ROADS

ROADS (Richmond Online Analytical Data System) is an enterprise reporting platform utilizing Microstrategy.

Service Summary

The MicroStrategy platform supports interactive dashboards, scorecards, highly formatted reports, ad hoc query, thresholds and alerts, and automated report distribution. The application helps to analyze internal and external data in order to make informed business decisions.

Getting This Service

MicroStrategy Access

To gain or change access to MicroStrategy, you must follow Please follow the procedures on the ROADS Access Page.. The first step is to discuss with your supervisor what access you need and have them fill out a ROADS Access Request form, which should include the following:

  • Data Mart Access Section
    • Identify data marts needed for access (e.g., Finance, Human Resources, Admissions, etc.).
  • Notes Section
    • If possible, please specify to mimic an existing UR NetID for similar access (i.e., mimic access similar to jdoe).

MicroStrategy Login

  • Wired Network or connected to UR VPN: User accessing MicroStrategy from a computer connected to UR's wired network or UR's VPN may log in to MicroStrategy directly.
  • Remote/Wi-Fi Networks: Users accessing MicroStrategy from off-campus or while connected to UR's Wi-Fi networks will be required to use UR’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) with  DUO Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) before you can log in to MicroStrategy.
    • If you are already a VPN user, log in to Cisco AnyConnect Client with your UR NetID and  Password. Once connected, visit the MicroStrategy site (ROADS) to log in with your NetID and UR Password.
    • If you need VPN access, see the instructions on Virtual Private Network (VPN) to download the Cisco AnyConnect client from the IS Software Download Page. Once you have the client installed, log in to the VPN with your UR NetID and Pass Password and then MicroStrategy.

MicroStrategy Specifications

The University of Richmond is currently running MicroStrategy version 2021.

IMPORTANT: 

MicroStrategy 2021 does not support Microsoft Internet Explorer.

MicroStrategy supports and works best with the latest version of the following Web browsers:

  • Apple Safari
  • Google Chrome
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Mozilla Firefox

Note: Web users will be timed out after 30 minutes idle time.

Availability

The Data Warehouse and MicroStrategy are available, in general, seven days a week, 365 days a year, 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. EST.

Users can submit a request for assistance 24 x 7. However, the BI Group is only available for support 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

 

Overnight Maintenance

  • Data Mart Loads: Fresh data is loaded each day:
    • Overnight 12:00 a.m.–7:00 a.m.
    • The HR Data Mart is also refreshed at 3 pm
    • MicroStrategy is available during refresh windows, but some data may be incomplete or performance may be slow
  • Security Scripts: These scripts automatically create user accounts and assign permissions to users based on database permissions
    • Overnight 8:30 p.m.–4:00 a.m.

Training

The University of Richmond has many options available for MicroStrategy training: in-person training and business process training, as well as a multitude of quick guides for specific purposes. Information on these training options can be found on the ROADS Training page.

Policy

The Academic Data Mart contains sensitive and confidential information protected by FERPA and/or University policy. It is designed to provide unofficial data to authorized university employees for internal departmental use in support of their academic and administrative duties. Unauthorized use of this system and its material is strictly forbidden and may constitute a violation of state and/or federal law.

Data obtained from the Academic Data Mart may not be disclosed or used for reasons other than specifically set forth in your position responsibilities. The data cannot be shared with anybody outside of the university. Persons not adhering to FERPA and university policies (shown below) regarding protecting sensitive and confidential information will be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including termination. If you are unclear about your responsibilities when obtaining data from MicroStrategy, contact the Registrar's Office for more details.

All MicroStrategy users must adhere to the following UR policies: