EBS Get Proactive Deck

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Proactive Best Practices for the E-Business Suite

Prepared by:

Deidre Engstrom

Proactive Support, Oracle E-Business Suite

Resolve problems before they impact

your system! Harness the power of

Oracle Proactive tools and offerings

Session ID#: 15248



Safe Harbor Statement The following is intended to outline our general product direction. It is intended for information purposes only, and may not be incorporated into any contract. It is not a commitment to deliver any material, code, or functionality, and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions. The development, release, and timing of any features or functionality described for Oracle’s products remains at the sole discretion of Oracle.


Introductions

Deidre Engstrom– Senior Director,

Oracle E-Business Suite, Proactive Support

– Broad background with Oracle

– Developer with Oracle tools and database

– Implementing financials systems and Oracle Applications

– Supporting Oracle Applications

– Current: Started the EBS Proactive support team 3 years ago

– [email protected] Phone: +1 407-458-1818

mailto:[email protected]

GET PROACTIVE

With Oracle Premier Support


What is ‘Get Proactive’ all about?

Avoid the unexpected. GET PROACTIVE!

Prevent is about staying healthy, detecting

and solving issues before they have an

impact on your software and systems

Resolve is about detection capabilities and

diagnostic tools to help you implement the

right corrective actions

Upgrade is about doing it right the very first

time, ultimately creating a streamlined,

reliable, and repeatable process

Want even more?

Connection is a key enabler for

advanced proactive capabilities.

Look for this image throughout

the presentation as we identify

specific Oracle proactive support

capabilities unlocked when you

‘Get Connected’

432.1


Achieve Success

Lower Cost – Preventive System

Maintenance

Higher Business Value – Maximize

System Performance

Reduced Risk – Boost Uptime

With Oracle Support Best Practices


Introducing Analyzers

432.1 Get Proactive



Analyzer: A Powerful healthcheck and diagnostic

WHAT IF?

You could run a single healthcheck to automatically

review a multitude of documents relating to your

issue?

The healthcheck highlighted issues you didn’t even

realize you had?

You got a graphical, easy to read document that

summarized all that information for you?

Welcome the Oracle Analyzer!

Analyzers were created to automate our knowledge

content and make it easy and faster for you to

troubleshoot your issues.


Built to address known questions / issues within the products

Automates large amounts of complex content and scripts into an easy to use interface

Built to address common issues, those that are researched often, or complex items

Provides graphical, easy to follow output

Puts troubleshooting tools in the hands of your end-users

Can be scheduled and run via a concurrent process

Use a Range or Date scan – for proactive review

VERY positive feedback from customers

Benefits of using an Analyzer


Content Automation

Problem signatures and corresponding solutions are pulled from

content and automated

Dozens of signatures pulled into an analyzer


Easy to read Output


Enable functional super users

Analyzers accessible through concurrent programs (most)

Concurrent program security allows for configurable access

Can also run as standalone script


Proactive Monitoring

Scan for top issues before they become urgent. Examples:

• Are there PO’s stuck in approval I’m not aware of ?

• Is my Workflow Engine performance being impacted by too much historical data ?

• Are there issues that will prevent Payables period close ?


Up to date recommendations

Analyzers are frequently updated

Use them to check your system for compliance to latest

recommendations, or provide important information


Example use case: PO stuck in approval

It contains all elements of a typically complex problem

Symptoms are very discrete: the PO is stuck in

approval

Multiple root causes, hence multiple solutions

Diagnostic information is contained in data or

logs

Manual diagnosis is interactive check validate

refine repeat

As many other problems, it’s occurrence may precede

by days the discovery of the issue

Unfortunately found at the moment it becomes

urgent

Essentially a reactive discovery of the problem

Example: R12 PO Approval Analyzer


Begin Troubleshooting Problem

Which document has my solution?

All I know is that my PO is stuck, how do I refine further ?

This PO is urgent, I need it unstuck now!

I wish I could have found it was stuck earlier

Trivial symptom with multiple and complex causes multiple solutions time

consuming diagnosis for typically urgent matters


Value statement

W/O Analyzer – PO submitted for approval

– Preparer sees PO pending in approval

hierarchy

– Approval WF had encountered a fatal error

– No one in the Org can progress the PO

– PO approval becomes critical

– Issue is investigated, multiple matches in KB

– Complex steps

– SR logged, many steps to determine cause,

involve super users, DBA

– Issue is solved but had cost hours

With Analyzer – Super User assesses weekly PO health

– System screened for stuck POs

– Two issues found, PO A and B are stuck

– Time to act, need by date 1 week ahead

– Solution identified, amend setup, patch may

be needed, reset and restart PO

– POs go through approval with no further

issues


Putting it all together

ANALYZER

Data collection Enabling faster SR resolution

Frequent updates & Simple Deployment Result of multi-channel feedback (Including You) Single PLSQL or SQL file

Enabled for Functional/End users and Technical users Concurrent process Interface or standalone Usable HTML output

Proactive Capabilities Automation allows for range scans (does an issue exist that I’m not aware of ?)

Top Content – Automated Content solving high priority, complex or high frequency issues


EBS

Workflow analyzer script

Concurrent Processing – CP

Analyzer

EBS Reports and Printing

EBS Cloning Log Parser

HCM

RetroPay Analyzer

HCM Technical Analyzer

R11i / R12 OTL Analyzer

DOC ID: 432.1 E-Business Suite -> Analyzers Financials

R12: Master GDF

Diagnostic to validate Data

related to invoices,

Payments, Accounting,

Suppliers and EB Tax

R12: Period Close Helper

R12: EBTax Setup and

Data Integrity Analyzer

R12: Payables Trial Balance

Helper

R12: Internet Expense

Setup Helper

AR AutoInvoice Post

Process Validation Report

Manufacturing

R12: IP Item Analyzer

R12: PO Approval Analyzer

R11i / R12: ASCP Performance

Analyzer

R12: DCOGS Balance Analyzer

R12: SLA Unprocessed / Invalid

records Analyzer

R11i / R12: ASCP Data collection

Analyzer for setup and performance

monitoring

V6.2 OTM Analyzer script for

Analysis and Performance

monitoring


EBS Proactive Portfolio of Offerings

432.1 Get Proactive


Patch Wizard Patch Wizard analyzes and

compares patches currently

applied in your instance with the

ones included in the

Recommended Patch List

Patch Wizard performs an impact

analysis, and allows for easy

download of patches you decide to

apply


Patching and Maintenance Advisors

Contains proven methodologies

for patch application

Shares full details to successfully

complete pre-patch, patch

application, and post-patch

requirements

Provides tracking lessons learned

in testing your original patch plan

Checks to ensure satisfactory

patch and code levels are in place


Period Close Advisor

One-stop shop for period

close steps for all products

(in the order of closing)

Complete the critical

financial reporting process

accurately


Business Process Advisors are tabbed documents providing:

Overview of a business flow

process flow, and products involved

Demonstration scripts and associated videos

Key set-up steps and videos demonstrating the set-up steps

Hotspots – where data and control passes between different products

Related Flows

Business Process Advisor Overview


Stay Informed

Oracle E-Business Newsletters

Follow Oracle Premier Support through social media

channels

– Twitter | myoraclesupport | Oracle_EBS

– Blog

– My Oracle Support Community

– Facebook

Participate in Advisor Webcasts and hear from Oracle

Premier Support subject matter experts who will offer

methods and solutions to help you avoid potential pitfalls

https://support.oracle.com/CSP/main/article?cmd=show&type=NOT&id=222.1



http://twitter.com/myoraclesupport

https://twitter.com/myoraclesupport

https://twitter.com/Oracle_EBS

http://blogs.oracle.com/ebs/

https://communities.oracle.com/portal/server.pt/community/oracle_e-business_suite/228

http://www.facebook.com/OracleEBusinessSuiteSupport

https://support.us.oracle.com/oip/faces/secure/km/DocumentDisplay.jspx?id=740966.1


Oracle Advisor Webcasts

Stay Informed

Hear from Oracle Premier

Support Subject Matter Experts

who will discuss methods and

solutions to help you avoid

potential pitfalls with your

Oracle services, products, and

technologies.

support.oracle.com | ID 740966.1

Live virtual events

delivered straight to your

desktop or replay events

on-demand.


Assistants (Search Helpers)

Guided Resolutions following a logical Decision Tree

Find targeted solutions and relevant information based on frequently occurring scenarios and

customer business flows


My Oracle Support Communities- NEW

Join an extended

network of Oracle

professionals and

industry peers and

find answers fast


EBS Patching Community

The Patching

Community changes

the way to get

information on EBS

Patches.

Start a thread directly

in order to receive

expert advice around

your patching needs.


EBS: Get Proactive by Finding

Answers !

Doc: 1421002.1

Self-Paced lab’s and Videos on

Search & Community

EBS: Get Proactive by Finding Answers!


One-Stop ‘Product’ Shop

Comprehensive best practices, tools and knowledge

Targeted content to assist you with troubleshooting and

error resolution

Product Information Centers


Product Diagnostics Framework

Simplify troubleshooting by regularly scheduling and executing diagnostics tests

Diagnostic tests are used prior to ‘go live’, and/or prior to closing an accounting period

Issues are proactively identified and corrected before deadlines


E-Business Upgrade Advisor Doc id: 269.1 Upgrade Lifecycle Advisors are

specially crafted documents-

Phase Approach

Provides step-by-step

instructions to perform an

upgrade

Easy to follow upgrade process

for 11.5.10.2 to 12.1.3

Access to the relevant

information and knowledge

dependent on current phase/step

in the Lifecycle process

Potential to reduce the total

upgrade lead time


12.1 CUP 2 & Pre-Install Patches

12.1.1 CUP 2

Pre-install patches for R12.1

R12.1 patch that delivers higher

versions for files called by the R12.1

main upgrade driver

Monthly updated of EBS Wide pre-

install patches

Patches Categorized

Upgrade Failure

Upgrade Performance

Data Fix

Consolidated in one location

all EBS pre-install

Merge with R12.1.1 main upgrade

driver


Maintenance Wizard

Guidance through the upgrade process

For Release 11i versions to Release 12

Minimizes upgrade tasks by dynamically

filtering the necessary steps based on IT

stack related criteria

Provides a report with a set of step-by-

step instructions, including any critical

patches required

Reduces the possibility of errors or

accidental omission of vital tasks


EBS Data Model Comparison Report Provides the database object definition

changes between two E-Business

releases

Helps to preview the database object

definition changes before upgrading

Shows impact analysis of the database

object changes that may affect

customizations or business flows


ATG Seed Data Model Comparison Report

Provides a delta view between different

E-Business releases by documenting

the seed data changes

Delivered by the product data loader

files (.ldt extension)

Based on the E-Business ATG loader

control (.lct extension) files


EBS File Comparison Report


SQLTXPLAIN Tool

Perform SQL Tuning analysis

using the SQLTXPLAIN (SQLT)

tool

Diagnostic output generated by

the tool aids in troubleshooting

performance problems


ORA-600/7445 Tool

Advanced troubleshooting

capabilities for generic ORA-600

and ORA-7445 errors

Diagnosis can be done based on

error code, error message, or by

parsing the related stack trace


Summary Proactive Information


My Oracle Support Accreditation

Program Accreditations

My Oracle Support (Level 1)

Product-Specific (Level 2)

Program Pages

Program Home page – 1583898.1

FAQ – 1585906.1

E-Business Suite Path

EBS path – 1580100.1

Stay informed, period close, patching,

Certifications, upgrade advisor, reporting

Why Get Accredited?

Enhanced reputation & Skills

Increased productivity, more time

on your job

Stay current on tools and best

practices

Easy to implement, high-value

best practices

Join our early adopter program Personalized experience Help forums Drive improvements See FAQ to sign up


Take Advantage of Oracle Support Best Practices

Don’t leave value on the table

Lower overall organizational costs through

preventative maintenance

Reduce risks and maximize uptime

Achieve resolution faster

Streamline and simplify your daily operations

Get even more through connection


Get Proactive – Discover More

‘I want to’ Resource

DISCOVER more about Support

Best Practices

Support Best Practices

ACT … Get Proactive Access best practices, capabilities, and tools

available for your products by visiting the Get

Proactive portfolio product pages at My Oracle

Support (Article ID 432.1)

STAY INFORMED with the Get

Proactive Blog

‘Get Proactive’ – The Insider Track’

CONTACT the Get Proactive team

today for help getting started

[email protected]

http://www.oracle.com/us/support/best-practices/overview/index.html

http://supporthtml.oracle.com/

http://supporthtml.oracle.com/






Details: E-Business Suite Analyzers


Oracle Workflow Analyzer

Proactive script that reviews the current Workflow Footprint

Analyzes the configurations and your environment

Provides feedback, and recommendations on best practices and areas of concern

Immediate analysis and output of Workflow environment

Easy-to-add tool for regular Workflow maintenance

Execute anytime to compare trending from past outputs


Oracle Concurrent Processing Analyzer

Immediate Analysis and Output of

Concurrent Environment

Identifies Concurrent System Setup and

configurations

Identifies and recommends Concurrent Best

Practices

Easy to add Tool for regular Concurrent

Maintenance

Execute Analysis anytime to compare

trending from past outputs


Clone Log Parser Utility Save time validating Clone Logs

Consolidates over 12 cloning log

file types in a single HTML

Linked solutions for instant error-

fix recommendations

Provides basic configuration and

health checks of the environment


Identifies known data integrity issues during Migration/Upgrade/New Install

Isolates specific setup with the corrective action to resolve

My Oracle Support Notes and/or data-fix patches to resolve issues

Still have question – go to Oracle Payables Community or the EBTax Community

R12 EBTax Setup and Data Integrity Analyzer

https://communities.oracle.com/portal/server.pt/community/support/284

https://communities.oracle.com/portal/server.pt/community/e-business_tax/232


Consolidates list of items that will stop period close

Review parameters and transactions to correct

Helpful information to resolve targeted transactions

Functional End Users can execute

Execute as Standalone or as Concurrent Request

R12 Period Close Helper Diagnostic to Validate Data Before Period Close


Integrity Check

Validates single or multiple OU setups

Reduces the time needed to troubleshoot

Shows recent setups, profiles options,

key items for OIE health and usage in

easy report

Instant Check on Recommended Patches

Identifies needed RPCs that have

fixes for 80% of corruption issues

No need to contact the DBA

Both functional and technical users

can use these diagnostics

R12 Internet Expenses Setup Helper


Smoother Reconciliation Experience

Structured self help feature

Output has highlighted solutions

for fast turn around

Avoid Last Minute Hassle

Run anytime and clear

transactions

Instant Check on Recommended

Patches

RPCs have fixes for 80% of the

corruptions identified to date

No need to contact the DBA

Both functional and technical

users can use these diagnostics

R12 Payables Trial Balance Helper


AutoInvoice Post-Process Validation Report: Overview and Installation Instructions Execute report immediately after the AutoInvoice Import

program.

Can be executed Standalone or as a Concurrent Request.

Analyzes validation errors encountered by AutoInvoice program

and points to a Knowledge Article that contains information on

how to resolve the errors.

Provides additional recommendations for some of the common

validation errors.

Additional Health Checks categorized based on severity verify

system setup for optimal performance of AutoInvoice .

Critical - identifies issues that would prevent successful

processing of interface tables.

Warning - identifies issues that could adversely affect

the performance of AutoInvoice program.

Informational - identifies issues that may not cause

failure but can be improved.

Parameters decide the Output styles

Report can be printed for All Operating Units or a

specific Operating Unit.

Can be in Detail format, providing a lot of additional

references to useful Setup and Troubleshooting

documents pertaining to validation errors. In Summary

format, the report provides only essential information

pertaining to validation errors.

Pass the Request ID of AutoInvoice program to know

the concurrent request status, reporting on successfully

created transactions, etc.


Immediate Analysis and Output of ASCP Environment

Identifies Entity Data Volume

Identifies Database parameter and recommendations

Identifies planning process programs run time trend

Easy to add tool for regular maintenance

Execute analysis anytime to compare trending from past outputs

ASCP Performance Analyzer (11.5.x & R12) Script for Performance Monitoring


RetroPay Analyzer (Notes 1512437.1 &1568260.1)

Immediate Analysis and Output of your Environment.

Can be run any time as it is a simple SQL script. Provides .html output file that can be opened in

any browser. Can be run for all business groups and/or

legislations. Can pass business group id/legislation code as a

parameter to get specific results. Can pass both parameters as inline parameters. Identifies issues and displays content in red. User can look at data by clicking on any button. Allows to post any further questions directly to

Payroll community. This script was designed for 11.5.10.2 and later. The RetroPay Analyzer Tool can also be run as a

Concurrent Request using Note 1568260.1

https://mosemp.us.oracle.com/epmos/faces/DocumentDisplay?id=1568260.1


Smoother Period Close: MGD + PCH + RPC The opportunity for a smoother month-end is within your grasp. It comprises of 3 parts:

Diagnose and Correct Data Integrity

Issues – Doc ID: 1360390.1

Determine and Action Period Close

Obstacles – Doc ID: 1489381.1

Prevent Reoccurrence with Code

Fixes – Doc ID: 1397581.1

TIP:

Functional End Users

C –Level & Project leads

Critical to know

Master Generic

Datafix

Diagnostics

(MGD/GDF)

Period Close

Helper (PCH) Recommended

Patch

Collection

(RPC)

Smoother

Period Close


Proactive checks with recommendations to prevent known

issues

Critical patches that have not been applied

Invalid objects along with error message and

solutions for common errors

Validations of setup and database conditions, e.g.,

Max extents and space issues

Multiple document checks that detect problems and find

solutions for a range of documents

Data corruption issues

Workflow errors with generic messages i.e. document

manager errors

Documents with workflows in error that cannot be

progressed via the application

Single document check prints all the information needed to

troubleshoot the problem with the approval process including

Table dumps

Workflow activity

Data integrity issues

The approval list

R12 PO Approval Analyzer


HCM (Human Capital Management) Technical Analyzer (1562530.1) Identifies and recommends HCM Best Practices.

Available for all E-Business Suite releases.

Immediate Analysis and Output of your HCM technical points

(performance checks, invalid objects, disabled triggers, database

issues, profile settings, packages and java classes version,

patching status).


Provides .html output file that can be opened in any browser with

information structured with buttons.

Health Checks categorized based on severity with different levels of

attention required:

Error - identifies issues that would prevent correct HCM

functionalities.

Warning - identifies issues that could adversely affect the

HCM performance.

Advice - identifies points to improve.

Parameters decide the output sections:

Run Type output can include only ISSUES -

Advisor/Health Check (Output targeted to customer for

problem resolution. This option will display only those sections

where an issue or potential issue is identified).

ALL - Data Collector (Output geared to Oracle Support for

analysis. This option will display all information gathered and

also the issues identified and recommended notes).

You can choose the HCM Product (Benefits, Human

Resources, iRecruitment, Oracle Time and Labor, Payroll, Self

Service Human Resources).

https://support.oracle.com/epmos/faces/DocumentDisplay?id=1562530.1&type=DOCUMENT


OTL (Oracle Time and Labor) Analyzer (1580490.1) Complete diagnostics script including previous OTL diagnostics in

addition to new sections that scan OTL Setup and proactively provide

reminders/comments/warnings/errors about areas that might cause

potential problems in customer's environment.

Available for all E-Business Suite releases.

Immediate Analysis and Output of your OTL Environment (OTL setup

scan , performance checks, database object issues, profile settings,

patching status, specific timecard data).

Can saves a considerable amount of time when working with Oracle

Support.


List of values available for persons, start date, hxt id or batch id.

Provides .html output file that can be opened in any browser with

information structured with tab pages and buttons.

Health Checks categorized based on severity with different levels of

attention required (Advice, Warning, Error) Parameters dictate the tabs included in output:

OTL technical information (version, patching, performance,

database objects).

OTL setup analyzer.

Employee Preferences.

Specific timecard data .

HXC (Self Service, Timekeeper, API) Timecard Data.

HXT (OTLR/PUI) Timecard Data.

Batch information.

https://support.oracle.com/epmos/faces/DocumentDisplay?id=1580490.1&type=DOCUMENT


iP Item Analyzer Proactive checks with recommendations to prevent

Critical patches that have not been applied

Invalid objects along with error message and solutions

for common errors

Validations of setup conditions - for example, profile

options that may cause search issues

Multiple document checks that detect problems and find

solutions for a range of issues.

Data corruption issues

Purchasing categories not mapped

All items that do not have a shopping category mapped

to a purchasing category

Single document check prints all the information needed to

troubleshoot the problem with the search process, including:

Multiple checks to verify if item should be searchable in

iProcurement

Analyzes item on purchase orders to validate if the item

will appear in the search

Data integrity issues


Immediate Analysis and Output of ASCP Environment Identifies Entity Data Volume

Identifies Database parameter and recommendations

Identifies planning process programs run time trend

Easy to add tool for regular maintenance

Execute analysis anytime to compare trending from past outputs

R11i / R12: ASCP Performance Analyzer Script for Performance Monitoring


DCOGSDiag.sql to identify sales orders which constitute the Deferred Cost of Goods Sold (DCOGS)

account balance

Output of DCOGSDiag.sql is an excel file with multiple worksheets. Each worksheet represents sales

order information at different levels:

Sales Orders Created/Shipped within a given period

Invoice Not Created for Sales Orders

Data stuck in AR Interface

Invoiced Sales Orders but data Not moved to AR

Invoiced Sales Orders moved to AR

Sales Orders which are Revenue Recognized

Sales Orders which are COGS Recognized

Inventory Transactions for Sales Orders (MMT data)

Inventory Distributions for Sales Orders (MTA data)

Review the output columns and flags

Perform the recommended Action(s) to process the transaction

R12: DCOGS Balance Analyzer


Designed to be run when there are unprocessed / invalid SLA

records existing in the application

Understand the relevant errors and error messages

Analyze the cause of events and better understand the

resolution of the same

Easy to read HTML file

For Application Cost Management

Source: Inventory, WIP, Receiving

R12: SLA Unprocessed / Invalid Records Analyzer for Cost Management


Easily run the script from Sql*Plus as the

GLOGOWNER user

Identifies Entity Data Volume

Identifies Database Parameter and

recommendations

Identifies OTM processes volume

Warning messages in yellow provide clear

solutions

V6.2: OTM Analyzer for Analysis and Performance Monitoring


Printing, Reports, Pasta Analyzer

EBS Reports

Setup

Reports Font & Viewer Setup

Reports Upgrade with Oracle E-Business Suite Release 12

Troubleshooting

Consolidation of Reports Formatting & Report Errors

Common Reports APP-FND-00500 Errors

EBS Printing

Setup

Setting up Printer Drivers, Printer Initialization Strings, &

Printing Formatting

Installation & Setup of a Printer

Troubleshooting

Consolidation of Printing: Troubleshooting, Junk Characters,

Page Breaks,& Re-print Failures

Common Printing APP-FND-00500 Errors

EBS Pasta Printing

Setup

Pasta Printing Setup & Epson Printer Setup for Pasta

Printing

Changing Font Size for Pasta Printing

AND MORE ….



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