IT Forum Connie Wisdo Jeff O’Malley IT Development & Applications

Argos is a Web enabled reporting tool designed from feedback of institutions utilizing SunGard’s Banner ERP system Can be used for: Quick views of Banner/Oracle data, based on ad hoc queries More sophisticated/complex downloads of Banner data into spreadsheets, where it can be further analyzed, formatted, etc. “Banded” reports – i.e. PDF documents containing formatted Banner output Advanced dashboards and data (OLAP) cubes

Argos was designed to allow all types of users to access the information they need in the formats they want Argos has built-in functionality for scheduling and delivery which automates report distribution Argos fits the University’s new Information Management model Provides accessibility to data in a secure manner Supports the need for Business Intelligence by our administrative and academic decision makers

Argos is Web-based, for campus-wide accessibility Flexible and intuitive enough to be used and administered by the University’s Data and Technology Coordinators Will significantly decrease the time it currently takes to obtain new or modified departmental reports, custom correspondence, etc. from ITDA Integrated with the University’s my.scranton portal Argos expands the available methods of report or letter generation beyond standard printing, to include PDF documents, messages, Excel downloads, and Web postings Argos is database-agnostic, meaning it can be used with Oracle, MS Access, SQL Server, etc.

1. Deployment of reporting tools that allow more efficient work environments 2. Enhance access to data and provide tools and procedures for consistent reporting and analysis across operational areas 3. Implement a reporting tool that does the following: Allows for staff across operational areas to access reports that will provide consistent numbers without being an expert in each area Provides the kind of additional detail that an analyst in the operational area would need Allows for some analysis beyond just generating counts of numbers or lists of names (e.g. executive dashboard) Helps the University Community use the reports securely - maintains the integrity of the data while allowing access to those who need it Can be used by IT and customers, alike

Members: Valerie Taylor, Connie Wisdo, Helen Stager, Robyn Dickinson, Bill Buckley, Mary Kay Aston, Andrea Mulrine, Maureen Castaldi, Denise Gurz Initial Tasks 1. Refinement of project’s goals 2. Assistance with obtaining University commitment to the goals 3. Engagement with Evisions’ Professional Services for readiness analysis 4. Assistance with implementation plan 5. Work towards remedying any identified deficiencies for successful project implementation 6. Interface with Information Management Advisory Committee

1. Risk Assessment, Implementation Timeline, High Level (Report) Conversion Plan, and Resource Plan 2. Hands-on Argos training for over 20 people 3. Identification of first round Pilot departments (per Steering Committee) – Admissions, Advancement, Finance, Registrar 4. Test and Production MAPS servers for Argos initially configured 5. Implementation of Intellecheck for A/P and Payroll checks 6. Communication Plan

1. Report Security Methodology, User Account Control Methodology and Departmental Folder Structure set up in Test and Production* 2. Programming standards for Data Blocks developed 3. Detailed Conversion Plans for Reports developed (Banner Reports Menu) This took an intensive analysis effort on the part of ITDA business analysts, and departmental data stewards, e.g. Student Banner Reports menu has 18 sub-menus, containing between 5 and 30 reports!* 4. First round Pilot departments went live Process, documentation, and training plan developed

5. Evisions Professional Services helped pilot users and ITDA to create data blocks and reports in Test 6. Second round of pilot departments went live– Provost, Human Resources, Financial Aid 7. Argos Information channel on my.scranton.edu was developed Contains UofS-specific Argos information, including request process and testing/validation process for Argos reports

Fluent Argos use by ITDA developers and business application analysts* Expand the use of Argos to additional departments/users, as needed Complete the conversion of items in Detailed Conversion Plans, focusing on Banner Reports Menu first Convert ITDA’s report development processes to primarily utilize Argos (i.e. no more C programs, if we can help it!) Facilitate the use of Argos by BIQuery users Launch Web page with more Argos resources and information

Evisions Web site ( contains comprehensive information about Argoswww.evisions.com Weekly, free, web-based training is offered by Evisions ( Data and Technology Coordinator meetings will feature “show & tell” my.scranton.edu Employee Applications tab will contain University-specific Argos information Jeff O’Malley offers tutorial sessions as needed, to help new users