To begin with any analysis, importing data into IBM Cognos Insight is the first step. The following are three possible methods to accomplish this:
Drag and drop (Quick Import method): This method allows spreadsheets (Excel files), CSV files, or existing Cognos Insight Workspaces (cdd file extensions) to be dropped onto the Cognos Insight interface. The smart-metadata capability automatically creates a highly compressed OLAP cube structure with dimensions, levels, measures, and the relationships between them based on the data in the file. As per the following screenshot, a spreadsheet containing the US Economic Census for the Mining Industry is dropped onto the application. JPG images can also be dropped in the similar manner to show the image on Cognos Insight.
Alternatively, the Quick Import method brings up a window from where file selections can be made. This option can be accessed by selecting Get Data | Quick Import... or by selecting Quick Import...