Argos Reporting Tool for Banner

IT Forum3-17-2011

Connie WisdoJeff 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

What is Argos?

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 modelProvides accessibility to data in a secure

mannerSupports the need for Business Intelligence by

our administrative and academic decision makers

What is Argos?

Argos is Web-based, for campus-wide accessibilityFlexible and intuitive enough to be used and administered

by the University’s Data and Technology CoordinatorsWill 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 portalArgos expands the available methods of report or letter

generation beyond standard printing, to include PDF documents, email messages, Excel downloads, and Web postings

Argos is database-agnostic, meaning it can be used with Oracle, MS Access, SQL Server, etc.

Features of Argos We Like

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

Goals for our Argos Reporting Initiative

Members: Valerie Taylor, Connie Wisdo, Helen Stager, Robyn Dickinson, Bill Buckley, Mary Kay Aston, Andrea Mulrine, Maureen Castaldi, Denise Gurz

Initial Tasks1. Refinement of project’s goals2. Assistance with obtaining University commitment to

the goals3. Engagement with Evisions’ Professional Services for

readiness analysis4. Assistance with implementation plan5. Work towards remedying any identified deficiencies for

successful project implementation6. Interface with Information Management Advisory

Committee

Argos Steering 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

Argos Implementation TimelineTasks Accomplished in 2009

1. Report Security Methodology, User Account Control Methodology and Departmental Folder Structure set up in Test and Production*

2. Programming standards for Data Blocks developed3. 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

Argos Implementation TimelineTasks Accomplished in 2010

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

Argos Implementation TimelineTasks Accomplished in 2010

Argos Information Channel

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

Argos Implementation 2011

Evisions Web site (www.evisions.com) contains comprehensive information about Argos

Weekly, free, web-based training is offered by Evisions (www.evisions.com/calendar)

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

How Can You Learn More?

Evisions Free Online Live Training

Argos Demo