Frequently Asked Questions - EIS
QUESTION: Is there a way to find specific content in a Model?

ANSWER: The Find option is available to search model content.  To show the Find (binocular imge) icon, click the arrow on the Help button located on the Display bar near the bottom of the screen.  Selecting the Find option will open a Find window. Within the Find window, under the Search string, select the criteria and text.  Under the Find text in, select Cube.  Click on the Find button to see results in the right panel.  You then can Filter, Replace Rows, or Replace Columns of highlighted criteria.  

QUESTION: What kind of information is available through EIS?

ANSWER: The 'Sample Reports' section provides sample questions and request examples that can be answered by some of the EIS models. Visit the Sample Reports pages for detailed information.


QUESTION: How do I get access to EIS?

ANSWER: The Access and Security Representative (ASR) within your administrative area must agree that you should have access to the Enterprise Information System and make a formal request to Administrative Information Services.


QUESTION: What are the hours that I can access EIS?

ANSWER: The EIS service will be available between the hours of 7:30 am and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The service will be generally available between the hours of 7 p.m. through 5 a.m., Monday through Friday and on weekends. ITS maintenance activity may result in occasional service disruptions between the hours of 5 and 7:30 am Monday through Friday and on weekends.


QUESTION: Can I access EIS with my MAC?

ANSWER: Yes, MAC users may access EIS with Firefox 1.0.4 or 1.5.0.2.


QUESTION: I am unable to get to the AIS logon screen. What should I do?

ANSWER: Try to launch your browser or Email to see if your connectivity is working. If your browser and Email also do not work, either your local connection is not operating correctly or there is an EIS connectivity problem. If this is the case, contact your local support person first. If your browser and Email work but AIS access does not, contact the AIS Support Center, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 3 to 11 p.m. at (814) 863-2276.


QUESTION: I am logged onto an AIS application, i.e. CCOM, but I am stuck. What do I do?

ANSWER: Contact the AIS Support Center, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 3 to 11 p.m. at (814) 863-2276.


QUESTION: What is a "model?"

ANSWER: In essence, they are summary-level subsets of data, dealing with a specific issue. For instance, the "Official Enrollment Model" will allow you to view summary level information about enrollments. Each model is designed based on the anticipated needs of the end user. For instance, in dealing with enrollments, you may view the number of students that fit into certain enrollment categories, i.e., gender, ethnicity, college, etc.


QUESTION: How can I develop a model?

ANSWER: In order to develop a model for the Enterprise Information System, you must first purchase a desktop version of the EIS software. For software availability, contact the Business Intelligence (BI)Team. 

Once the EIS product has been installed on your desktop, you may then query either the Data Warehouse or local database, and build a model based on the needs of the area you support. Because of the need for standards and conformity of models, it is required that you present your concept and model plan to the EIS Review Committee which is coordinated by the BI Team before it is placed on the EIS Web server.



QUESTION: What is a personal "NewsBox" and how do I use it to save a personal view of a model?

ANSWER: A personal “NewsBox” is a folder setup especially for you that is available to save shortcuts, reports, custom views, URLs, etc. Only you have access to your personal “NewsBox.”

The EIS allows you to save particular views of models - similar to "bookmarking" a favorite Web page. This is done by utilizing a feature called your personal "NewsBox." Instructions on how to use your personal NewsBox to save a personal view can be found on the EIS Web site Using the EIS NewsBox located in the Using the EIS Software section.



QUESTION: Who is in charge of EIS?

ANSWER: The EIS Coordinating Committee consists of representatives from various University departments. This group has been meeting since Feb. 1995, and was originally charged to examine the feasibility of developing an enterprise information system for Penn State. The committee is currently co-chaired by Edith Hertzog, Karen Schultz and Mark Weaver who negotiate with the software vendor, coordinate training, do marketing for the EIS, and serve as an information and technical resource for those departments interested in providing EIS models. The EIS is co-sponsored by Dr. John Romano, Ronald Rash and P. Richard Althouse.


QUESTION: What is the role of the EIS Information Specialist?

ANSWER: The EIS Informatin Specialist acts as a point of contact between the University community and Administrative Information Services (AIS) with respect to the EIS. The EIS Information Specialist will participate in the investigation and implementation of new features of software, act as a liaison for the University with the software vendor, and will provide guidance and assistance to offices as they develop and support EIS models.


QUESTION: What is the EIS Coordinating Committee?

ANSWER: The EIS Coordinating Committee develops and enforces established EIS standards, provides recommendations regarding new/expanded system functionality, and represents the EIS Sponsors in overseeing the continued growth and enrichment of the system.


QUESTION: Where on the EIS Web page do I look for help?

ANSWER: Documentation folders exist for each model in the Index and NewIndex areas of the EIS system, which describe the information presented in the models. A contact for each model is listed below the model name in the description area.

Other information is available when you are in an EIS model, look for the Help (question mark "?") icon on the toolbar near the bottom of your screen. Clicking this icon will open a new Web browser (on top of your view) and display the PowerPlay Web Explorer (EIS) help system. From here you can proceed with the displayed information or select information from the Content, Index or Glossary tabs.

The Explain ("i" within a blue circle) icon displays available functions and information based on the model being viewed, i.e. model dimensions and size, filters used, Custom Exceptions, Measures, etc. To show the Explain icon, click the arrow on the Help button.


QUESTION: If I have a question about EIS, whom should I contact?

ANSWER: If your question is system or security related, contact the AIS Support Center at (814) 863-2276. If your question is specific to a model, the contact for the model is listed in the description area of the model on the EIS system.


QUESTION: How will I know when a new model becomes available?

ANSWER: New model information can be found in the EIS News box on the EIS home page of the AIS website.


QUESTION: How can I tell when a model was last updated?

ANSWER: The date a model was last refreshed is displayed in the upper left hand corner of an open model just above the 'drop down menu' section.


QUESTION: Where can I find the update schedule for each model?

ANSWER: The updates schedule for a model can be found in the description below the model title along with contact information.


QUESTION: Can the colors on a chart be changed?

ANSWER: No, the colors are set prior to publishing a model to the Web.


QUESTION: Is there a financial model, and how do I get access?

ANSWER: Yes, there are financial models. However, at this time they are at the unit level and not the departmental level. You should discuss EIS financial model needs with your Financial Officer.