Argos Introduction

Argos is a powerful reporting solution designed for everyone from novice users to the most seasoned technical experts.  For ease of use, Argos users are divided into three distinct types:

DataBlock Designers:  Argos “power users” who create DataBlocks.

Report Writers: Intermediate users who use DataBlocks to build a variety of reports.

Report Viewers: Casual users who are able to run reports, then save and distribute the output in a variety of useful formats.

Each user type has a corresponding guide associated with it.  This guide is intended for DataBlock Designers. 

A prerequisite to reading this guide is reading the Argos Report Viewer Guide and the Argos Report Writer Guide.  The Report Viewer Guide describes how to log into Argos, how to navigate through the Argos User Interface, and how to execute reports.  Therefore, this basic information need not be repeated in this guide.

This guide assumes that the reader is familiar with database concepts and has some familiarity with SQL.

Once you have completed this guide, you should be able to:

• Create DataBlock forms
• Build Database queries
• Design a  chart
• Design an OLAP cube
• Schedule a report
• Publish a DataBlock to the Evisions CO-OP
• Create Security at the Report and Item Level
• Utilize the Library of Objects and Data Dictionary

This guide is not intended to be a comprehensive reference guide that covers each and every option within Argos.  The intent is to provide a sufficient number of examples to aid a new Argos user to get started quickly.  Additional information on each feature is available through In-Product Help.

Evisions Support Site

The easiest way to get to the Evisions Support site is to access it through Argos. Under the Help menu is a link to the Support page.  All the technical information available for download (documentation, tutorials, training videos, DataBlock library in the CO-OP Share) is found under the Support page. 

Evisions can also provide more in-depth and even customized training via our Professional Services department.  Visit the Consulting Services page on the Evisions web site at https://www.evisions.com/services/consulting/.

In Product Help

In addition to the Support site is In-Product Help. You can access In-Product Help a few different ways. There is a link under the Help menu to Argos Help. There is a button on the toolbar, and you can also use your F1 key. Most screens within Argos also have a link to Argos Help as well.

Sample Database

The examples within this guide are based upon an MS Access database that was created to assist you with becoming familiar with Argos.  You can download the sample database and DataBlocks from the Documentation and Software section of the Evisions website.

The name of the file is “Sample.zip” and after unzipping the file name will be “Sample.accdb”.  Six DataBlocks are included in the zip file that are used by the Argos Report Writer Guide.

You can use the database to follow along with the examples in this guide.  We have also provided a Sample Database Description that explains the structure of the database and provides instructions for creating the data connection to the sample database.

This document also describes how to create the data connection to the sample database.

Contact your MAPS Administrator to install the database and create the data connection.