Item: IBM Cognos Analytics
Rating: 9
Author: Rajeev Bagra

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

For visualizing and forecasting our in-house data as well clients' data. Earlier we use to rely on only Excel. Now, we find that Cognos Analytics blends nicely with Excel and has powerful AI features including AI Chatbot that can answer queries from the proprietary data raised in simple English. Powerful security features mean peace of mind.

Pros and Cons

Forecasting after eliminating random bias
AI chatbot can answer any query raised in simple English from the data, perform calculations.
Reports are visually appealing

Reports can be made more easier to create.
Speed of performing operations within dashboard can be increased as at times it is slow.
There is a steep learning curve at the beginning. Make it more easier.

Return on Investment

Easier creation of visually appealing reports
Easier access to queries with AI Chatbot
Enhanced data security while working in group.

Alternatives Considered

Microsoft Excel and Tableau CRM

Microsoft Excel is still used by us extensively on the top of Cognos Analytics. Tableau lacked security features compared to Cognos.

Self-Service

Such self service features are the reason we stick with Cognos Analytics. There is an active community and support is excellent.

Data Security and Quality

With Cognos Analytics user data and master copy are nicely differentiated. So a user can come out with different scenarios on his own workspace without modifying the master copy.

Reporting

Visually appealing reports with large number of features. However for using advanced reporting, there is a steep learning curve.

Other Software Used

Microsoft Excel, LivePlan, Tableau Cloud

Key Insights

Do you think IBM Cognos Analytics delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with IBM Cognos Analytics's feature set?

Yes

Did IBM Cognos Analytics live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of IBM Cognos Analytics go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy IBM Cognos Analytics again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

Without writing a single piece of code, IBM Cognos Analytics can answer queries, generate reports, and forecast. The code source of the output can be tracked. Even for a freelancer/one-person company, IBM Cognos Analytics can be a great investment with their monthly subscription of 10$ or so. This is despite the fact that IBM Cognos Analytics is an enterprise software meant for large teams.

Best data visualization and forecasting software with AI Chatbot

Modules Used

Overall Satisfaction with IBM Cognos Analytics