Oracle Fusion Unplugged

Arun Raj

Join us on Oracle Fusion Unplugged, where we dive into the latest trends and insights in Oracle Cloud, OCI, Analytics, Oracle Fusion, APEX and everything Oracle Cloud related. Want to be part of the podcast ? Email me at atarunraj@protonmail.com

Episodes

  1. Oct 2

    Oracle FCC Gets Smarter

    Explore key updates and features enhancing financial consolidation. In a recent episode of Oracle Fusion Unplugged, Arun Raj speaks with Aparna, a seasoned expert in the EPM space, about the latest advancements in Oracle's EPM solutions, particularly focusing on Financial Consolidation and Close (FCC). Their conversation reveals exciting updates and features that are reshaping the landscape of enterprise performance management. Meet Aparna Aparna brings over 20 years of experience in the EPM domain, primarily working with Oracle EPM Cloud. Her insights are invaluable for those navigating the complexities of financial consolidation. Exciting Updates in EPM Arun and Aparna dive into some of the standout updates from the last six months. One notable enhancement discussed was the EOBP (Enhanced Organization by Period), which drastically reduced the consolidation time for a client from 45 minutes to just 5 minutes. This significant improvement showcases the transformative power of these tools in real-world applications. Aparna highlights the Consolidation Job Analytics, which simplifies the analysis of consolidation performance, making it user-friendly and efficient. This feature addresses common concerns around optimization and custom rules, providing clarity on performance metrics and potential bottlenecks. Additionally, the episode touches on the role of AI in EPM. Aparna notes that while AI features like anomaly detection are emerging, their applicability within FCC could be limited unless users are actively forecasting and analyzing various scenarios. The Future of EPM The conversation shifts to broader EPM features, including the integration of modules within a single application, which enhances user experience by eliminating the hassle of navigating multiple URLs. Aparna emphasizes the importance of user-friendliness, especially for clients. Arun shared his views about pipelines in Oracle EPM, allowing for seamless job scheduling across different modules. This capability opens up numerous use cases, enhancing operational efficiency. Closing Thoughts As the discussion wraps up, Aparna encourages those without an accounting background to explore the EPM field, emphasizing that technical skills can be learned over time. The convergence of accounting and technical knowledge in EPM is becoming increasingly accessible. For deeper insights and to hear more about the latest in Oracle EPM from Aparna, listen to the full episode of Oracle Fusion Unplugged.

  2. Sep 20

    Exploring the world of Agentic Systems

    Navigating the Future of Agentic AI with Mangat Exploring the evolution of AI systems and real-world applications In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative landscape of agentic AI with Mangat, a seasoned expert in the tech industry. With over twenty years of experience, Mangat shares insights into how generative AI is reshaping the way we think about integration and development. The Journey into Agentic AI Mangat starts by recounting his extensive background in IT, transitioning from implementation roles to technical sales, and most recently, focusing on backend database systems. He emphasizes the rapid evolution of agentic AI, noting that since the introduction of ChatGPT in late 2022, the field has accelerated dramatically. His current role involves helping customers formulate their agentic AI strategies, ensuring they can effectively implement these technologies in production environments. The Rise of the FewShot Academy One of the highlights of our discussion is the creation of the FewShot Academy, a training portal designed to demystify the complexities of agentic AI. Mangat explains that the idea stemmed from a personal need when his wife, a Salesforce architect, struggled to find comprehensive training resources. The academy offers various tracks, catering to beginners and advanced users alike, while also addressing job preparation and interview scenarios. Challenges in Productionalizing AI Agents As we delve into the practical aspects of deploying agentic systems, Mangat highlights the common challenges organizations face. "While building a demo is straightforward, the real challenge lies in productionalizing these systems—ensuring security, monitoring, and continuous improvement of agents." The conversation shifts to the role of MCP servers as vital integration layers in the agentic landscape, allowing for a more nuanced interaction between agents and data. Adoption Trends Across Industries Towards the end, we explore the broader adoption of AI agents across different sectors. Mangat notes that while startups are quick to experiment with these technologies, larger organizations are beginning to catch up, primarily focusing on internal use cases. "The big firms are still figuring out their strategies, but we’re starting to see them invest in internal applications like IT and HR help desks." Despite hesitations around data security, Mangat observes a growing trend where established companies integrate agentic AI features into existing products, easing the transition for users accustomed to traditional systems. In conclusion, the conversation with Mangat serves as a powerful reminder of the rapid advancements in AI technology and the importance of strategic implementation. To hear more about Mangat's insights and the future of agentic AI, tune in to the full episode.

  3. Aug 28

    A modern IDE Experience for Oracle EPM Calc Manager

    Discover how EPM Workbench is transforming EPM Calc Manager experience. In this episode, Arun Raj welcomes Randy Miller to discuss the innovative EPM Workbench, a tool designed to enhance the development experience for EPM practitioners. Randy shares his journey in the EPM world, from his early days in consulting to the creation of this groundbreaking tool. Journey into EPM Randy started his career fresh out of college, diving straight into the EPM Hyperion realm. His passion for the technical side of things led him to write calculations and automate processes, eventually leading him to manage an EPM practice. After a stint in ERP, he returned to EPM, driven by a desire to improve the frustrating aspects of Calc Manager. The Birth of EPM Workbench Randy's frustrations with Calc Manager inspired him to create a better development lifecycle. He began by developing a web application to streamline the process, eventually transitioning to a Visual Studio Code extension. This tool aims to modernize the EPM development process by integrating all necessary functionalities into one interface. > "It's bringing EPM Calc Manager into the modern development era," Randy explains. Key Features of EPM Workbench The EPM Workbench offers a range of features that significantly improve the user experience: Integrated Environment:** Developers can work on calc scripts and Groovy rules within a single interface, eliminating the need for multiple screens.Auto-Completion and IntelliSense:** Unlike Calc Manager, EPM Workbench provides autocomplete features that enhance coding efficiency.Seamless Environment Switching:** Users can easily switch between production and testing environments without losing context.Code Reusability:** The tool allows developers to deploy reusable code templates directly into client environments, streamlining workflows. Randy emphasizes how these features not only simplify the development process but also empower EPM consultants to work more effectively across multiple clients. Conclusion As EPM practitioners face increasing demands for efficiency and streamlined workflows, EPM Workbench stands out as a significant advancement in the field. For those looking to elevate their EPM development experience, this tool could be a game-changer. To explore more about EPM Workbench and its features, listen to the full episode with Randy Miller. Feel free to reach out with your thoughts or questions on the episode!

  4. Aug 16

    Private Agent Factory & Private AI Containers: Oracle AI Without Leaving Your Tenancy

    Welcome to this edition of Oracle Fusion Unplugged, where we dive deep into the vibrant community surrounding Oracle technologies. In this episode, Arun chats with Amod Joshi, an Oracle Ace Pro, to explore significant initiatives within the Oracle ecosystem. The Oracle Ace Program Amod shares his journey as an Oracle Ace, highlighting its benefits not only for personal growth but also for community engagement. He explains, "It's not only a program that gives you a chance to be in the limelight, but it also encourages you to learn new things and share that with the community." With over four years of experience in the program, Amod emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and the rewards that come with it, including access to resources like cloud accounts and credits. Community Initiatives: OATUG and CANOTUG Arun and Amod discuss their involvement with OATUG (Oracle Application Technology User Group) and CANOTUG, a Canadian Oracle Technology User Group. Amod reflects on his active role in OATUG since 2016, stating, "I've even presented on a bunch of occasions, and I was lucky to get the Emerging Leaders Award." Within CANOTUG, they aim to foster connections and provide education through webinars and in-person sessions. Amod remarks on the group's inclusive approach, saying, "It's a mixed bag of professionals; it's not only one technology or product." The Impact of AI on Content Creation A thought-provoking discussion emerges around the use of AI in content creation within the Oracle community. Amod notes that while AI can be beneficial, it sometimes leads to a lack of originality, stating, "It doesn't feel organic anymore, in many cases, and then you see a repetitive pattern." Both Arun and Amod agree on the importance of authentic content and the need to maintain quality in shared knowledge. Conclusion This conversation sheds light on the vibrant Oracle community and the various opportunities available for professionals to engage, learn, and share. Amod encourages anyone interested in becoming an Oracle Ace or joining user groups to reach out for mentorship and guidance. For more insights, listen to the full episode and join the conversation about how you can get involved in the Oracle community! Links: CANOTUG : CANOTUG Getting Started with Private AI Services Container : Link Oracle Private AI Services Container: Read more Oracle Private LLM Service with Private Agent Factory : Blog Private Agent Factory: Complete Step-by-Step Installation and Configuration Guide : Read Blog Oracle Ace Program: Check it out

  5. May 16

    Reporting in Oracle Fusion and The Developer Tools

    In this episode, we sit down with Vinod, the creator of [Pi Cube](https://www.pi-cube.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — a free utility designed to help Oracle BI Publisher developers work more efficiently. We start with Vinod’s background, the technologies he works on, and his experience in the Oracle ecosystem before diving into the world of reporting in Oracle Fusion Applications. The conversation explores key reporting technologies including OTBI, BI Publisher (BIP), Financial Reporting Studio (FRS), Smart View, and REST APIs. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of each approach, real-world reporting challenges, and enhancements we would love to see from Oracle in the future. A major focus of the episode is Pi Cube — the inspiration behind building the tool, the problems it aims to solve for BI Publisher developers, its current capabilities, limitations, and the future roadmap. We also touch on the broader developer experience within the Oracle Fusion reporting landscape and how community-driven tools can improve productivity. To wrap up the episode, we shift gears and get to know Vinod beyond technology — including his hobbies, interests, and what he enjoys outside of work. Whether you are an Oracle Fusion consultant, BI Publisher developer, reporting analyst, or simply interested in the Oracle ecosystem, this episode offers practical insights, industry perspectives, and an inside look at building tools for the Oracle community

  • 5 Episodes

About

Join us on Oracle Fusion Unplugged, where we dive into the latest trends and insights in Oracle Cloud, OCI, Analytics, Oracle Fusion, APEX and everything Oracle Cloud related. Want to be part of the podcast ? Email me at atarunraj@protonmail.com

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