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Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd. EXERCISE 1: Script n’Stretch

ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

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Creating scripts in ACL is the foundation required to build toward the automation of your data analysis. Learn where to start, the basic steps required and key factors to ensure your success. Start building basic scripts with ACL to automate standard testing.

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Page 1: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

EXERCISE 1:

Script n’Stretch

Page 2: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

2ACL Services Ltd.

YOUR COACH

Shane Grimm, ACDA: 20 years of experience with ACL

Certified ACL Trainer

Experienced coach of 100’s of ACL users@shanegrimm

Page 3: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

3ACL Services Ltd.

Getting Back in Shape

ACL Bootcamp: New monthly webinar series designed to help ACL users of all levels learn new skills– Basic drills and also focusing on “problem areas”

ACL Desktop 9.2 release: Improvements to functionality that make it easier and quicker to use

#aclbootcamp

Page 4: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

4ACL Services Ltd.

Exercise 1: Script n’Stretch

Scripting in ACL does not have to be complex

Start small and build your skills

Identify areas to capture some “quick wins”

Think of scripts anytime you need to re-perform the same task

Page 5: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

5ACL Services Ltd.

Command Log 101

Get to know the ACL Command Log– Does much of the heavy lifting for you– Captures every command you run in ACL– Commands are recorded for future use and reference

Don’t forget the Table History– Only contains the actions for the selected table

Page 6: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

6ACL Services Ltd.

Command Log 101

Scripting can be easier than you think – ACL uses a simplified programming language called ACLScript– Example: COUNT IF amount > 50000

Page 7: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

7ACL Services Ltd.

Exercise:Get Running

Page 8: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

8ACL Services Ltd.

More than one way to “Script n’Stretch”

Multiple ways to create simple scripts

Depending on your skill set– Copy and Paste from the ACL Command Log– Create script from Table History– Utilize the script recorder– Manually write script into editor

Page 9: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

9ACL Services Ltd.

Exercise:Verify, Count, Total and Repeat

Page 10: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

10ACL Services Ltd.

Documenting Scripts

Documentation is key to duplicating success

Add a detailed description to your scripts– Use COMMENT command

Capture the why, what, when and how of your scripts

Increase efficiency across your audit group

Quickly share complex details and functions

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Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

11ACL Services Ltd.

Documenting Scripts

COMMENT ***************************************COMMENT Data VerificationCOMMENT This ACLScript performs the first basic COMMENT data verification steps that should beCOMMENT run against all new tables.COMMENT This script does not have any specialCOMMENT requirements.COMMENT Created by: Shane Grimm 22-Sep-2011COMMENT Modified by: Shane Grimm 29-Sep-2011COMMENT ***************************************

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Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

12ACL Services Ltd.

Exercise:Time to Automate

Page 13: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

13ACL Services Ltd.

Tip of the scripting iceberg

Tips to get started today– Prompt users for inputs to help change how your script runs– Explore potential for more complex analysis tests– More efficient testing on larger data files

Before our next workout– Start small and build up (don't be afraid to use scripts)– Start learning a new command or feature each time you use ACL– Leverage resources available to help you learn more

Have fun and be creative!

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Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

14ACL Services Ltd.

Time to learn more?

ACL Training– Open enrollment and on-site classes– View course catalogue and schedule at www.acl.com/training

Find an ACL User Group– Organized and managed by other ACL users in your area– Find out more at www.acl.com/usergroup

Continue the conversation– Find us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook at www.acl.com/social

Page 15: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Copyright © 2011 ACL Services Ltd.

15ACL Services Ltd.

Time to learn more?

ACL Support Center– Find answers to your most commonly asked questions

– Knowledge base: Hundreds of tips and best practices to help you successfully access data, combine commands, create scripts

– User Forum: Share tips and exchange experiences with ACL users around the globe

Page 16: ACL Bootcamp Exercise 1: Script n'Stretch

Q & A

Next Exercise:

High Impact Analysis