If you are reading this post then you are currently an experienced Archer user! This study guide below was taken during the Archer Admin Level 2 course notes. The below topics are covered in your Archer Admin 2 course materials. A major of the admin level 2 course dives into workflow and data integration. Take these notes as some extra help after you complete your course.

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What is Archer and What can it do?

Archer is a process automation platform. It is a suite of configurable applications with an intuitive standardized user interface.

• It’s a centralized repository for data.
• An enterprise platform to be used across multiple business areas.
• Eliminates silos – provide Executive aggregate reporting.
• Reduces data maintenance time and cost.
• Enhances data consistency.
• Includes Access Control for data provisioning.
• Has robust reporting capabilities for focused decision making
• Provides for work Assignment, Accountability and Visibility
• Can be integrated with other data systems.
• Can be deployed on-premises or SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)

Data Integration

Data integration methods include;

• Data import
• Data Feed
• Archer APIs
• Data Gateway
• Data Publication

Data Import

• Allows one time data imports for a one-time basis.
• Only imports flat files .csv or .txt
• Cannot modify data imports.
• All or nothing for each data import

Data Feed

• Allows Dynamic Integrations with multiple connections and file types.
• These can be multiple file types like flat files, XML, RSS, or DB queries.
• Supports filters and data transformation.
• They can be schedule or automatically.
• JavaScript Transporter – Offers benefits of JavaScript functionality.

Archer APIs

Archer APIs include RESTful APIs and web services for the exchange of information. Configuring this requires custom code. Archer API requests are unlimited when created.

Data Gateway

• Allows connection to external DB w/o bringing data into the instance.
• Executes in real time.
• External records can be updated not created.
• Through Archer Control Panel

Data Publication

Allows you to extract data from Archer systems and load it into an external system database, that can be used for data analysis.

*This can only be used to export data*

Pro Tips:

• Parent Records should be imported first, into any leveled application.
• Data imports don’t work with PDF and DOC files.
• Start your data imports by testing in small batches into the

Other Data Feed Types

Data Import FAQs

• All rows must be mapped.
• Levels must be imported separately.
• Applications with sub-forms must be imported separately.

Source Parsing

Applies standard data feed types and to whether you need to transform the XML structure of source file. This tab allows you to set data feed type.

Look Up Translation Field – Allows data conversion based on a lookup table (this table can be in Archive or Retired Status). You can use this table to convert a certain value to another. Take for example a state abbreviation to a proper name value.

Trust levels are used to override data in the import

Key field Sub Tab – Can update records, uniquely define a record or use multiple fields for single/combo records.

A2A Data Feeds

Useful to move data from one instance to another.

RSS Data Feed (Really Simple Syndication)

Pulls data syndication, pulls weather, or news. This is stored within an Archer application.

News Feed

See when websites have added new content.

Data Feed Manager Success Tips

• Know the data and business use cases
• Start simple
• Complete a single data import
• Slowly scale after portions of

**Data feeds can take up space, hinder performance, and contribute to unused data and data feeds.**

Data Publication Service

The data publication service exports Archer data and loads the data into an external database. These connections can connect to SQL, Oracle, and Access.

• Data Publication converts everything into relational database tables (apps, sub forms, questionnaires)
• Current values are included not the calculations.

Advanced and Feature Driven Workflows

Feature Driven Events

• Uses DDE to drive workflows, calculations, and emails.
• Components are made up and maintained in multi area on the platforms.
• Modifications are difficult.

Advanced Workflow

• Created and maintained on a tab with the app or questionnaire.
• Presented in a workflow diagram.
• Can be utilized with any application.
• Reusable layouts
• Allows for automated task creation.
• The build order needs to be considered.
• Within the admin pane of the UI, you can initiate a start/end node, tasks that can add records, or that send an email to a user.

Example Stage for a workflow breakdown

User Submits a record for approval  Supervisor Reviews Record  Approve & Sign Signature

Questionnaire Overview

• Similar to Archer applications
• They include questions from question bank.
• Questions are mapped.
• Users can add comments/attachments.

You can use these questions repeatedly by selecting through the question bank. Fields, layouts, DDE, calcs are created when the questionnaire is created.

Troubleshooting

Authentication – System level

Authorization – App Level (Access Roles), Record (RP), Field Level (Public/Private)

Assign a group to a role to simplicity access control maintenance.

Troubleshooting Steps

• Verify User account.
• Note the user roles.
• Look for field settings.
• Check rights of users

Reporting

Reports can be used for analysis on data in the Cross Reference – X apps within the platform. A field titles “Related Records” is automatically created to mirror the relationship.

OnDemand Notifications

• You can send an email deep link.
• These can be triggered or weekly.

Scheduled Report Distribution

• Monthly updates can be sent to people.

Mail Merge

• Places content into pre-designed Word document