Cognos Blogs
Below is a massive list of Cognos blogs. These blogs may relate to broad products and techniques in other Cognos software, not just Business Analytics software.
To search for a specific topic, use the search bar to the right.
Top Ten Cognos and Planning Analytics Features in 2022
Written by Mike Bernaiche, November 11th 2022 It is that time of year where you start to see top ten[...]
Help I Inherited IBM Cognos and IBM Planning Analytics, Now What?
Written by Heather L. Cole, September 1st 2022 With the great resignation in full swing, there are a number of[...]
Who Should Keep the IBM Cognos When Part of the Company is Sold?
Written by Heather L. Cole, August 18th 2022 The mergers and acquisition world has been busy recently. If your company[...]
IBM Cognos Analytics for Office – PowerPoint Edition
Written by Mike Bernaiche, April 21st 2022 I am sure some of you reading can relate to this situation. Management[...]
What You Need to Know When Moving IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics on the Cloud
Written by Heather L. Cole, March 23rd 2022 Are you wondering if you can move your Cognos or IBM Planning[...]
5 Reasons People Object to Upgrading Cognos
Written by Heather L. Cole, March 9th 2022 Are you trying to get funding for a Cognos or IBM Planning[...]
Steps to Take When Your IBM Cognos or Planning Analytics Power User Leaves
Written by Heather L. Cole, January 27th 2022 “Heather wanted to let you know Friday is my last day at[...]
November Lodestar Virtual Cognos User Group
Written by Mike Bernaiche, October 28th, 2021 It is almost that time again!! Time for the Virtual Cognos User Group[...]
How to Create your Analytics Roadmap without Hiring Expensive Consultants
Written by Heather L. Cole, June 17th 2021 “This is going to be the year! I swear this is the[...]
How Long Can You Use Two Cognos Environments When Upgrading?
Written by Heather Cole, May 19th 2021 Are you a Cognos Analytics BI or Planning Analytics TM1 client that recently[...]
Questions You Should Ask When Upgrading to the IBM Cloud Pak for Data
March 11th, 2021IBM is actively encouraging existing IBM Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics (TM1) clients to migrate to their new[...]
Modernizing Cognos Licenses the Path to the Future with Cloud Pak for Data
March 4th, 2021 Has IBM reached out to you stating that you qualify for an upgrade to modernize Cognos licensing?[...]
Lodestar IBM Cognos User Group Review – Feb 2021
February 26th, 2021 On February 16, 2021, Lodestar Solutions hosted our 2nd virtual IBM Cognos User Group. Our IBM Cognos[...]
Secrets to Getting Funding for Your Cognos Projects
February 11th, 2021 Are you using software like Cognos Analytics BI and in desperate need of a Cognos upgrade? Or[...]
Where to Get IBM Cognos Technical Support (part 2)
December 17th, 2020 In our last blog, Where IBM Cognos Clients Can Go to Get IBM Questions Answered, we discussed where[...]
Where IBM Cognos Clients Can Go to Get Questions Answered (Part 1)
December 10th, 2020Are you a Cognos or TM1 administrator that inherited IBM Cognos? Maybe you took a new job, and[...]
Cognos Analytics Data Sets Explained
Written December 3rd, 2020 by Mike Bernaiche Recently, I was asked several questions about Cognos Analytics Data Sets. Candidly, I haven’t[...]
What are IBM Cognos Cloud Pak for Data Containers?
November 20th, 2020IBM is on a mission to change how you buy IBM Cognos software. They are trying hard to[...]
Questions You Should Ask When Planning to Migrate Off Cognos Analytics (BI) – Part 1
September 3rd, 2020As clients look to drastically cut cost, it’s natural for IT departments to look at all their business[...]
Cognos Analytics PVU Q&A
July 16th, 2020 Both Cognos Analytics PVU and Planning Analytics PVU (Processor Value Units) can be confusing and make you[...]
How to Save Money on Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics
June 25th, 2020 Are you being pressured to cut costs wherever possible? For many Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics customers,[...]
Struggling to Migrate from Cognos to Power BI or Tableau?
June 18th, 2020Stop Struggling to Migrate from IBM Cognos to Power BIHow many business intelligence solutions does your firm have[...]
Lodestar Solutions 2019 in Review – EPIC IBM Cognos Year!
January 7th, 2020 As we roll into the New Year at Lodestar Solutions we like to look back at the[...]
How Do We Train our Power Users on the New Functionality of Cognos Analytics BI and TM1?
December 5th, 2019 Recently, IBM released the new Cognos Analytics 11.1.4, a major update release, and in September 2019 TM1[...]
Still Using Transformer Power Cubes? Try Data Modules.
November 20, 2019Are you still using Transformer Power Cubes? Looking for something to replace them? Did you know that Cognos[...]
Cognos Analytics Components and Uses
October 15, 2019Cognos Analytics Components ExplainedRecently we were asked to explain the Cognos Analytics Components. This client was new to[...]
BAAM 2.0 – Cognos Implementation & Upgrade Success
September 26, 2019Are you struggling to realize the full benefits of your Cognos investment? There just doesn’t seem to be[...]
How Do I Retrieve My Folder Cognos Content from a Deleted User?
August 15thHow Do I Retrieve My Folder Cognos Content from a Deleted User?As a Cognos BI Administrator, you arrive early[...]
Do I Need An IBM Cognos Admin License for my Cognos Services Account?
August 8th, 2019 Is an Admin License Needed for a Cognos Services Account?Recently, a Lodestar Cognos Analytics (BI) client reached[...]
Why is the quote for IBM Cognos Licenses higher than my Renewal?
August 1, 2019A Cognos Planning Analytics client recently asked Lodestar Solutions for a quote for a few more licenses. When[...]
Cognos Analytics & TM1 Users Attend the IBM Data and AI Forum
July 25, 2019Are you a longtime IBM Cognos Analytics and/or Planning Analytics (TM1) customer? Are you struggling to get traction[...]
The Importance of Renewing License Support with IBM
The Importance of Renewing License Support with IBM? I get it. Your IBM Cognos system has been up and running[...]
Upgrade IBM Cognos Analytics or Planning Analytics?
4/17/2018 Should I Upgrade IBM Cognos Analytics or Planning Analytics?Upgrade IBM Cognos now! Do you know why you should upgrade today? [...]
Should Millennials Suck It Up in the Workplace?
Should Millennials Suck it Up in the Workplace?Are you struggling to understand the Millennials in the workplace? Do you think[...]
Do You Have A Cognos Analytics Upgrade Evaluation Plan?
What's Your Cognos Analytics Upgrade Evaluation Plan?It’s been almost 2 years since the initial release of Cognos Analytics, aka C11.[...]
Have You Secured Funding Yet? It’s Budgeting Season, Secure Funding Now For IBM Cognos
Have You Secured Funding Yet? It's Budget Season. Secure Funding Now for IBM Cognos!Do you need process improvement and require[...]
Understanding The “Why” of the Millennials
Understanding MillennialsAug 2017 by Heather L. Cole, Executive CoachAs a business owner and executive coach with an emphasis on IT and[...]
Do I Need the ILMT Tool for My Cognos and How Do I Install the ILMT Tool?
6/21/2017I have received a number of calls from Lodestar Solutions blog readers asking “How do I install the ILMT Tool?”[...]
Who Doesn’t Like Top Notch Service? Call Lodestar’s Concierge Service For The Best!
5/18/2017 Concierge Service? Sign me up! Do you find yourself running into Cognos road blocks from time to time? Maybe[...]
What you need to know about IBM Cognos’ Bridge to Cloud (SaaS) Offer
WRITTEN BY Heather Cole, J.D. May 2017Have you heard, IBM has an amazing Bridge to Cloud offer where existing IBM[...]
Stop Requirements Gathering and Start Discovering Requirements!
4/19/2017Discovering RequirementsSTOP REQUIREMENTS GATHERING! We were wrong! For years Lodestar Solutions has emphasized to our IBM Cognos clients the need[...]
Cognos Analytics versus Planning Analytics
4/5/2017Cognos Analytics versus Planning Analytics, what's the difference? IBM has rebranded TM1 as Planning Analytics and rebranded Cognos Business Intelligence[...]
Cognos Ala Carte Services for Small Cognos Projects
3/29/2017 Are you struggling to get a Cognos report to run correctly? Maybe you have a TM1 or Cognos Planning[...]
The Data Does Not Lie – Time to Change our IBM Cognos Analytics Practice
3/22/2017 Message from Heather Cole, President of Lodestar Solutions. Lodestar Solutions is changing! But then again, isn’t everything? After almost[...]
Life After IBM To Life At Lodestar
2/22/2017It's been a couple of months since I've been on the other side of IBM. What a change it has[...]
IBM Cognos software and Law Firm KPIs
8/15/2016We at Lodestar Solutions get asked by law firm clients what should they be doing with IBM Cognos software specifically[...]
The Power of Cognos Insight
2/17/2016Do you struggle with trying to analyze offline spreadsheets or data sources? Do you receive data from 3rd parties that[...]
Big Data Analytics, Fantasy Baseball & You
6/23/15We are now 21 days away from the mid-summer classic. I better take the opportunity to write a baseball/big data[...]
Cognos Express is Now Same Software as Enterprise
6/8/15My responsibility as a Business Analytics Coach at Lodestar Solutions is to keep IBM Cognos clients informed on the huge[...]
Taking Advantage of Cognos Fix Pack?
5/12/15As a Business Analytics Coach, I’m asked about errors or issue with Cognos software. Sometimes it is user error and[...]
Future of Clarity FSR and Cognos CDM?
5/1/15Are you still using Clarity FSR and wondering, “What’s is the Future of Clarity FSR and Cognos CDM?”What is the[...]
IBM Connections is NOT IBM Cognos Connection
3/31/15Far too many times IBM uses similar descriptions for different products. Let us provide you another occasion of which you[...]
IBM Cognos OLAP Modeling Tools – Which should I choose?
As business analytics coaches, we are often asked many questions about what are the right IBM Cognos OLAP modeling tools for[...]
Do we need a Cognos non-production License?
Cognos Non-Production License - Do I need one?A Cognos non-production License environment is any development or test environment that is[...]
Cognos Express on Amazon AWS
Cognos Express on Amazon AWS is a great combination for small to mid-level companies that either don’t have the resources[...]
What happened to IBM Cognos Data Manager Decision Stream?
Are you asking Google, "What happened to IBM Cognos Data Manager Decision Stream?" Let's give you a bit of histroy[...]
Cognos Virtual Environment Needs ILMT Tool
Cognos Virtual Environment Needs ILMT Tool to be CompliantA lot of IBM customers use a Cognos virtual environment to host[...]
Cognos Express Savings on TM1 and BI
Is Cognos Express right for you?Betty Lou (fictitious name) called me and said she needed a better tool for budgeting.[...]
Latest versions – IBM Cognos TM1, BI and SPSS
Latest versionsIBM Cognos TM1, BI and SPSS If you are not a frequent visitor of user forums, belong to a[...]
Cognos Insight vs Excel? Managing with personal analytics
Cognos Insight vs Excel? Managing with personal analytics Think about the world we live in. Literally anything we want is[...]
Free Cognos Insight Training
How does Free Cognos Insight Training and a word like infobesity correlate? First let's take a look at the definition[...]
Arrgh! The Lodestar Pirates won't be at IBM Insight 2014 (IOD)
We wanted to let all our loyal mates know that the Lodestar Solution’s Pirates won’t be sailing into the IBM[...]
Be a “Business Analytics Expert” w/ Cognos Insight – Analytic Desktop Tool
Have you checked out the Analytic Desktop Tool, Cognos Insight? What did you think? For those of you who are[...]
Expand Cognos TM1 and BI with Cognos Insight
Scalability and time are two issues that never seem to be solved. Couple that with expanding end-user adoption and the[...]
Cognos Insight – Powerful but Simple Analytics Tool
Cognos Insight - Powerful but Simple Analytics Tool As I sat and played with Cognos Insight (v10.2.2), it dawned on[...]
IBM Cognos Disclosure Management – What, Why & How It Can Help
IBM Cognos Disclosure Management “CDM – What is it? What pain points/struggles does it address? How can it help my[...]
Cognos Framework Manager Data Source in TM1
Cognos Framework Manager package as a Data Source in TM1How do I use a Cognos Framework Manager package as a[...]
When to Use Cognos BI vs TM1 Reporting
Cognos BI vs TM1 Reporting - Why Not Use Both?Do you own or are looking to purchase both Cognos BI[...]
IBM Cognos Fix Packs – Keep Up To Date
Did you know that IBM releases fix packs to correct bugs in Cognos Software? They do and it is important[...]
Could Predictive Analytics Have Prevented 13 Deaths?
The families of those who died in General Motors cars containing defective ignition switches want prosecutors to go after General[...]
Predictive Analytics – What you MUST know!
The customer stories published about implementing Predictive Analytics into your own “happily ever after”? I’m going to share a few[...]
Predictive Analytics in the Cloud
Predictive Analytics in the Cloud Recent research from www.information-management.com suggests that Predictive Analytics in the cloud computing is becoming more and more[...]
SPSS Statistical Survey Software – Data Collection
Did you know that IBM has a Statistical Survey Software platform? They do! It came along with the SPSS acquisition[...]
On The Bubble Regarding Predictive Analytics?
“On the bubble” – ever heard that phrase? Do you know where it comes from? Legend has it that this[...]
Predictive Analytics Made Easy
While we can’t say “long gone are the glory days of the statistician, data scientist, and analyst” – the development[...]
Cognos Data Modeling – Tools A Quick Review
Cognos Data Modeling Tools Cognos data modeling tools come in a number of different flavors and IBM has recently added[...]
Introduction to Predictive Analytics with IBM SPSS – Part II
I hope you enjoyed our first installment about the IBM SPSS Family. Let’s will pick up where we left off.[...]
Introduction to Predictive Analytics with IBM SPSS – Part I
Most folks who know about SPSS are aware of it because they took a Statistics class in college and used[...]
IBM Released New Version of SPSS Statistics
For the past several years, IBM has released a new version of SPSS Statistics V22 in the fall, and Version[...]
I Don't know if I am an Expert Lodestar Consultants but I Did Stay in a Holiday Inn Express Last Night
I am sure most of you have seen the Holiday Inn Express commercial where they show the toll booth operator[...]
Upgrade from Clarity to Cognos Disclosure Management
When it comes to financial reporting and compliance, the upgrade from IBM Financial Statement Reporting (FSR) to IBM Cognos Disclosure Management (CDM), was one[...]
What is Predictive Maintenance?
Today, forward-looking manufacturers rely on predictive maintenance to go beyond preventative and regularly scheduled maintenance, ensuring production quality and maximizing value at every step of the process. Driven by predictive analytics, this leading-edge capability is helping manufacturers reach new standards of quality and save money by minimizing downtime from unscheduled maintenance, practically eliminating unnecessary maintenance and providing superior forecasting of warranty accruals.
IBM's Information on Demand 2012 – What We Learned
What happened at IBM IOD 2012 in Las Vegas does not stay in Las Vegas! There were many exciting Cognos related topics discussed at IBM Information on Demand (IOD) during the annual conference held this past fall. This year’s conference was held at Mandalay Bay the week of October 22nd, and was attended by more than 12,000 people. Some of the hot topics included Cognos 10.2 updates and new features including Active Reports, Dynamic Cubes, Cognos Mobile, Workspace and Cognos Insight. Below is a brief description of each…
How to Change Your Primary Contact with IBM
We have all been there. One of the people in charge of managing an aspect of your IBM account left the company and you didn’t think to have them update their information before they left.
Main contacts such as primary contact, billing contact, renewal contact, media shipping contact, proof of entitlement contact and site technical contact can be updated by the current Primary Contact on the Passport Advantage Online website.
SPSS Case Study of Local School Districts
Through the use of Predictive Analytics Software, like IBM SPSS, Public Schools around the country are changing the way they teach students. IBM SPSS enables fair comparisons between schools with radically different student populations, ending the historical tendency to treat schools as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ based purely on test results. IBM SPSS identifies students who are statistically likely to fail or drop out, allowing teachers to make timely interventions to get them back on track. It measures the effect of remedial actions taken by teachers, so that the system learns which interventions have the most positive effect in any given scenario.
Predictive Analytics For Retail Industry
IBM Cognos software is one way in which organizations are leveraging new intelligence to create a competitive advantage. IBM Cognos Analytics and Performance Management solutions provide a planning, consolidation and business intelligence platform that helps companies plan, understand and manage financial and operational performance. With capabilities including reporting, analytics, dashboards, planning, scorecards and more, companies can understand performance and make better decisions.
IBM SPSS Predictive Analytics – Predicting the Future
IBM Business Analytics software is designed to deliver complete, insightful, and accurate information for decision makers to make more effective decisions. As part of this portfolio, IBM SPSS Predictive Analytics software specializes in predictive analytics which organizations can rely on to predict future outcomes based on patterns found in historical data. State and Local Government, Multi-National Corporations of all sizes can benefit from the IBM SPSS technology to provide insight into current performance. They can also leverage the predictive capabilities to be better prepared for what is around the corner. Business Intelligence can help monitor current and past performance while Predictive Analytics can answer why the business is performing in a certain manner and how it can be improved in the future.
Cognos Insight Download Instructions
Discuss what new Cognos users and existing Cognos users have access to along with the directions on how to download Insight for BI and TM1 users.
The Difference Between Cognos Express and Cognos Enterprise
IBM Cognos has two offerings for organizations looking for a complete Performance Management solution. One is IBM Cognos Enterprise Solutions and the other is Cognos Express. If you are looking for the power IBM offers, you may have some questions about what the differences in the two offerings are and how they compare. So, we thought we would take a moment to walk through some of the differences but note with each new release this information will change. IBM is expected to release a new Cognos Express version in the very near future and we will write again on Express once it’s released. As for now, IBM Cognos Express is positioned as the mid-market solution from IBM however, large companies can purchase it.
What is IBM Cognos Insight?
IBM Cognos Insight provides all the tools you need to solve individual or team challenges quickly and easily, right from your desktop:
•Import and merge your corporate enterprise data with personal local data directly in your workspace.
•Slice, dice and drill down through data quickly without scripting.
•Create compelling charts and grids for a multi-dimensional view of your data.
•Perform powerful scenario modeling on the fly without being connected to a server.
•Easily publish your plans and dashboards for others in the organization to see and use.
IBM Cognos Insight – What is it?
IBM Cognos Insight. What is it? What is all the Hype about? On March 7th, IBM Cognos will release a revolutionary product that will allow IBM Cognos BI Consumers the ability to leverage the IBM stack by allowing them to create TM1 models at no additional cost. If you have not heard of IBM Cognos TM1, it is a 64 bit In-Memory OLAP technology that links finance with operations to deliver new Insight into your data.
IBM Cognos Statistics – Integrate Statistics into Financial and Business Analysis
Check out IBM Cognos Statistics. Statistics enables financial and business analysts to gain and share richer insights through statistical reporting and analysis that can be distributed to all users.
IBM Statistics Engine incorporates statistical results with core business reporting, reducing the time it takes to analyze data and prepare business presentations based on that analysis. Cognos Statistics software also helps ensure that the statistical evidence that backs key business decisions is accurate and can be delivered easily to broader business communities in dashboards and reports.
Should I use Cognos BI or Salesforce Analytics Reports?
Salesforce.com is a great tool, I use it all of the time, but have you ever tried to create a report in Salesforce.com? I have, and the experience is not a pleasant one. Once you figure out how to create the report you realize that you are very limited in your report options. (No cross-filtering, No joined reports, low limits on number of scheduled reports and dashboards, inability to group data)
Cognos Lifecycle Manager Validates Migration
If you are considering an upgrade to IBM Cognos 10, you MUST check out lifecycle manager. Formerly known as Upgrade Manager, IBM has added a number of new features and rebranded it as Lifecycle Manager. It is an application that validates IBM Cognos BI report content during an upgrade by comparing reports that run in different versions of IBM Cognos BI.
Is Cognos Compatible With Windows 7?
Everywhere we look, software providers are coming out with new versions but unless it’s a major release, software compatibility is often overlooked. With the release of Windows 7, many hardware providers and IT departments are starting to ship laptops to employees with Windows 7 as the standard operating system. Many of us just assume it’s “Microsoft” so it must be compatible and they fail to confirm that the software is compatible with Windows 7. Additionally, software can function with 64 or 32 bit machines and some software is only functional on a 32 bit machine. Not confirming compatibility could result in big headaches.
Tips for Effectively Using Remote Cognos Consulting
As the budget for implementation services shrink and travel expenses increase, companies can save significant money by leveraging remote or virtual consultants. But to make virtual consulting effective, consider the following tips:
1. Be Prepared - Create a detailed statement of work outlining the deliverables.
2. Check Them Out - Check references of the consultant and conduct a phone interview. You want someone that can speak clearly and is articulate.
Cognos Training Leads to Success
Training is one of the most important aspects of implementing and maintaining your IBM Cognos system! If you inherited Cognos or have recently been assigned to the Cognos team in your organization, I strongly encourage you to get some training.
How do you get trained on IBM Cognos?
IBM has a number of great Cognos public training classes offered to clients. Lodestar Solutions can help register you for one of these training classes at a competitive price. Training is offered at IBM training centers across the country and world.