In June 2023, IBM launched version 12 of Cognos Analytics. It includes enhanced features of the Cognos Analytics Assistant, the option to use AI-driven self-service analytics, and a redesigned layout.
IBM has launched the latest version, called "IBM Cognos Analytics 12." But what new features and innovations does the new version of IBM Cognos Analytics 12 offer? The focus is on changes such as enhanced Cognos Analytics Assistant functions and AI-driven self-service analytics. On top of that, IBM has given the whole thing a new and optimized layout. As an IBM Platinum Partner, ISR was actively involved in the beta testing of Cognos Analytics Version 12 and can therefore give you some insights into the changes.
By the way, if you would like to learn more about the topic of "End of Support for IBM Cognos Analytics 11.1.7," read our blog post on this topic: "On the screen or in the dark – End of Support for IBM Cognos Analytics 11.1.7."
The following content awaits you in this article:
1. What's new?
3. How can I help – the Cognos Analytics Assistant
What's new?
AI, enhanced Cognos Analytics Assistant features, and improved layout—these are, in a nutshell, the three main new features in Cognos Analytics 12. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) provides automatic data suggestions, advanced data analysis, and predictive models. This enables users to make informed decisions faster and more accurately. The improved collaboration tools and enhanced data integration and modeling features in version 12 offer many advantages for users.
The redesigned user interface is modern, intuitive, and user-friendly. It provides quick and easy access to all relevant functions and helps to make workflows more efficient. Navigation has been improved, dashboards are customizable, and data visualizations have been better integrated.
New dashboards, and fast!
IBM Cognos Analytics Version 12 places a special focus on the responsiveness of dashboards. A key advantage that contributes to this improved responsiveness is the implementation of advanced caching technologies.
Caching refers to the temporary storage of data in order to speed up access to this data. This caching technology allows frequently accessed data to be temporarily stored so that users of IBM Cognos Analytics 12 do not have to wait for a new database query. This significantly reduces loading times and provides users with an immediate response. Another advantage of caching technology is the ability to make data available offline. If the connection to the data source is interrupted, users can still access the data stored in the cache and use the dashboard. This is particularly useful when users are working in locations with limited or no internet connection. In addition, caching technology enables efficient use of resources. When multiple users access the same dashboard, caching can reduce the number of database queries and lessen the load on the database.
This leads to improved scalability and system performance. The caching technology in IBM Cognos Analytics Version 12 thus contributes significantly to the immediate responsiveness of dashboards and to improving performance and user experience.
How can I help – the Cognos Analytics Assistant
Another new feature is the guided user interface, which helps users in IBM Cognos Analytics Version 12 to create dashboards quickly and easily. This intuitive interface allows users to easily select data sources, add visualizations, and customize their dashboards without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Ready-made templates and wizards are available for this purpose. Instead of starting from scratch, users can select a template that best suits their needs and then simply add data sources. The templates already contain preconfigured visualizations that can be applied to the selected data. In addition, Watson and watsonx functionalities are increasingly being integrated into future versions of IBM Cognos Analytics.
Watsonx is an AI and data platform for businesses that multiplies the benefits of AI for your company. The platform consists of three powerful components:
- watsonx.ai Studio (generative AI and machine learning),
- watsonx.data (fit-for-purpose store responsible for the flexibility of data lakes and the performance of data warehouses)
- watsonx.governance (enables AI workflows to be designed in a responsible, transparent, and explainable manner).
Currently, watsonx is still available in English, but a German version is planned for future releases.
In addition, the guided user interface allows for easy customization of dashboards. Users can change the position and size of visualizations, adjust colors, add filters, and set drill-down options.
These customization options save time and effort during creation and help users design their dashboards exactly according to their needs and highlight the relevant information.
Data analysis meets AI
With IBM Cognos Analytics 12, users also have access to extensive AI-driven features that enable efficient creation of comprehensive dashboards and AI-driven self-service analysis. This allows different data sources to be combined intelligently and automatically visualized in an appealing way.
The AI analyzes the available data and automatically suggests suitable visualizations and charts that best represent the information. This saves time and effort in manual design and allows users to focus on interpreting the data.
In addition, AI-driven self-service analytics offers an interactive and intuitive way to analyze data on your own. Thanks to artificial intelligence, users can perform complex analyses without having in-depth knowledge of data modeling or statistics. AI-driven analytics automatically recognizes patterns, trends, and correlations in the data and provides users with understandable and meaningful insights.
For example, the following entry can be made:
- Show me the sales figures for the "Service" division for the last six months, filtered for the XYZ product range.
IBM Cognos 12 then automatically analyzes the data and generates a dashboard, for example. To obtain more in-depth analyses and insights, the controller can analyze this more precisely using "Exploration."
Pre-built templates, wizards, and customization options simplify data analysis and help ensure that all relevant information is quickly captured and informed decisions can be made.
First sandbox, then action!
If you are already in the starting blocks and ready to install IBM Cognos Analytics 12, you have already taken the first step. Now, however, it is advisable to ensure that all the lights are green on the IT infrastructure side as well. We at ISR had the opportunity to participate in advance as beta testers for IBM Cognos Analytics 12. This enabled us to provide valuable feedback to ensure functionality and smooth implementation.
Our experience has shown that—before you really get started—a sandbox test of IBM Cognos Analytics 12 is an effective way to ensure a smooth transition and guarantee the quality of the solutions for you. The key advantage here is the minimization of risks to customer data and your business operations.
The new release 12.0.2 of IBM Cognos Analytics offers several enhancements aimed at improving user experience, productivity, and data-driven insights. Some key benefits of this update include an updated user interface that creates a more intuitive and user-friendly environment and simplifies navigation and interaction within the platform. Enterprise features such as self-service analytics, embeddability, and flexible deployment options enable businesses to increase productivity and extract valuable insights from their data. AI-driven self-service analytics enable users to efficiently explore data and gain insights without relying on specialized technical knowledge. In addition, the platform improves the responsiveness of dashboards and simplifies the dashboard creation process. The only downside: Starting with version 12.0.2, Map Manager maps are no longer supported in reporting. Existing reports that contain Map Manager maps will continue to work, but an error message will be displayed instead of the map. If necessary, you will need to manually switch to MapBox visualization.
In summary, IBM Cognos Analytics Release 12.0.2 aims to provide a smooth user experience and offers increased productivity and expanded data exploration capabilities through the use of state-of-the-art AI technologies.
Successfully master the transition with ISR!
With our extensive experience and expert know-how, we guarantee the smooth and uninterrupted operation of IBM Cognos Analytics. ISR ensures that the system is available at all times and functions optimally. Should problems arise, our experts are on hand to find solutions quickly and efficiently.
In addition, we offer continuous support (e.g., as part of an operating agreement) and provide comprehensive assistance even after the update. With our managed services, we ensure that you can concentrate on your core business while we ensure the smooth operation of your business-critical applications and IT infrastructure. We take care of time-consuming routine tasks such as system administration, maintenance, and monitoring. Our team relieves your employees with expert know-how and reliably ensures the availability of your systems and applications.
With ISR, you have a reliable partner at your side who will help you make the most of your analytics solution and drive your business success. If you would like to find out more, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Tim Kunert
Head of Application Management BI
Application Management
tim.kunert@isr.de
+49(0)151 422 05 490
