Intended Audience: Faculty and Staff
Summary

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Argos, detailing its key features and benefits. It addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help users troubleshoot common issues and understand the tool's functionalities better. Additionally, it includes a collection of user manuals and step-by-step guides to support users in maximizing the potential of Argos.
Argos is a reporting tool that is used to generate reports on data captured inside Banner. The tool allows you to run ad-hoc queries as well as advanced analytics and the ability to view dashboards. Through Argos, you will have the ability to generate reports in multiple formats, including PDF, TXT, CSV, and HTML. You also have the ability to distribute reports on a schedule or even to specific users.
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This system is for the use of authorized users only. Individuals using this computer system without authority, or in excess of their authority, are subjected to having all of their activities on this system monitored and recorded by system personnel. In the course of monitoring individuals improperly using this system or in the course of system maintenance, the activities of authorized users may also be monitored. Anyone using this system expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, system personnel may provide the evidence of such monitoring to law enforcement officials.
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Problem
Users are experiencing difficulties with the Argos reporting tool, specifically with generating accurate and timely reports. Common issues include data discrepancies, slow report generation times, and challenges in navigating the user interface. These problems hinder the ability to efficiently analyze and utilize data for decision-making purposes.
Solution
To resolve issues with the Argos reporting tool, ensure all data sources are accurate and up-to-date to eliminate discrepancies. Optimize report queries to reduce generation times and provide user interface training to help users navigate the tool more efficiently. Regular maintenance checks, including software updates and system performance monitoring, can also enhance the tool's reliability and usability. Implementing these steps will improve the accuracy, speed, and overall user experience with Argos.
Steps
To address the issues with the Argos reporting tool, follow these steps:
- Verify Data Sources: Ensure that all data sources connected to Argos are accurate and up-to-date. This can help resolve data discrepancies and improve the reliability of the reports.
- Optimize Report Queries: Review and optimize the queries used to generate reports. Simplifying complex queries and indexing frequently accessed data can significantly reduce report generation times.
- User Interface Training: Provide training sessions or detailed guides to help users navigate the Argos interface more efficiently. Familiarity with the tool's features and shortcuts can enhance user experience and productivity.
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure the Argos system is running smoothly. This includes updating the software, clearing cache, and monitoring system performance.
Implementing these solutions can help improve the accuracy, speed, and usability of the Argos reporting tool, enabling users to make better data-driven decisions.
LINKS
Argos Forms
Guides
Here are some guides that we hope prove useful with aiding you in better understanding how Argos works.
Resources
Argos FAQ’s
What is Argos?
The new institutional reporting tool is called Argos. It is much more user-friendly and is available to all faculty, staff, and administrators. Argos is an enterprise reporting tool that allows end-users to access and extract information from various databases in a report format.
How do I request an account?
Submit an Argos Account Request Form.
How do I obtain training?
Argos is relatively easy to use without having any previous experience; however, if you believe you need training, contact the Office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness at ire@pvamu.edu.
Why do I need to learn Argos?
Argos is a much easier tool for creating reports and does not require much technological knowledge and expertise. This will enable anyone in the campus community to request and access reports and allow for a more efficient turnaround time to run a report. It is important that everyone evaluate their reporting needs, establish a procedure within the department regarding who can create and view reports. Every person within the department can be a viewer.
How do I request and run a report in Argos?
Identify reporting needs within your department and review the report request procedures guideline document to initiate report requests in Argos. It is important to be thorough in your report requests and be sure that you have included all information needed on the report.
After you have completed the Argos training and have been granted access to Argos, you will be able to run pre-defined reports by selecting them from a list. Most of the reports will require that you enter parameters to tailor the reports for a specific term, college, course, etc. Once generated, the report can be saved, printed or forwarded via e-mail, all within the Argos tool.
What is a DataBlock?
DataBlocks contain user input forms and queries to retrieve information from one or more data sources. In other words it identifies data from Banner to be grouped together and then a report writer creates a report based on the data identified in a DataBlock. Multiple reports can be written using one DataBlock.
DataBlocks are the foundation for any report written in Argos and the department of Information Technology Services is coordinating their efforts to establish a core set of DataBlocks for the campus community of report writers to use. DataBlocks are created by DataBlock designers, which consists of a select group of individuals on campus with the knowledge and expertise regarding Banner tables and forms as well as a higher level of access to information within Banner. Once a DataBlock is formed, report writers can use it at will.
What browsers are supported in Argos?
Argos is designed to run under Microsoft Internet Explorer version 8 or above, as well as Mozilla Firefox.
If I need help, who do I go to?
The Argos Help is designed to answer questions about what certain items on a given screen are, what they do, how they function, and how you might use them. The content is intended to be functionally descriptive yet brief and to the point. If you need additional assistance, please feel free to send your questions to itops@pvamu.edu.
How do I use the Argos Help feature?
Most dialogs in Argos have a Help button for you to use to access the Help. You can also go to Help > Argos Help, on the toolbar, or press the F1 key to launch Help. You can search through the Help using the Contents and Index tabs, or type a search string in the box in the upper right.
Click the Argos Help icon on the Argos Desktop Toolbar
- User guides and training videos are available for each user type.
- Use the available search tools in the left panel, Table of Contents, Index, Search, and Favorites to locate and save the information you need.
- Click the “X” on the Evisions WebHelp tab to close Argos Help.
For questions or additional help, email itops@pvamu.edu
Is my data secure?
All data transmitted from the server to Argos is “point-to-point” encrypted, meaning that anyone other than the intended user would see only gibberish.