Getting Started and Troubleshooting

1. Get Data Warehouse Security

The University of Nebraska Data Warehouse includes SAP data.

If you are new to the Data Warehouse, complete and submit this online Request for Access form and specify that you need access to "both HR and financial data for all UNL" in order to use the Toolbox. This will create a ticket to start the security process. You will receive updates as work is completed on your ticket. When you receive an email that your ticket is resolved, follow the instructions provided in the email to finalize setup.

2. Establish a Data Connection

Follow these directions to establish or update a connection from your computer to the data warehouse. Your IT support person can help you through this process, if needed.
Note: If you have used the Toolboxes in the past and are now being prompted to enter a password when running queries, your ODBC connection needs to be updated to use single sign on.  Follow the directions provided to update your ODBC connection. 

Troubleshooting

If you used to be able to run nulook queries, such as those in the HR or Financial Toolboxes, but are now having issues, it may be because it may be because your computer has not yet been set up for security level 4, which is now a requirement for all nulook users under Executive Memorandum 42. Please contact your IT support person who can help update your security level to the High Risk category.
Here is an explanation from ITS on this new security level:

The Enterprise Data Warehouse (nulook) serves the entire University of Nebraska System and houses data from multiple sources. Most of data is considered confidential, restricted, or sensitive, and it is protected by law, regulation, or sponsor requirements. Most importantly, the loss of confidentiality, integrity, or available could have a significant and adverse impact on the organizational mission, operations, assets, reputation, or individuals. Not all users access the sensitive data, but since that kind of data is in the warehouse, the Enterprise Data Warehouse is classified as ‘High Risk’ and falls under guidelines of EM42.

3. Download the Toolbox

  1. Email Financial Systems to request either Toolbox. (Please specify which Toolbox you want.) You will receive an email that includes a link from which you can download the Toolbox.
  2. After following the link, do NOT select "Open" the file -- you must select "Download" for the toolbox to download and function properly on your computer. If the file automatically saves to your download folder, make sure to move it to a convenient location, such as your desktop. After completing the steps below, you'll be ready to use the Toolbox.
  3. If you plan to use the HR Toolbox - PAF Generator functions, you must update the "PAF Completed By" and "PAF Signer" tables using the buttons on the main menu.

Note: The first time you open the Toolbox, there may be a few steps required to designate it as a trusted document if any errors occur.

Make it a Trusted Document
  1. Access Options
    From the File menu, scroll to the bottom and select "Options."
  2. Navigate to the Trust Center
    In the Options menu, locate and click "Trust Center," which is found at the bottom left.
  3. Modify Trust Center Settings
    Click on "Trust Center Settings," then select "Macro Settings."
  4. Enable All Macros
    Choose the option to "Enable All Macros." (You may disregard the warning as the Toolbox is safe to use.)
  5. Restart Access
    Close Microsoft Access and reopen it to apply the changes.

Important: If you encounter an error indicating that the location is not trusted, please follow these steps:

Set a Trusted Location
  1. Stop All Macros
    Click Stop All Macros and acknowledge any prompts by selecting OK until all dialog boxes are closed. Then exit the database.
  2. Create a Folder
    On your desktop, create a new folder named "HR Toolbox" or "Financial Toolbox," as appropriate. Move the "HR Toolbox DB-FY25"/"Financial Toolbox-FY25” into this newly created folder.
  3. Configure Trusted Locations in Access:
    1. Open Microsoft Access. Navigate to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings
    2. In the Trust Center, select Trusted Locations and click Add New Location.
    3. Use the Browse option to locate and highlight the "HR Toolbox"/"Financial Toolbox" folder you just created. Click OK.
  4. Finalize Settings
    Continue to click "OK" as needed to close all dialog boxes.
  5. Reopen the Database
    Exit Microsoft Access. Open the "HR Toolbox DB-FY25"/"Financial Toolbox-FY25" from the new folder to confirm that it is functioning correctly.

Need Assistance? Contact Dana Abu Swailem by email or via Teams messaging.

HR and Financial Toolboxes