Navigating Argos CubesPresented by

Missouri State UniversityOffice of Institutional Research

Database Information Data Access Definition of terms OLAP Cube Example Hands on training

Topics Covered

• Contains semesters prior to Fall of 2009• MIS is in the process of converting the data into our new system

Legacy System - Phoenix

• Also called PROD for Production• Links directly to the forms used for data input and updates immediately (live)

Internet Native Banner (INB)

• Used as the storage system and main location for the majority of queries

• Updates nightly – data is current through the previous day

Operational Data Store (ODS)

Database Connections

Argos◦ Contact QDUG

Within Argos there are layers of data access◦ PROD – your INB user name and password

Contact Brenda Whisenant◦ ODSPROD – will be your INB user name, but may have a

different password Contact QDUG for access or to sync with INB password

◦ Phoenix Contact Theresa McCoy

◦ Other Banner Modules may require additional permissions for access (e.g. Finance, Human Resources) Contact QDUG for assistance in requesting permission

Data Access

Argos Cubes Lingo Defined

OLAP CubeOLAP (On-Line Analytic Processing) Cubes are a powerful tool which allow users to perform analysis that is comprehensive and interactive.

Data is structured hierarchically but users can rotate data elements in and out of the cube. This creates a customized view of specific data relationships and provides users incredibly detailed analysis of information with ease. 

Example of OLAP Cube

Argos Cubes Lingo Defined

A Parameters: Screen before cube is displayed that is used to begin to narrow down data element choices. The cube is an alternative to the quick view or report for the user to manipulate the data.

B Filters: Parameters offered to the user to further exclude unwanted data. This feature provides the capability to include only user chosen data elements (or parts of data elements) for the needed information. This is what gives the cubes ‘drill down’ capabilities.

C Column Dimensions: Data elements by which information in the cube is grouped. Column dimensions will be the column headings in the cube.

D Row Dimensions: Data elements by which information in the cube is divided. Row dimensions will be the row divisions the cube.

E Measures: Calculations made with the selected data elements (selected by filters – row, column). It is the information in the heart of the table. Measures can be in the form of counts, averages, percents etc. The cube can hold multiple measures and the user can customize the format. Clicking on the yellow ruler in the top left of part of the cube will take the user into different choices.

Argos Lingo (cont.)

Now, it’s your turn!