Tracking ROI for Cognism via Cognism ID Fields

Measure Cognism’s impact using your CRM

This guide explains how to use custom CRM fields to identify records created or enriched by Cognism. By mapping and reporting on Cognism IDs, you can measure impact, improve visibility, and demonstrate ROI more accurately.

Why use a Cognism ID field

To measure Cognism’s impact, you need a reliable way to identify which records have passed through Cognism.

By mapping a Cognism ID to your CRM records, you can:

• Identify records created via Cognism 
• Identify records enriched by Cognism 
• Build accurate CRM reports on Cognism-driven activity

Create a custom Cognism ID field in your CRM

Before mapping fields in Cognism, create a custom field in your CRM.

1. Create a custom text field on each CRM object you export to Cognism.  
2. Name the field Cognism ID (or a similar clear name).  
3. Set the field length to at least 255 characters.  

Make sure all users exporting data have permission to view and edit this custom field.

Map the Cognism ID field in Cognism

Once the field exists in your CRM, map it in the Cognism platform.

Map the fields as follows:

Leads

• Lead Cognism ID → Cognism ID (custom CRM field)  

Contacts

• Lead Cognism ID → Cognism Contact ID (custom CRM field)  

Accounts

• Company Cognism ID → Cognism Company ID (custom CRM field)  

After mapping is complete, Cognism attaches a Cognism ID to every record exported.

Build reports using the Cognism ID

You can now use the Cognism ID field in your CRM reporting.

If the Cognism ID field is populated, it means the record has passed through Cognism. This allows you to report on:

• Records created by Cognism 
• Records enriched by Cognism 
• Overall contribution of Cognism to your pipeline

Cognism ID vs source fields

Do I still need a Cognism ID if I map a source field?

Yes. Source fields are often already populated by other systems. 

If your CRM update rule is set to Apply if blank, Cognism will not overwrite an existing source value. As a result, you cannot reliably tell whether a record was enriched by Cognism using the source field alone. 

The Cognism ID is always populated for records exported via Cognism, making it the most reliable way to track Cognism involvement.

Use Cognism ID and source fields together

You can combine both fields to create more detailed reports:

• Cognism ID + Source = Cognism

→ The record was created via Cognism. 

• Cognism ID + Different Source ≠ Cognism

→ The record originated elsewhere and was later enriched by Cognism. 

This approach lets you distinguish between:

• Net-new records created by Cognism 
• Existing records enriched with Cognism data 

Expected results

After setup:

• All Cognism-exported records include a Cognism ID 
• CRM reports clearly show Cognism’s contribution 
• You can track creation vs enrichment accurately 

Next steps

• Review your CRM field permissions 
• Build reports using the Cognism ID field 
• Share reporting insights with your sales and operations teams