Deltek Insight 2011: Automating Cobra 5.1 Functions & Reporting using Batch Processing

EPM 219: Automating Cobra 5.1 Functions & Reporting using Batch ProcessingInsight 2011

Presented byJamie Forgan, Deltek

April 18, 20232

Agenda

• What is Batch Processing

• How Can it Help Me

• How Does it work

• Demonstration

CONFIDENTIAL ©2011 Deltek, Inc. All Rights Reserved

April 18, 20233

Key Takeaways

• Batch Processing:

• Powerful tool that helps streamline running of Cobra processes

• Is easy to setup and maintain

• Can be automated to run regularly without any user intervention

• Supports a number of important key Cobra processes and Reports

• Scripts can be built using an Cobra Batch Processing utility


April 18, 20234

What is Batch Processing?

• Method of automating the running of Cobra functions

• Driven from a “batch script”

• Does not require user interaction

• Can be initiated using Windows Scheduler

• Supported by all Cobra deployment models including N-Tier

• Batch API


April 18, 20235

How Can Batch Processing Help Me?

• Automate repetitive tasks

• Reduce manual effort

• Reduce mistakes

• Reduce training requirements

• Enforce standards and control interaction with external systems

• Automate heavy processing tasks outside of regular hours


April 18, 20236

Batch Processing Parts

• Text file that defines what processes to run


Batch Script

Cobra.API.exe

Command to run API

• The program that reads the script and executes the Cobraprocesses

• Windows shortcut, or

• Command line statement, or

• Windows batch file

April 18, 20237

The Batch Script

• Text file

• Defines each Cobra process to run

• Each process listed in separate ‘section’

• Supports up to 999 consecutive processes

• Processes read sequentially


April 18, 20238 CONFIDENTIAL ©2011 Deltek, Inc. All Rights Reserved

[Settings]<setting 1>=<setting 1 value><setting 2>=<setting 2 value> [Process001]ProcessID=<process id><setting 1>=<value 1><setting 2>=<value 2>. . .

[Process002]ProcessID=<process id><process 2 setting 2>=<process 2 value2><process 2 setting 3>=<process 2 value 3>. . .

Applies to all processes

Applies to individual process

April 18, 20239

Script Sections

• Example:

[Process001]

ProcessId=IntegrateActualCosts

ConfigurationName=LoadActuals

TransactionFile=C:\Actuals.csv


April 18, 202310

Supported Processes

Advance Calendar

ANSI X12 Export

Apportionment

Batch Report

Calculate EV

Calculate Forecast

Cobra Spread

Copy Project

Delete Project

Integrate Ancillary Data

Integrate Actual Costs

Integrate Project Data

Project Backup

Recalc

Reclass

Replace Resources

Respread

Restore

SQL Commands

Update Totals

Update Tphase

Validity Check

wInsight Export


April 18, 202311

Windows Command

• Three parts:

• Cobra.api.exe

• Script file

• User Id and password (optional)

• Start the API using the script ‘c:\myscript.txt’

• C:\...\Cobra 5\Cobra.api.exe script:c:\myscript.txt

• Start the API using the script 'c:\myscript.txt' and login as user smith

• C:\...\Cobra 5\Cobra.api.exe script:c:\myscript.txt user:smith/apwd


April 18, 202312

How Does Batch Processing Work?


Cobra.API.exe

Cobra DB

Cobra.WinUI.exe

Script

Processing Engine

• You• Scheduler• Other Program

• You

Command

N-Tier: Server

April 18, 202313

Batch API Log

• My Documents\Deltek\Cobra\Logs\Batch.Api.Log Batch.Api.Log

• Summary of batch results

• Shows result of each process in script


April 18, 202314

Process Logs

Found on the Tools, Process Logs menu

Filter logs by:

• Project,

• Master Project,

• Process,

• Batch Start Time


April 18, 202315

Batch Security

• EPM Security Administrator

• Restrict Batch operations to specific Roles

• Login ID checks against users in Cobra security


April 18, 2023 CONFIDENTIAL ©2011 Deltek, Inc. All Rights Reserved16

Demonstration – Batch API

Backup

Advance Calendar

Load Status

Load Actuals

April 18, 202317

Batch Reports

• Run group of reports at once

• Assign filter and/or sort per report

• Output to printer or disk

• Output to subfolder based on period

• Automate through batch processing


April 18, 202318

Batch Reports


April 18, 202319

Batch Reports


April 18, 202320

Batch Report - Process

[Process001]

ProcessID=BatchReport

BatchReport=My Group of Reports



Demonstration – Batch API

April 18, 202322

Batch API Builder

• Standalone utility

• Run on a machine that has Cobra installed

• Helps build Batch API scripts

• Cobra 5.1 and later

• A work in progress, not supported… Yet.

• Contact Customer Care for a copy


April 18, 202323

Cobra API Builder



Demonstration – API Builder

April 18, 202325

Conclusion

• Batch Processing:

• Powerful tool to help you streamline the running of your Cobra processes and reports.

• Is easy to setup and maintain and can be configured using a Batch Processing Utility.

• Can be automated to run regularly without any user intervention

• Supports a number of important key Cobra processes and Reports


April 18, 202326

Q&A

Questions?


Call to Action

• Get a copy of the API Builder!

• Incorporate a Batch API process into your regular work.

• Use Batch Reports and the Batch API to run your reports.

Deltek Insight 2011: Automating Cobra 5.1 Functions & Reporting using Batch Processing

Technology

Transcript of Deltek Insight 2011: Automating Cobra 5.1 Functions & Reporting using Batch Processing