Cognos Performance management Software, otherwise known as the Cognos Performance Management Applications, are pre-built reporting and analysis performance management software modules, which are best practice designed to answer over 3000 business process questions. They are delivered as an open framework solution which transforms the right operations measures from common ERP systems into a cross-functional pool of business analysis information.

IBM acquired Cognos in 2008 for $5bn which reflects the fact that Cognos provides some of the best performance management software available today. 

They extend the value of ERP and other operational systems, transforming operational data into consistent, reliable information optimized for reporting and analysis. Their sole purpose is to analyze business data in order to react quickly to market and business trends.

Organizations can benefit from a single, integrated, 360-degree view of business operations built upon a common foundation for enterprise-wide corporate performance management.

Altogether, there are seven analytic applications - sales, accounts receivable, general ledger, accounts payable, inventory, procurement and production.