Item: IBM Cognos Analytics
Rating: 4
Author: Shelby Kolb

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

This is used by some of the teams for modeling, predictive analysis using historical data, and deep insights on overall Business Intelligence.

Pros and Cons

advanced modeling
reporting and dashboarding
integration with engineer toolsets

admin access
re-running reports
user experience (modernization)

Return on Investment

Standardized reporting and automation of top level BI KPIs
Time-saving on customer support (as opposed to some other tools)
Performance tracking automation

These features have streamlined some manual work and further advanced automation, but validation and further accuracy-checking is still needed as we gain confidence in the platform and want to ensure confidence.

Data Security and Quality

This is very important to us. We appreciate the controls accessible in IBM Cognos, as with any platform we seek out. This allows access to the data and investigating from team members at any and every level.

Reporting

The reports and visualizations are good, but our teams personally prefer the flexibility and user-friendliness of other tools, such as Tableau.

Alternatives Considered

Tableau Desktop

IBM Cognos has a lot more deep, robust, AI-driven Business Intelligence features that remove some of the manual work. Automation is a lot more seamless and ease of making data available and digestible by several non-technical business partners.

Key Insights

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

Not sure

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

Yes

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

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of IBM Cognos Analytics go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy IBM Cognos Analytics again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Tableau Desktop, Smartlook, Navicat

Likelihood to Recommend

IBM Cognos Analytics is great for deep-level stakeholder Business Intelligence and performance, but not as appropriate for quick, ad-hoc analysis and dashboarding for junior level, non-technical stakeholders and partners in my opinion. We have not been able to sync the data with newer data streams, such as Digital Communications, marketing, etc.

IBM Cognos for Automation, Business Performance Insights, and Advanced Learning

Modules Used

Overall Satisfaction with IBM Cognos Analytics