Empowering Users with Cross-Pillar Data in Fusion Applications Using Visual Builder Studio

Oracle Fusion Applications, encompassing ERP, HCM, and SCM solutions, are pivotal for modern enterprises, managing everything from financial operations to human resources. However, leveraging data across these pillars can be challenging due to their inherent complexities and integrations. Oracle Visual Builder Studio (VB Studio) emerges as a powerful tool in this context, enabling developers and business analysts to create custom applications, automations, and analytics by harnessing cross-pillar data from Fusion Applications. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on setting up and developing integrations using VB Studio, complemented by practical examples.

Understanding the Integration Landscape

Before diving into the setups and examples, it’s crucial to grasp the potential of VB Studio in the Fusion Applications ecosystem. VB Studio allows for the extension and customization of Oracle Cloud Applications through a visual development environment. It simplifies the process of accessing and manipulating data across different Fusion Application pillars, enabling the creation of cohesive, data-driven applications.

Prerequisites

• Access to Oracle Fusion Applications with the necessary roles and permissions.
• Access to Oracle Visual Builder Studio with appropriate privileges.
• Basic familiarity with REST APIs and web development concepts.

Example 1: Creating a Unified Employee Dashboard

Objective: Develop a dashboard in VB Studio that displays unified data from HCM (Human Capital Management) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), such as employee details, payroll information, and performance metrics.

Steps:

1. Access VB Studio: Log in to your Oracle Cloud account and navigate to Visual Builder Studio.
2. Create a New Application: Start a new visual application project.
3. Add Data Sources: Use the REST APIs to connect to HCM for employee details and to ERP for payroll data.

• For HCM: Configure the REST connection using /hcmRestApi/scim/Users endpoint for employee details.
• For ERP: Use the /fscmRestApi/resources/11.13.18.05/payrollPayments endpoint for payroll information.

1. Design the UI: Utilize VB Studio’s visual components to design the dashboard, adding elements like tables, charts, and forms to display the integrated data.
2. Test and Deploy: Preview the application, test its functionality, and deploy it for user access.

Example 2: Expense Report Automation

Objective: Automate the creation of expense reports in ERP by aggregating expense data submitted through a custom VB Studio application.

Steps:

1. Define the Custom Application: Create a new VB Studio project for expense submissions.
2. Setup Data Collection Form: Design a form within the application for users to submit expenses, capturing necessary details like date, amount, and expense type.
3. Integrate with ERP: Establish a REST API connection to ERP’s expense management system using the /fscmRestApi/resources/11.13.18.05/expenseReports endpoint.
4. Automate Data Transfer: Implement a process within VB Studio that automatically creates expense reports in ERP based on the submitted forms.
5. Deployment and User Training: After thorough testing, deploy the application and provide users with guidance on its use.

Example 3: Project Management Across SCM and ERP

Objective: Create a VB Studio application to manage projects, integrating data from SCM (Supply Chain Management) for project resources and ERP for budget tracking.

Steps:

1. Project Application Setup: Initiate a new VB Studio application dedicated to project management.
2. SCM Integration for Resources: Connect to SCM using /scmRestApi/resources/11.13.18.05/projectResources to fetch and allocate resources.
3. ERP Integration for Budgets: Link to ERP’s budget management via /fscmRestApi/resources/11.13.18.05/projectBudgets to track project finances.
4. UI Design for Project Tracking: Develop the application interface to display and manage the integrated project data.
5. Launch and Monitor: Deploy the solution and monitor its adoption, ensuring it meets the project management needs.

Example 4: Consolidated Reporting Tool

Objective: Build a reporting tool in VB Studio that combines sales data from CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and financial data from ERP.

Steps:

1. Initiate Reporting Tool Project: Start a new VB Studio project for the reporting tool.
2. CRM Data Integration: Use CRM’s REST API endpoint /crmRestApi/resources/11.13.18.05/opportunities to access sales data.
3. ERP Financial Data Integration: Connect to ERP using /fscmRestApi/resources/11.13.18.05/generalLedgers for financial data.
4. Design Reports Interface: Create a user-friendly interface in VB Studio to display and analyze the consolidated data.
5. Testing and Implementation: Ensure the reporting tool is accurate and deploy it for organizational use.

Example 5: Employee Onboarding Process

**

Objective**: Streamline the employee onboarding process by integrating HCM for personal details and SCM for asset allocation.

Steps:

1. Create Onboarding Application: Develop a new VB Studio application focused on employee onboarding.
2. HCM Integration for Employee Data: Connect to HCM’s /hcmRestApi/scim/Users endpoint to retrieve new hire information.
3. SCM Asset Management Integration: Use SCM’s /scmRestApi/resources/11.13.18.05/fixedAssets for managing asset allocation to new hires.
4. Automate Onboarding Workflow: Design the application to automate the flow of information between HCM and SCM, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience.
5. Deploy and Optimize: After testing, launch the onboarding application and gather feedback for continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Oracle Visual Builder Studio empowers organizations to build sophisticated, cross-pillar applications leveraging Fusion Applications’ rich data. By following the examples provided, developers can prototype, develop, and deploy applications that enhance operational efficiency and provide actionable insights. As you embark on these projects, remember to iterate based on user feedback and evolving business requirements, ensuring your VB Studio applications continually deliver value across your organization.