What’s New in IBM Cognos Analytics 12.1.2
IBM has released Cognos Analytics 12.1.2, bringing several useful updates that make reporting easier.
Hope you enjoy this quick overview of what’s new.
AI-powered reporting agents
One of the most exciting changes in this release is the introduction of Reporting Agents.
Reporting Agents are powered by IBM watsonx.ai, bringing AI capabilities into Cognos while keeping reporting within a secure, governed environment. They are designed to make it quicker to find reports, understand information, and create new content without needing to know exactly where everything is stored.
The first version includes four agents:
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Recommendation Agent
Helps users find the right report by asking questions in plain language instead of searching through folders. -
Summarisation Agent
Explains the key points in a report automatically, making it easier to understand results quickly. -
Report Authoring Agent (preview)
Helps users create reports conversationally, reducing the need for manual setup. -
Sharing Agent
Makes it easier to distribute reports using existing Cognos sharing options such as email.
These agents work within Cognos security rules, so users only see the data they already have permission to access. A huge step towards making enterprise reporting easier to use without losing control or governance.
More flexible reporting experiences
This release also highlights how powerful Cognos reporting can be. This release also includes new sample content showing how Cognos reporting can be used to build reports that looks and behave more like an application than a traditional report. Cognos can be used to build guided analytics and better tell the story of your data.
Improvements to Data Modules
There are also useful updates for customers using Data Modules, which are now the preferred modelling approach in Cognos.
Event Studio now supports Data Modules
Agents in Event Studio can now use Data Modules as a data source, not just traditional packages. Making it easier to manage models using the modern Cognos architecture.
Dynamic connection selection
Data Modules can now switch between different data connections automatically based on the user or session. Allowing one model to work across multiple environments without duplication.
Better dashboard layout control
Dashboard authors now have more control over how content looks and behaves.
Updates include:
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Ability to add padding and margins in responsive dashboards
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Option to reorder local filters inside visualisations
These small changes make dashboards easier to design and work with.
Our Thoughts
We always like to see Cognos updates as they are released. These changes may seem small, but they make a real difference to everyday users. Cognos continues to become easier to use while keeping the structure and control that organisations rely on.
If you are reviewing your reporting process and would like more dynamic, easy-to-use reports, speak to one of our specialists today.