Written by Mike Bernaiche, November 21st, 2024
The latest release of IBM Cognos Analytics 12.0.4, brings a host of new features and enhancements designed to improve user experience, reporting capabilities, and overall functionality. This October 2024 release continues to build on the robust foundation of previous versions, offering several key updates that users will find beneficial. Note, Cognos Analytics 12.0.4 is the most recent long-term release. Read below to find out more.
General Enhancements (On Premise)
Enhanced Upload and Drop Zone Area on Welcome Page - This area now includes 2 drop zone areas. Upload, and create and upload, making it easier for the end user to get started. This also highlights the automatic dashboard creation feature.
Easier Navigation for Data Servers – You no longer have to navigate through the manage area to find and create a data server. It is now part of the hamburger menu.
Better Integration of Assets with Data Servers - two additions to the Cognos Analytics interface highlight the interdependence between data server connections and the loading of assets:
- Assets page in the Create data server connection wizard - for new connections
- Loading assets at the data server level - for existing connections
Dashboards
Hide or Show Summaries in Tables and Crosstabs – Summaries are enabled by default; however, the user can now navigate to the fields(columns) area and turn this off or on.
Style Individual Headers and Wrapping Text in Tables – You now control the style of all headings.
Tornado Visualization - The tornado visualization consists of two adjacent bar charts that begin in the center of the value axis and point in opposite directions.
Reporting
Value Text Label on Multi Select Prompts - A customizable Value text label can be specified for some multi-select prompts in interactive and classic reports. The label is displayed above the value box.
Projected Query Enhancements – The projected queries now include 11.1 visualizations.
Search in Properties Pane - Users can now search in the properties pane for the property they are looking for saving time.
Resize Search and Select Prompt – You can now set the size of this prompt for use in interactive reports.
Set Selection Color for HTML Reports - A new property named Selection Color is available for interactive reports. The selected color is used as the base color for all types of selections in the HTML report output.
Tornado Visualization - The tornado visualization consists of two adjacent bar charts that begin in the center of the value axis and point in opposite directions.
Mobile Application
Classic Mode no Longer Supported – The classic mode in the Cognos Mobile app is no longer supported in Cognos Analytics 12.0.4
Upgrade App – You need to upgrade the Cognos App from the Apple or Google app store for use with Cognos Analytics 12.0.4.
Modeling Components
Create Report Directly in Data Modules – There is now an option to create a report directly from Data Modules.
Enhanced Search in Data Modules - The properties that can be used to search for objects include: Label (available in previous releases), Identifier, Aggregate, Usage, Data type, Technical data type, Expression, Description, Comments, and Screen tip.
Administration Enhancements
Governance of Schedules - Administrators can now govern a wider range of scheduling criteria. New tasks include setting the minimum time between schedule runs, adding to the list of schedule triggers, and controlling whether email owners are notified of schedule errors.
List of Capabilities for Any User - This new feature provides administrators with a streamlined method to view and resolve licensing and access issues for users with incorrect access to capabilities or restricted functions.
For everything else new in Administration please check out this link.
IBM Satellite Integration
A notable change in this release is the removal of IBM Secure Gateway, which has been replaced by IBM Satellite. This new integration provides a secure connection from Cognos Analytics On-Demand to an on-premises database, ensuring that users can maintain secure and efficient data connections. IBM Satellite offers improved performance, enhanced security features, and easier configuration compared to its predecessor. For users migrating from IBM Secure Gateway, IBM has provided detailed migration steps and support to ensure a smooth transition
Summary
The recent release of Cognos 12.0.4 further enhances the Cognos 12 software. This is a long-term release meaning it will be supported for at least 2 years. Cognos Analytics 11.2.4 was the last long-term release and support is due to end in early 2026. If you are on any version before 11.2.4 you should reach out to us at services@lodestarsolutions.com to discuss upgrading.
To learn everything that is new in Cognos 12 please see the below link and I look forward to talking with you soon.