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By virtue of having no better available options, I've inherited the title of Head of Data and Analytics at my just-implemented-Acumatica company. I'm now the lead expert on data retrieval, reports and dashboards. But... I don't know where to begin.
I have strong Excel skills, and I'm fine with simple VBA, but I have no prior experience with SQL. I've been working though the end-user courses on Acumatica U, but they're not really helping me understand the deeper mechanics of the system.
What should I study to excel in my new role? SQL? XML? Anything else? Does anyone have recommendations of good MOOC courses (like Coursera, Kahn Acaedmy, Lynda) that would help?
Thanks! - Pete
Hey Peter,
This is the best current option that I'm aware of:
https://openuni.acumatica.com/courses/reporting/end-user-course-data-retrieval-and-analysis/
But I've had this idea for a few years:
https://www.augforums.com/queryquarry/
Just last month I finally got serious enough about Query Quarry to arrange with my job to be able to dedicate every Monday to Query Quarry. I have a cool job to allow me to do this. Now on Mondays I turn off the phone, turn off email, and focus on Query Quarry the whole day.
Query Quarry will require an annual subscription. I'm currently thinking to charge $800/year.
My goal is to launch Query Quarry by the time of the Acumatica Summit in January.
I'm building 3 core components into Query Quarry:
1. A core training course with video training lessons that walk you through retrieving data from Acumatica using Generic Inquiries, including the fundamental SQL concepts behind them, the Acumatica table structure, etc. Each video lesson is 5-10 minutes in length, designed for learning on the go.
2. A core set of Generic Inquiries that you can use so you don't have to build from scratch. This core will grow over time as I add new Generic Inquiries to it.
3. A private forum similar to the Generic Inquries forum here on AUG Forums, but I'll personally be more invested in responding faster to Query Quarry members who post in this private forum.
4. Additional monthly videos to address new things that haven't been covered in the core training course.
Does this sound interesting to you?
Thanks Tim. Yes, this sounds very interesting to me. I'll keep an eye out for updates on the QQ project!
I laughed out loud with your post, you should talk to these guys https://www.acumatica.com/acumatica-marketplace/phocas-data-analytics/ - it will make your life a lot easier!
All the best,
Carl
Peter, while you are looking at Phocas as Carl suggests, also look at DataSelf. This solution is so solid that Acumatica now uses it internally. https://www.acumatica.com/acumatica-marketplace/dataself-lite-tableau-powerbi-analytics/
Learning SQL is never a bad idea, since the GI functions like a big query designer. I found knowing SQL really helpful when trying to figure out how the system actually works. Being able to enter data into the test system, then writing queries to find where the data ended up in the DB - or querying the data, performing an action, then reviewing the data to see what all gets changed is a boon when first learning the system since there is no official complete schema/relation diagrams for Acumatica. Also, if you open any GI, you can use Tools -> Trace to get the underlying SQL by expanding the details.
Thanks @carl-brooks, @wyatt-erp, and @shawn-slavin, appreciate the advice and recommendations! I'm looking into both phocus and dataself (and already learning SQL on the side)
Peter, DataSelf leverages Tableau & Power BI, data warehousing and a rich set of pre-configured reports and dashboards. The entry-level solution costs $299/month and covers a wide and deep range of reporting needs for AP and AR Aging, Cash Flow Projection, Sales and Sales Orders. You can learn more at https://www.dataself.com/dataself-lite-acumatica/ . @shawn-slavin, thanks for the recommendation! 🙂