucsd.edu to request a quote.

Users are granted access to Cognos or Tableau via Active Directory (AD) groups.

You are added to specific AD groups based on the kind of user you are and the type of data you would like to use.

Learn more about user types and AD group access.

No. There is no limit to the number of projects (in Tableau) or folders (in Cognos) that users are allowed to have.

They should, though, use a consistent naming convention, e.g. "Your Department Name - Data Source Name".

No. There is no limit to the number of AD groups attached to a project (for Tableau) or folder (for Cognos).

Learn more about AD groups and access.

Yes, all permissions will be set at the project (for Tableau) or folder (for Cognos) level.  When an AD group is added to that project/folder the AD group will then have access to all reports in that project/folder.

The Employee Activity Hub includes row level security in addition to the the project/folder security.  If your AD group has access to the project/folder but you have not requested access to specific departmental rows then you will be able to run the reports in that project/folder but they will all run blank.

For content where differing permissions are desired, there should be separate projects (in Tableau) or folders (in Cognos).

BIA recommends hosting reports on departmental Blink pages or a custom website.

Here are some examples of existing report pages:

• Research Administration Reports
• Deficit Balance Analytics

• Health Sciences FINMAN Reports
• SIO Business Reports