Intermediate ACL Class

Intermediate ACL for Windows

Course Level: Intermediate

CPE Credits: 20

Course Description:

This 2.5 day “hands on” course builds upon the material and subject
matter presented in the Introduction to ACL for Windows class. Advanced
ACL commands and data analysis techniques will be introduced and
explained. The advantages of “linking” files through establishing ACL
data relations will be addressed through the use of real-world data and
group exercises. Participants will learn efficient ways to filter or remove
unwanted data from their ACL data files. ACL Group and Script
commands will be presented as a means to enhance data analysis
efficiency and effectiveness. The course will also cover the use of
advanced ACL Functions to simplify and automate various data analysis
tasks.

Course Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, each participant will be able to:

Understand and successfully utilize the more advanced
commands, functions and other features within the ACL for
Windows software system.
Perform data analysis operations while simultaneously utilizing
multiple data files.
Perform various group and script related operations to enhance
data analysis effectiveness and efficiency.
Perform digital analysis (Benford’s Law) operations using the
Benford command.
Utilize advanced ACL functions to assist in performing complex
data analysis operations.

Course Balance:

Lecture / discussion: 50%
In-class applications: 20%
Section exercises: 30%

Course Prerequisites:

Participants should have previously completed the Introduction to ACL for
Windows course or have basic working knowledge of the ACL for
Windows software system.

Other Information:

PIA Consulting will provide comprehensive course manuals containing
presentation material, command, function and other ACL reference
material, class exercises, and glossary sections.

Course Outline:

Day 1 and 2

Day 2 and 3

A. ACL Refresher
- Review of data analysis techniques
- Review of common data types and
   structures
- Review of the ACL Environment
- Review of common ACL Commands
- ACL Functions review
- What’s new in version 8
B. Enhancing Efficiency with Script
   and Group Commands
- Scripts and Groups defined
- Static and interactive Scripts
- Creating and using command groups
- Limitations of Scripts and Groups
C. Data / Record Filtering
- Filtering defined
- Advantages and disadvantages of
   record filtering
- Practical applications for applying
   filters

D. Benford’s Law / Digital Analysis
- Benford’s Law defined
- The ACL Benford command
- Output generation and interpretation
E. Working with Multiple Data Files
- Data Relations defined
- Considerations when establishing
   data relations
- File Join Command
- Data Relations vs. File Join
- Overcoming intra-file record
   comparison limitations
F. Working with “Difficult” Data
- Classifying and sorting on “numeric”
    key fields
- Advanced ACL Functions
- Other ACL tips and tricks
G. Comprehensive Class Exercise

H. Course Wrap-up & Discussion