Custom Cognos Training Keeps Key Business Intelligence Projects on Track
Client
Mutual Insurance and Financial Services Provider (MIFSP)
The U.S.-based MIFSP and its affiliated companies offer a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to nearly 3.2 million customers, including individuals, families and businesses. In 2014, the company's revenue was $2.1 billion.
Situation
Inexperienced IBM Cognos Business Intelligence Users Reverting to Legacy Tools and Threatening Project Completion
MIFSP's data warehouse organization adopted IBM Cognos Business Intelligence (BI) as its primary intelligence and analytics tool to replace its outdated system and to add needed functionality. But, users had little to no experience using Cognos BI. So while its implementation was extremely well received, with their project deadlines looming, some users would revert back to legacy tools. They weren't familiar enough with Cognos BI to be comfortable using it.
Since reporting is an important aspect of their roles, the team needed practical knowledge of the IBM Cognos BI product suite with an emphasis on IBM Cognos Report Studio. They also needed flexible delivery and custom billing to accommodate team members in different locations.
Solution
Customized IBM Cognos BI Courses Delivered to Team Members in Multiple States
Having had positive learning experiences with Global Knowledge in the past, MIFSP knew where to turn for a solution that met all of their requirements. Global Knowledge learning solutions experts diligently chose applicable IBM course content that enabled MIFSP team members to gain fundamental Report Studio skills. To teach employees more advanced Report Studio techniques, the Global Knowledge team combined and customized two courses.
Global Knowledge delivered each block of classes back to back twice at MIFSP offices in Ohio and Nebraska. The learning solution also included the requested custom billing, as well as hard copies of course materials delivered after class.
Results
IBM Cognos BI Fully Implemented and Key BI Projects are on Track
Post training, the MIFSP data warehouse organization's use of IBM Cognos BI is in full swing. Team members have decreased dependency on legacy tools and have even gained the skills needed to confidently teach others in the company about IBM Cognos BI.
An IT senior specialist explained, "Without this training, it would have taken our Cognos BI developers and authors much longer to deliver on key BI reporting projects, possibly jeopardizing project target dates and/or our ability to use Cognos BI as the solution for the BI deliverables."