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Excel-Like Filtering in IBM Cognos Analytics
A JavaScript control evolved into a coordinated data filter that meets real business needs. The Business Problem Our team was tasked with delivering an IBM Cognos Analytics report that would serve as a daily dashboard tool for business users. The... Read More2 min read
PAW Asset Backup with Lifecycle Manager
Planning Analytics Workspace content— books, views, dashboards, and applications— requires regular backups just like any other critical business asset. IBM Planning Analytics includes a built-in tool called Lifecycle Manager that handles this task. Read More3 min read
4 Steps to Migrate: Moving from v11 to v12 IBM Planning Analytics Server
The shift from IBM Planning Analytics v11 on-prem to IBM Planning Analytics as a Service (IBM PA SaaS) promises modernization. It also requires careful planning. Here’s what you need to know before making the move. Why PA SaaS? IBM PA SaaS is a... Read More3 min read
Financial Reporting AI Agent for IBM Planning Analytics
We have created a Financial Reporting Agent for IBM Planning Analytics. The agent automates periodic financial reporting usingdata in IBM Planning Analytics and related infrastructure. It can be deployed on AWS or Azure following the Microsoft... Read More2 min read
ACG Utilities: Custom Snippets for TurboIntegrator Development
TM1 TurboIntegrator development often involves writing the same code patterns repeatedly—logging setup, view creation, error handling. Custom snippets let you save these patterns as reusable templates that can be inserted into any process with a few... Read More3 min read
ACG Utilities: Automate File Transfers in IBM PA SaaS
If you work with IBM Planning Analytics (TM1) in the cloud, you know that managing files can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. Whether you're uploading large reports, organizing data across multiple folders, or simply trying to keep your... Read More2 min read
Improve Operational Efficiency with Certified Containers in IBM Cognos Analytics
If you're running IBM Cognos Analytics in your enterprise, Cognos Analytics Certified Containers are a deployment option that fundamentally changes the economics and agility of your BI infrastructure. Whether you're the engineer managing the... Read More8 min read
Replacing ExecuteCommand with ExecuteHTTPRequest in IBM PA V12
The following is a technical note discussing the replacement of ExecuteCommand with ExecuteHTTPRequest in the migration from IBM Planning Analytics server version 11 to version 12. Background Those who have worked with IBM PA for any amount of... Read More2 min read
From Unstructured Data to Actionable Insights using IBM watsonx.data
Introduction In today’s data-driven world, organizations often sit on massive volumes of unstructured information in PDFs, logs, text files, JSONs. While the files hold valuable information, business analytics tools like IBM Planning Analytics... Read More1 min read
Using watsonx.BI with IBM Cognos Analytics to Streamline Reporting
Watsonx.BI is the new IBM interface to allow users to speak to data. It provides a more intuitive and user-friendly way to understand drivers of business performance. It can enhance the experience of existing IBM Cognos Analytics users and help... Read More4 min read
Integrating IBM Planning Analytics SaaS V12 with Google Cloud Storage
As organizations increasingly adopt cloud-based infrastructure, the need to seamlessly connect various cloud services becomes paramount. If you are working with IBM Planning Analytics as a Service (IBM PA SaaS) V12, you have likely encountered... Read More2 min read
Cognos Analytics Reporting Update - Version 12.1.1.
IBM released Cognos Analytics Reporting update as part of Version 12.1.1.There were a lot of practical improvements, plus some real movement toward AI-driven reporting. Let me walk you through what stood out. Reports Feel More Interactive First... Read More5 min read
Integrating OpenAI’s API into a TI Process in IBM Planning Analytics
This technical note outlines the method for embedding the OpenAI API into a TI script in IBM Planning Analytics. The purpose of this exercise is to integrate external data using the OpenAI API to pull live estimates into IBM Planning Analytics. This... Read More3 min read
IBM watsonx Orchestrate Integration with IBM Planning Analytics
We have successfully integrated IBM watsonx Orchestrate with IBM Planning Analytics to allow seamless, real-time interaction with data and models using natural language for both end users and developers. This blog describes the initial proof of... Read More4 min read
Reality Check on the Use of AI in Finance and FP&A
“AI Forecasting” comes up in every discussion with clients in FP&A and in finance, more broadly. Typically, the expectation is to automate and streamline the planning and forecasting process, to reduce the burden on their people and improve the... Read More2 min read
IBM watsonx BI for Your Business Intelligence Strategy
As organizations strive to become more data-driven, choosing the right analytics platform is a critical step. IBM WatsonX BI has emerged as a compelling choice, blending traditional business intelligence (BI) with artificial intelligence (AI) to... Read More2 min read
Analyzing Cell History in IBM Planning Analytics
Eric Castorina: Tue, Jun, 10, 2025 @ 10:57 AM
2 min read
Managing the Impact of Tariffs On Product Profitability in Retail with IBM Planning Analytics
This case study is based on one of our large online clothing retail customers. The company carries over 200,000 active products (SKUs) across over 2,000 brands at any point in time. The products can be sourced from 200 countries, approximately 50... Read More2 min read
IBM Planning Analytics: Multivariate AI Forecasting
If you’re reading this post then you’re also likely aware that IBM Planning Analytics (IBM PA) already provides a univariate forecasting capability to automate the planning cycle by predicting future outcomes of data that is subject to seasonal... Read More5 min read
Overcoming Common Challenges with AI-Driven Analytics: Lessons Learned and Future Opportunities
In our previous blog posts, “Discover the Benefits of IBM Cognos Analytics: AI-Powered BI Assistant (Part 1)” and “Seven Ways to Work with BI Assistant (Part 2)”, we explored how IBM Cognos Analytics leverages AI to deliver real-time insights and... Read More1 min read
Automated Upload of XLS Flat Files into IBM Planning Analytics Cloud
Uploading large amounts of data from Excel into IBM Planning Analytics Cloud environments can be a cumbersome task. Although IBM PA’s Excel integration is second to none in the EPM space, there is no way to easily upload a flat file directly from... Read More3 min read
Seven Ways to Co-Work with the IBM Cognos Analytics BI Assistant (Part 2)
In today’s fast-paced, data-driven world, organizations that harness the power of AI can boost their efficiency by up to 40%. Imagine having a virtual co-worker that not only simplifies your work but also helps you make smarter decisions faster.... Read More3 min read
Benefits of IBM Cognos Analytics AI-Powered BI Assistant – Part 1
The Cognos Analytics BI Assistant was first introduced in version 11.2 of IBM Cognos Analytics. This version was released in June 2021, bringing AI-powered enhancements, including the BI Assistant. With Cognos Analytics version 12, Cognos Analytics... Read More3 min read
IBM Planning Analytics Release 2.0.96
IBM will soon release IBM Planning Analytics update 2.0.96. Below is a summary of the updates included: What's New in Books and Reporting? Use AI to interact with books using natural language. The new Planning Analytics AI assistant lets you perform... Read More1 min read
IBM Planning Analytics Workspace Release 2.0.95
IBM released IBM Planning Analytics update 2.0.95, the detail of what is included in the release can be found HERE. Below is a summary of the updates included: Books and Reporting Customized Display of Hierarchies in Synchronization New... Read More1 min read
IBM Planning Analytics Workspace Release 2.0.92.
IBM released PAW 2.0.92 with some big changes to the User Interface (UI). One change is the addition of automatic tabs within applicable code blocks within the Workbench. IBM removed the ability to use the TAB button within TI processes to select... Read More9 min read
IBM Planning Analytics vs Anaplan - An ACG Point Of View (POV)
The purpose of this post is to provide a high-level comparison of IBM Planning Analytics and Anaplan. The comparison represents a Point of View (POV) of Application Consulting Group (ACG) based on our experience with both platforms and general... Read More1 min read
Adding Images to Planning Analytics for Excel (PAfE) Views
NEW IMAGE FUNCTION IN EXCEL IBM Planning Analytics users are sure to be interested in a new Excel function that is available for adding images to Planning Analytics for Excel (PAfE) reports. We found this feature to be very helpful for customers... Read More1 min read
Cognos Analytics Release 12.0.1 is Here!
WHAT’S NEW IN COGNOS ANALYTICS RELEASE 12.0.1? IBM has introduced Cognos Analytics release 12.0.1and it includes some great new features. To get you up to speed quickly, here is a quick summary of what’s new in the latest release: Multiple... Read More2 min read
Cognos Command Center – Setting up Triggers
Ever wondered how to synchronize your TM1 TI Data loads as soon as your files are available? Want to know how to avoid running never-ending chores that monitor when a file has dropped? Do you need to synchronize flat between different TM1 instances... Read More2 min read
Copying Tabs Across Books in IBM Planning Analytics Workspace
IBM PA Workspace does not provide an out-of-the-box capability of copying an entire page / tab across books or folders. Users can replicate a tab in a particular book and use it as a starting point for a new visualization. If a user wants to move /... Read More1 min read
IBM Planning Analytics Workspace Release 2.0.90
IBM released PAW 2.0.90, the summary of features is listed below: Books and Reporting Set synchronization properties for multiple widgets simultaneously. Ability to delete data from single cell widgets removed. Select a member or set by typing its... Read More2 min read
Upgrade to the Carbon Interface with IBM Planning Analytics
In the upcoming IBM Planning Analytics Workspace release 89 scheduled for early July 2023, the new carbon interface will automatically replace all existing components that are currently using the "Classic" look. Even though we expect the update to... Read More2 min read
IBM CA On-Demand Now Available FREE for all IBM PA Cloud Customers
Effective October 2021, all IBM PA Cloud Customers will have access to the IBM Cognos Analytics on Demand offering at no additional cost. New IBM PA Cloud customers will have IBM CA on Demand automatically as part of their provisioning, existing... Read More1 min read
New Task Pane APIs in IBM Planning Analytics for Excel
The IBM® Task Pane is a key component in Planning Analytics for Microsoft Excel that provides access to the list of cubes, saved views, dimension members and saved sets for the active database. It also provides controls for opening alternate data... Read More3 min read
User Adaptive Public Subsets in IBM Planning Analytics Workspace
One of the key requirements to create a user friendly business application in IBM Planning Analytics Workspace (PAW) is to be able to customize the selection / view of individual IBM PAW forms to specific users. Although IBM PAW provides some... Read More2 min read
IBM Planning Analytics Workspace Release SC57
The latest release of IBM Planning Analytics Workspace (Release SC57) offers an avalanche of new functionality & features: a game changer for those looking for improved visualizations, fully integrated forecast prediction algorithms, guided planning... Read More3 min read
Integration of IBM PA and IBM CA with Microsoft PowerPoint (PPT)
Being able to leverage content from an IBM Planning Analytics (IBM PA) or IBM Cognos Analytics (IBM CA) in a PowerPoint (PPT) presentation is a common requirement by customers. Users are looking for flexibility in authoring presentation content as... Read More3 min read
Best Practices for IBM Planning Analytics (TM1) Integration
Effective integration of IBM Planning Analytics (TM1) with the existing infrastructure is usually one of the top priorities of organizations looking to use TM1. TM1 has a set of embedded tools that make the integration reasonably straight forward... Read More2 min read
Integrated Budgeting for Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
The primary focus of budgeting and forecasting at a majority of companies is the Income Statement and associated KPIs (Revenue, EBITDA, Net Income). Significant investments are often made to increase the accuracy of the budget and forecast via... Read More3 min read
IBM PAX - The 4 Report Types and How to Use Them
IBM Planning Analytics for Excel (PAX) gives users four different report types to choose from depending on the type of report or analysis they would like to create. Some of the report types are new and represent a change from the former Perspectives... Read More2 min read
The Future of IBM Planning Analytics - IBM Data and AI Forum Debrief
It was an exciting set of news and updates around IBM PA at the IBM Data and AI Conference in Miami last week. Through a variety of presentations by IBM Offering Management as well is in private meetings with IBM executives, we felt a renewed buzz... Read More1 min read
IBM Planning Analytics Version 46 - Key Release Updates
IBM Planning Analytics Version 46 will be released on October 15, 2019. The release includes a number of exciting enhancements to IBM Planning Analytics Workspace as well as fixes and updates to IBM PAX (Excel) and the system overall. Key highlights... Read More1 min read
Leveraging IBM License Metric to Ensure Licensing Compliance for IBM Planning Analytics
Understanding the usage and utilization of IBM Planning Analytics Licenses can be a challenge for many customers. With the cost of non-compliance being potentially very high, it is important for companies to ensure that they understand and manage... Read More2 min read
Using REST API with IBM Planning Analytics
What is the TM1 REST API The TM1 REST API is a relatively unexplored method of interacting with TM1 and allow external applications access to server objects directly. Introduced in version 10.2 and constantly being improved upon with each Planning... Read More2 min read
Adding Single Sign-On to IBM Planning Analytics Local
Adding single sign-on capabilities is a great way to get the most out of IBM Planning Analytics Local, whether it’s part of an upgrade, or simply to enhance an existing install – in fact, it is often a business requirement for many clients.... Read More2 min read
Working with the Audit Log and Transaction Log in IBM Planning Analytics (IBM Cognos TM1)
IBM Planning Analytics maintains a detailed log of all changes in the system caused by both users and processes, including changes in values or core structures. Maintaining a full transparency is critical to facilitate key business and control... Read More2 min read
Improving IBM Cognos Analytics Report Performance by using Multi-Dimensional Data Sources (IBM Planning Analytics or Cognos OLAP)
As many clients tell us, report performance can be a challenge in IBM Cognos Analytics environments. In most traditional IBM Cognos deployments, reports are developed using a relational data store as its primary source of data. The data is retrieved... Read More3 min read
Forrester Names IBM a “Leader,” Exciting Updates to Watson Portfolio
The future looks to data science to handle the ubiquity and increasing complexity of one of our most valuable resources—data. Among the essentials to succeed in the data science space are strong Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning (PAML) tools. Read More3 min read
Working with Virtual Dimensions in IBM Planning Analytics 2.0.
Ability to create virtual dimensions from attribute-based hierarchies is a key update in IBM Planning Analytics 2.0 and a huge source of value. This is a major differentiation for IBM PA compared to other similar platforms. It provides even greater... Read More1 min read
IBM Cognos Controller 10.3.1. Released
The latest version of IBM Cognos Controller is now available and features integration with IBM Planning Analytics Workspace. This provide tighter integration and opens up possibilities for better insight, analytics and provides more power to the... Read More1 min read
IMPORTANT: Your TM1 System May Stop Working on Nov 25, 2016
Important Notice for All IBM Cognos TM1 Users: There is a possibility that your TM1 system may stop working on November 24, 2016. The existing TM1 security certificates that are used in the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) communications that occur... Read More3 min read
Object Security Integration with IBM Cognos TM1
James Doren: Sat, Jun, 27, 2015 @ 10:40 AM
2 min read
Trends in Enterprise Performance Management...
Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) systems are becoming more powerful, user friendly and more accessible - that is the core theme of an article published recently by CFO Magazine. Advances in technology allow EPM systems to process larger... Read More2 min read
The Future of IBM Cognos TM1
IBM Cognos TM1 version 10 has now been around for a good while and has already gone through several minor and major updates. The move from version 10.1 to 10.2 itself was a significant change, even though it was within the same release stream. The... Read More2 min read
4 Reasons Why Financial Planning & Analysis Is Not Effective
Considering how important the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) function is in providing critical business insight to company CFOs and CEOs, it is surprising how low its capabilities are still regarded amongst business executives. According to... Read More2 min read
Should I be Developing TM1 Applications Using Performance Modeler?
Before the advent of IBM Cognos TM1 10 any company or individual looking to complete development within TM1 used the tried and tested but dated and unhelpful development tool sets. When IBM introduced TM1 10 back in 2011, they introduced a whole... Read More2 min read
Integrating Resource Management with Cognos Command Center
For companies with large data stores, the benefits of performing analytics are impossible to deny: an IBM study revealed that enterprises which conduct analytics have up to 1.6x revenue growth, 2x EBITDA growth and 2.5x stock price appreciation of... Read More1 min read
How Do TM1 Financial Systems Ensure Clean Data?
Summary Almost half of new business initiatives fail because of poor data, according to a recent article on the EPM Channel website. While manual processes can temporarily fix issues, The IBM TM1 technology uses a series of checks and balances to... Read More3 min read
Seven Ways IBM Cognos TM1 Aids Forecasting
Summary Does your company suffer from common forecasting problems? In a white paper on the subject, the IBM Beyond Budgeting Round Table illustrates how the IBM Cognos TM1 business intelligence solution can help finance managers identify common... Read More2 min read