Oracle Applications

(Basics of ERP & Oracle EBS as an ERP Suite)

 1. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
1.1 Overview

 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) aims at improving the overall profitability

of the organization by using all the required resources (human, materials,
machines, and money) in an integrated manner.

 Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems integrate internal and external

management information across an entire organization, embracing
finance/accounting, manufacturing, sales and service, customer relationship
management, etc.

 The basic goal is provide one central repository for all information that is shared
by all the various ERP facets in order to smooth the flow of data across the
organization.

Figure -1 ERP Overview

1.2 ERP Solution: CAR Manufacturing Company

Figure-2: ERP Solution for Car Manufacturing Company

As illustrated in the above figure,

 The ERP solution helps sales executives at a dealer showroom take orders for a
particular model of the car and pass on the customer requirements (like AC / Non-
AC, Color, Power Steering, etc.) to the production department.

 The production department schedules for the production of the car. The Materials
Requirement Planning (MRP) run at the production department will automatically
create a component procurement plan for the purchase department.

 Based on the procurement plan, the purchase department procures components

from external suppliers, well in time for inclusion in the assembly of the car.

 Once the car is produced, the logistics module of the system handles the movement
of the finished car to the dealer.

 The accounting module takes care of payments to the suppliers and billing the
dealers.
1.3 ERP Solution for a Grocery Shop:

Figure: 3 ERP Solutions

As illustrated in the above figure,

 The ERP solution helps sales executive to take orders from customer with their
required items.
 Then it is checked in the stores for availability. If item is available in the stores then
they are delivered to the customer. If it is not available in the stores, ERP system
initiates procurement of the items with the suppliers.
 When the procured items are received from the supplier they are moved to stores
and then they are dispatched to Customer.
 ERP solution helps the finance executives to receive the money from the customer
for the sales order delivery.
 ERP solution helps the finance executive to pay the money to the vendor/suppliers
for the procured items from them.
1.4 ERP Features:

a) Integrated

The various functional modules (viz., Production, Finance, Sales, etc.) are
closely coupled so that critical data used by each department in the Organization is
not redundant or inconsistent and is timely and accurate.

b) Process Oriented

A “process” is a set of core activities that add value to an organization.

For example, in a payables system, processes are Creating invoices, paying the
invoice and accounting the invoice.

c) Best Practices

Most of the ERP solutions are built on best practices followed in the industry.

d) Scalability

Taking care of future information requirements of the business, an ERP system can
scale and grow.

1.5 ERP Tools /Software’s:

Figure-4: ERP Tools / Software’s

1.5.1 Popular and Specializations:

Oracle Apps : Financial Domain

SAP : Manufacturing

People Soft : HRMS (Human Resource Management System)

JD Edwards : Manufacturing

Siebel : CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

1.6 ERP-ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES :

1.6.1 ADVANTAGES:

a) Information integration

All departments (Production, Finance, Sales, etc) are coupled so that Critical
Data used by each department in the organization is not redundant or
Inconsistent and is timely and accurate.

b) Design engineering

Helps the creation of design and enhance the design.

c) Tracking the transaction.

Tracking of any transactions (like purchase order creation, Invoice Creation,

Sales order creation) is easily.

d) Decision Making

ERP solution enhances information management in the organization by

Providing decision-makers quick and selective access to important data.

1.6.2 DISADVANTAGES:

a) High training costs

Providing training to Users costs high.

b) Customization

Standard oracle application is not suitable to any client requirement. Every

Customer needs to customize the standard application based on their
Requirement.

c) Huge investment in terms of time and money

Buying Any ERP, cost of configuring/Customizing the ERP is very costly. It

takes Lot of time for implementing an ERP solution.
 2. Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS)

2.1. Overview:

Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS), also commonly known as Oracle

Applications, is a suite of business applications made up of a large number of distinct
software domains. Some of the domains are: Oracle Financials, Oracle Marketing,
Oracle Supply Chain Management and Human Resources.

 Oracle EBS is popular and specialization in Financial Domain.

 Now oracle has acquired People Soft, JD Edwards and Siebel.

 Approximately Over 3700 customers in 59 countries use Oracle Applications.

 Oracle offers a suite of application products to support financial, distribution,

Manufacturing, project management, and government operations.

2.2 Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) Features:

 A tightly integrated family of Application Products with a common database.

 Provides strong built-in adaptability

 Full Graphical User Interface

 Business Flow Orientation

 Oracle Application enables Standardisation of Business Processes across the

Organisation.

 Enterprise Decision Support

2.3 Oracle Product Families:

Oracle Applications include more than 35 integrated modules for financial

management, project systems, supply chain management, manufacturing,
project systems, human resources and sales force automation.
a) Oracle applications Overview

Figure-5: Oracle applications Overview

b) Oracle applications Product Families - Overview:

Figure-6: Oracle applications Overview Families

2.3.1 Oracle Financials:

The main areas of Oracle financials include General Ledger (GL), Accounts
Receivable (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), fixed assets (FA).

2.3.1.1 Financial Modules -A Snapshot

Figure: 7 Financial Modules -A Snapshot

 2.3.1.2 Oracle Financials modules process flow:

Figure 8: Oracle Financials Process Flow

2.3.1.3 Modules in Oracle Financials:

Module name /Application Short Name
Name
Oracle General Ledger GL
Oracle Payables AP
Oracle receivables AR
Oracle Fixed Assets FA
Oracle Cash Management CM

2.3.2 Oracle Applications for Supply Chain Management:

Oracle’s supply chain management modules include integrated multiple facilities

Planning and execution capabilities that streamline demand and supply
Management. Oracle Applications for Supply Chain Management include:

2.3.2.1 Modules in Oracle Supply Chain Management:

Module name /Application Short Name

Name
Oracle Supply Chain Planning MSC
Oracle Master Scheduling/MRP MRP
Oracle Inventory INV
Oracle Supplier Scheduling CHV
 Oracle Purchasing PO
Oracle Payables AP
Oracle Order Entry OE
Oracle Product Configuration
Oracle Receivables AR
Oracle Service CS
Oracle Quality QA

2.3.3 Oracle Applications for Manufacturing:

Leading companies are using Oracle Manufacturing to reduce cycle times,

Streamline Operations, and optimize their manufacturing processes using
Innovative methods. Oracle Applications for Manufacturing include:

2.3.3.1 Modules in Oracle Supply Chain Management:

Module name/Application Name Short Name

Oracle Engineering ENG
Oracle Product Configuration
Oracle Bills of Material BOM
Oracle Supply Chain Planning
Oracle Master Scheduling/MRP MRP
Oracle Capacity CRP
Oracle Inventory INV
Oracle Supplier Scheduling CHV
Oracle Purchasing PO
Oracle Work in Process WIP
Oracle Cost Management CST
Oracle Quality QA
Oracle GEMMS

2.3.4 Oracle Applications for Projects:

In today’s increasingly service-driven economy, project accounting is the

Application that defines profitability for many organizations.

2.3.4.1 Modules in Oracle Projects:

Module name /Application Short Name

Name
Oracle Project Management
Oracle Project Costing
Oracle Project Billing
Oracle Personal Time and Expense
Oracle Activity Management
Gateway
Oracle Applications Data Warehouse
2.3.5 Oracle Applications for Human Resources:

With Oracle Human Resources, you can maximize the potential of your workforce
through effective recruitment, staffing, training, compensation, and planning.
Oracle Applications for Human Resources include:

2.3.5.1 Modules in Human Resources:

Module name /Application Short Name

Name
Oracle Payroll PAY
Oracle Human Resources PER
Oracle Training Administration
Oracle Time Management
Oracle Sales Compensation
Oracle Labor Distribution

2.3.6 Oracle Applications for Sales Force Automation:

Efficient sales and marketing force, accurate and timely market information, and
the ability to expand into new markets are key to maximizing market
opportunities. Oracle Applications for Sales Force Automation
include:

2.3.6.1 Modules in Human Resources:

Module name /Application Name Short Name

Oracle Financial Analyzer ZFA
Oracle Applications Data Warehouse
Oracle Sales and Marketing
Oracle Sales Compensation
Oracle Applications for the Web

2.3.7 Oracle Applications technology layer:

The Oracle Applications technology layer lies between the Oracle Applications
technology stack and the Oracle Applications product-specific modules. It
provides Features common to all Oracle Applications products.
.
2.3.7.1 Oracle Applications technology layer

Module name /Application Name Short Name

Oracle Application Object Library AOL
Oracle System Administration SA
Oracle Alerts ALR
Oracle Work flow WF
Oracle Applications DBA AD
Oracle Applications Utilities AU
Oracle Common Modules AK
 Oracle Applications Framework FWK
Oracle XML Publisher XDO

2.4 Oracle E-Business suite Advantages:

a) Rich, Global Functionality

 Oracle Applications’ family of over 35 tightly integrated applications efficiently

Manages your entire global enterprise.
 Oracle Applications provide the flexibility and control you need to successfully
Implement them.
 Applications solution grows with you as you constantly evolve your business
To maintain a competitive edge.

b) Flexibility without Programming

 Most application systems take too long to install. Once installed, they take too
long to adapt to your changing business needs. Oracle Applications have
unprecedented flexibility so that our customers typically implement in half the
time and at half the cost of competitive systems.
 You can rapidly reconfigure Oracle Applications as your business needs
change with user-defined business rules, workflow rules, windows, reports,
and exception conditions to reflect your improved business processes. You
can even add user-defined fields without programming.

c) Avoid “Version Lock” With Upgradable Customizations

 Not only are the changes easy to make, but they are automatically upgraded
As you migrate to new releases. That’s how you avoid the “version lock”, the
Exorbitant Cost of upgrades, typical of other application suites.

d) Interfaces Easily with Open Application Program Interfaces

 Converting data and building interfaces are typically the most complex
implementation tasks.
 Oracle has built and published open interfaces that enable easy coexistence
and Integration with legacy and third-party systems.

e) Develop Custom Applications Easily

 For most customers, our packaged applications provide all the necessary
functionality. Some customers, however, have particular needs for which they
want additional modules.

f) Full Graphical User Interface

 Oracle Applications support a multi-window, Web-enabled, graphical user

interface that provides full point and click capability. Using graphical controls
such as pull-down menus, scroll regions, alternative regions, pop lists, option
groups, check boxes and push buttons, users can minimize their use of the
 keyboard—although they may use the keyboard to operate the GUI if they
wish.

g) Business Flow Orientation

 Oracle Applications take full advantage of the graphical user interface instead
of merely running on a GUI forms tool. Windows are mapped to complete
business flows instead of to discrete business functions.

h) Alerts Respond to Key Events

 With so much information available, how do you choose the information to

which you want to pay attention? After all, everyone in your organization has
a different view of which business events require particular attention or
action.
 Oracle Alert lets everyone set their own criteria for sifting through all this
information to assist in rapid response.
2.5 CEMLI Components:

2.5.1 Overview

C --- > Configurations / Customization

E --- > Extensions
M ---> Modifications
L --- > Localizations
I --- > Integrations

2.5.1.1.a) Configurations:

 Configurations are defined as changes made to the functionality of Oracle E-

Business Suite. These changes are designed to meet customer-specific business
requirements and are done using the user interface provided by Oracle E-
Business Suite.
 Configurations do not change the existing code or add new code.
 Configuring an ERP system is largely a matter of balancing the way the
customer wants the system to work with the way it was designed to work. ERP
systems typically build many changeable parameters that modify system
operation.

2.5.1.1.b) Customization:

 Customizing standard oracle features and modules without modifying the

source code of Oracle. Examples: Customizing the standard screens using
CUSTOM.PLL (Cusotm Library), forms Personalization, Personalization in OAF.

a) Custom Library:
The CUSTOM library (CUSTOM.PLL) allows extension of Oracle Applications
without modification of Oracle Applications code. You can use the CUSTOM
library for customizations like enforcing business rules (for example,
vendor name must be in uppercase letters), and disabling fields that do
not apply for your site.

b) Form Personalization:
Oracle Applications release 11.5.10 has provided a user interface
“Personalization form” which will be used to define the personalization
rules. These personalization rules establish the custom actions to be
Performed by the forms during runtime.
Navigation Path: Help -->Diagnostics-->CustomCode---> Personalize

Screen shot 1. Form personalization

c) OAF personalization:

Using personalization we can alter the UI (user interface) features in OAF

Page.

Screen shot 2 : Personalization in OAF

 D) Adding a field to a screen using DFF (Descriptive Flex Field).
DFF extends the space in the screen.

Navigation path: Oracle general ledger Responsibility --- > Journal

Screen Shot 3 : DFF Screen Shot

2.5.1.2 Extensions:

 Extensions are new components that are developed by customers using the
development features provided by Oracle within Oracle E-Business Suite. When
Oracle guidelines and standards provided for creating these extensions are
followed, including keeping these objects separate from standard Oracle E-
Business Suite components, typically extensions are relatively straightforward
to identify and maintain. Updates and patches to Oracle E-Business Suite have
minimal or no impact on extensions.
For examples
A) Providing Zoom Feature using Custom Library.
Using Zoom feature user can move to another form and querying up
specific records. This can be achieved thru special coding in Custom
Library.

Screen shot 4: Zoom Feature

 B) Providing Special Menus using Custom Library. (Tools menu)
Using Custom library, you can customize the Tools menu to display
Application-specific menus.The menu supportsup to forty-five application-
specific entries under three top-level special menu entries.

Navigation: Oracle general ledger --- > Journal

Screen Shot 5: Special Menus Screen Shot

C) Developing new forms, new pages, new reports, new PLSQL programs, etc.

2.5.1.3 Modifications:

 Modifications also known as "customizations in place", are changes done to

standard Oracle E-Business Suite objects or code. Because it is very difficult to
identify such changes to standard Oracle E-Business Suite objects.
 Modifications are not recommended by Oracle nor allowed within On Demand.

2.5.1.4 Localizations:

 Localizations are defined as solutions for country-specific requirements such

as statutory reporting and other business practices which are not in the
Standard Oracle E-Business Suite.
 Localizations for a country are typically provided and supported by Oracle
Consulting or other Oracle subsidiaries in that country through a separate
agreement. For example income tax process.
 2.5.1.5 Integrations:

 Integrations enable customers to transfer data between Oracle E-Business

Suite and other Oracle or third-party programs.
 Integrations are developed by customers and follow the guidelines and
Standards required for creating extensions.
 Integrations should take advantage of several standard interface programs
And APIs provided with Oracle E-Business Suite to facilitate data transfer.

Note-1: Differences between customization and configuration:

 Customization is always optional, whereas software must be configured

Always before use.
 The effect of configuration changes on system behavior and performance.

2.5.2 Types of CEMLIs:

2.5.2.1 Configurations

The following CEMLIs are used for configuration purposes:

 Profile Options
 Flexfields
 Concurrent Programs
 Request Sets
 Responsibilities
 Menus
 Web Applications Dictionary

2.5.2.2 Extensions and Modifications

The following CEMLIs are used for extension and modification purposes:
 Alerts
 Database Objects
 Indexes
 Sequences
 Synonyms
 Tables
 Views
 Database Triggers
 File Systems and Custom Directories (*)
 Forms
 Libraries
 Custom.PLL (Custom library), Forms library, Reports library
 Ports
 Print Drivers
 Printers
 Procedures, Functions, and Packages
  SQL scripts
 Reports
 Reports using Oracle Reports
 Reports using SQL*Plus Scripts
 Reports using XML Publisher /BI Publisher / Discoverer
 UNIX Scripts
 Shell scripts
 Workflows

2.5.2.3 Integrations

The following CEMLIs are used for integration purposes:

 Inbound Interfaces
 Integration Using Oracle InterConnect and XML Gateway or Database
Adapter
 Integration Using XML Gateway and Oracle XML Transport Agent
 Non-Oracle Software Integration
 Other Oracle Software Integration
 Outbound Interfaces
 Portal Integration
 Custom Portlets
 Database Portlets
 Portlet Providers
 Web Portlets

Note-2: RICE (Older Oracle EBS Version)

Oracle use the following definitions

R = Reports
I = Interfaces
C = Conversations
E = Extensions

2.6 Oracle Purchasing Process Flow :

 Requisitions
 RFQ (Request for quation)
 Quotation Analysis
 Purchase Orders
 Purchase Receipts
 Invoices
 Requisition Create
Receive Goods
of Goods PO

Process
Initiate RFQ Pay Vendor
Vendor Quotes

2.7 Oracle Payables Process Flow :

 Manage complete accounts Payables process, from Invoice entry to Payment

Reconciliation

Create Enter Make

Vendors Invoices Payments

Match Transfer Reconcile

To PO To GL With Bank

2.8. Oracle Projects Process Flow:

 Figure – 5 Projects flow overview

2.9. Oracle GL process flow

 Figure – 6 GL Process Flow

2.10. Diffrent Roles and Responsabilites in E-business Project

2.10.1. Functional Consultants Roles

 Interact with the business users in the relevant functional area and understand
their business processes, current pain points and the business requirements. If it
is a full implementation, the focus is on replacing the current legacy systems
functions with the equivalent in ERP.
 The FC then comes up with a solution using “vanilla” implementation. This is
Often called the “prototype” and typically involves configuring the system.
 The next stage is the detailed specification stage, when the FC takes the
Prototype as the base and writes functional specifications to address the “gaps”.
These specs fall into various “RICE” components.
 Set up test scenarios, test cases.
 They do requirement study.
 They do Gap analysis (Gap between the existing Standard Oracle apps
Functionality and user's new requirement).
 They provide functional solutions to sort out the gap between the standard
Functionality and the new required functionality.
 They provide functional inputs to the technical consultants.
 They do initial functional set-ups in oracle application modules.
 They are also involved in Production Support.

2.10.2. Technical Consultants Roles

  Technical consultants provide technical solutions for the user requirements and
integrate their solutions with Oracle apps.
 They collect user requirements along with functional Consultants.
 Both functional & technical Consultants discuss with each other to find whether
The user requirements are feasible. Then they finalize the User Requirement
Document.
 They discuss with functional consultants and gets functional inputs from
Them. They prepare Design Document.
 They develop new Reports, new forms and other necessary deliverables and
Integrate with Oracle apps.
 They customize Oracle Standard Forms using CUSTOM.pll
 Sometimes with permission from Apps DBA they do AOL Support like:
 Registration of Forms, Functions, Menus and tables in AOL.
 Registration of concurrent programs, messages, profiles,
 Creating value sets, creating lookups, placing the source codes in the
application directory of the server.
 They Prepare Unit Test Cases and do Unit Testing.
 They also co-ordinate for Integration Testing.
 They implement the new application modules and the customizations at the client
Site.
 They do Production Support.

2.10.3 Data Base Administrator (DBA):

 Installing / Configuring the application Tier and data base Tier

 Applying Patches to application Tier and data base Tier
 Cloning the database
 Day to day Support activities, Maintenance and backup.
 Setting up the Oracle Application like Creating User, printers, etc.

2.11 Acronyms of Oracle E-Business Suite modules

  Some list of modules available in oracle EBS R12 Environment :

Module Name
/Application Name Short Name Module Name /Application Name Short Name
Oracle Activity Based
Management ABM Oracle iMarketing IBA
Oracle Applications
DBA AD Oracle iContent IBC
Oracle Advanced
Service Online AHL Oracle iStore IBE
Oracle Common
Modules-AK AK Oracle iSupport IBU
Oracle Alert ALR Oracle iPayment IBY
Oracle Fulfillment
Services AMF Oracle Self-Service Web Applications ICX
Oracle Marketing AMS Oracle Interaction Blending IEB
Oracle Payables AP Oracle Campaign Plus IEC
Oracle Receivables AR Oracle eMail Center IEM
Oracle Sales AS Oracle Call Center Technology IEO
Oracle CRM Gateway
for Mobile Services ASG Oracle Scripting IES
Oracle Mobile Field
Sales Laptop ASL Oracle Universal Work Queue IEU
Oracle Order Capture ASO Oracle Collections IEX
Oracle TeleSales AST Oracle Commitment Administration IGC
Global Accounting
Engine AX Oracle Student Systems Fin Aid IGF
Oracle Application Oracle International Public Sector
Implementation AZ Financials IGI
Oracle Advanced
Benefits BEN Oracle Student Sytems IGS
Oracle Customer
Intelligence BIC Oracle Grants Proposal IGW
Oracle Sales
Intelligence BIL Oracle Inventory INV
Oracle Marketing Oracle Product Development
Intelligence BIM Exchange IPD
Oracle Applications BIS BIS Oracle Supply Chain Intelligence ISC
Call Center Intelligence BIX Oracle CRM Foundation JTF
Oracle Web ADI BNE Oracle CRM Mobile Foundation JTM
Oracle CRM Self Service
Oracle Bills of Material BOM Administration JTS
Oracle Balanced
Scorecard BSC Oracle Master Scheduling/MRP MRP
Oracle Call Center and Oracle Advanced Supply Chain
Telephony CCT Planning MSC
Oracle Cash
Management CE Oracle Demand Planning MSD
Oracle Supplier CHV Oracle Assets OFA
Module Name
/Application Name Short Name Module Name /Application Name Short Name
Scheduling
Oracle Supply Chain
Trading Connector for
RosettaNet CLN Oracle Contracts Core OKC
Oracle Sales
Compensation CN Oracle Contracts Intelligence OKI
Oracle Service CS Oracle Lease Management OKL
Oracle Customer Care CSC Oracle Contracts for Rights OKR
Oracle Depot Repair CSD Oracle Contracts Service Module OKS
Oracle Enterprise
Install Base CSE Oracle Order Management ONT
Oracle Field Service CSF Operations Intelligence OPI
Oracle Install Base CSI Oracle Training Administration OTA
Oracle Field Service
Palm CSM Oracle Funds & Budgets OZF
Oracle Spares
Management CSP Oracle Projects PA
Oracle Scheduler CSR Oracle Payroll PAY
Oracle Support CSS Oracle Human Resources PER
Oracle Citizen
Interaction Center CUG Oracle Project Manufacturing PJM
Oracle Network
Logistics NATS CUN Oracle Property Manager PN
Oracle Configurator CZ Oracle Purchasing PO
Oracle Enterprise Asset
Management EAM Purchasing Intelligence POA
Oracle e-Commerce
Gateway EC Oracle Exchange POM
Oracle XML Gateway ECX Oracle Sourcing PON
Oracle E Records EDR Oracle Internet Supplier Portal POS
Oracle Engineering ENG Oracle Public Sector HR PQH
Oracle Financials
Intelligence FII Oracle Public Sector Applications PSA
Oracle Flow
Manufacturing FLM Oracle Public Sector Budgeting PSB
Application Object
Library FND Oracle Labor Distribution PSP
Oracle Transportation Oracle Partner Relationship
Hub FTE Management PV
Oracle Federal
Financials FV Oracle Quality QA
Oracle Federal HR GHR Oracle Pricing QP
Oracle General Ledger GL Oracle Risk Management QRM
Oracle Process
Manufacturing Systems GMA Oracle Application Report Generator RG
Oracle Process GMD Oracle Release Management RLM
Manufacturing Product
Module Name
/Application Name Short Name Module Name /Application Name Short Name
Development
Oracle Process
Manufacturing Process
Execution GME Oracle Automotive VEA
Oracle Process
Manufacturing
Financials GMF Oracle Work in Process WIP
Oracle Process
Manufacturing Oracle Warehouse Management
Inventory GMI System WMS
Oracle Process
Manufacturing Logistics GML Oracle Shipping WSH
Oracle Process
Manufacturing Process
Planning GMP Oracle Shop Floor Management WSM
Oracle Grants
Accounting GMS Oracle Provisioning XDP
Oracle Process
Regulatory Mgmt GR Oracle Sales for Communications XNC
Human Resources
Intelligence HRI Oracle Install Base Intelligence XNI
Oracle Time and Labor HXC Oracle Number Portability XNP
Oracle Time and Labor
Rules HXT Oracle Service for Communications XNS
Oracle Treasury XTR