Oracle Financials Implementation: Discoverer Presented by: James Grebe November 2005

Oracle Financials Implementation: Discoverer

Presented by:

James Grebe

November 2005

INFOR | Discoverer | November 2005 2Value Technology, Inc.

Agenda

Introductions Discoverer

— Discoverer Overview— Getting Started— Retrieving Data— Analyzing Results— Formatting Output— Sharing Data— Advanced Concepts— Hands On Lab Time


Introductions

Name Work Location Class Expectations


Welcome to Discoverer 4 training class.

The purpose of this 4-hour class is to introduce you to Oracle Discoverer and teach you how to use the application from an end-user perspective.

In this class, you’ll gain an understanding of Discoverer’s…

main components & user interfacemain components & user interface key terminology & additional help resourceskey terminology & additional help resources query creation capabilities (simple & advanced)query creation capabilities (simple & advanced) drill-down & pivot featuresdrill-down & pivot features formatting, saving, exporting, & sharing featuresformatting, saving, exporting, & sharing features

Instructor-led training will be reinforced through a hands-on system Instructor-led training will be reinforced through a hands-on system use to complete classroom exercises and open lab time.use to complete classroom exercises and open lab time.

Overview


Introduction


Discoverer Overview


Discoverer OverviewDiscoverer OverviewDiscoverer DefinedDiscoverer Defined

Discoverer is a key component of Oracle’s Business Intelligence Discoverer is a key component of Oracle’s Business Intelligence (BI) set of tools.(BI) set of tools.

Discoverer enables Discoverer enables end usersend users to easily queryto easily query complex database complex database structures without having to understand SQL.structures without having to understand SQL.

With Discoverer, With Discoverer, end usersend users are able to are able to quickly retrieve and analyzequickly retrieve and analyze datadata and produce reports in either printed or electronic format and produce reports in either printed or electronic format


Oracle Discoverer

Financial Statement Generator & Application Desktop Integrator

Oracle Standard Reports & ListingsOperational Operational ReportingReporting

Financial & Mgmt Financial & Mgmt ReportingReporting

Ad-hoc Query & Ad-hoc Query & ReportingReporting

Profitability, Profitability, Business Analysis, & Business Analysis, &

Financial PlanningFinancial Planning

High

Low

KPI & Exception KPI & Exception ReportingReporting

Strategic

Financial Analyzer

BIS,Alert

Type

of R

epor

ting

Oracle Applications & Tools

Discoverer OverviewDiscoverer OverviewOracle’s Reporting SolutionOracle’s Reporting Solution

Oracle Reporting Environment:

Initial ChallengeInitial Challenge – Determining which tool is the right one for the – Determining which tool is the right one for the job!job!


Web Enabled Environment

Data SourceData Source

End User LayerEnd User LayerOracle 9iOracle 9i

Application ServerApplication ServerAdministration Administration

EditionEdition

Discoverer DesktopDiscoverer DesktopWindows VersionWindows Version

Discoverer PlusDiscoverer PlusInternet VersionInternet Version

Discoverer ViewerDiscoverer ViewerInternet BrowserInternet Browser

Discoverer OverviewComponents

Discoverer Environment:

Does not require software on each PCRequires desktop software to be installed on each PC


Data Source – data stored in database tables that Discoverer accesses (e.g. Oracle applications tables, data mart, data warehouse, etc.)

End User Layer – a conceptual view of the underlying database which hides the complexity of the database and enables users to perform queries using easily understood business terms (e.g. Business Areas, Folders, Items, etc.).

Administration Edition – the application interface used by the application administrator to create, maintain, and administer the database information through the end user layer. Also controls security to determine end user access & privileges.

Discoverer Desktop – the application interface used by end users to create & submit ad hoc queries, generate reports, create graphs, and export information to desktop applications (windows desktop interface).

Discoverer OverviewComponents Defined


SuccessfulSuccessful implementation of Oracle Discoverer implementation of Oracle Discoverer depends on how depends on how the EUL is definedthe EUL is defined to meet the end user reporting requirements. to meet the end user reporting requirements.

The Discoverer administrator can define the following elements The Discoverer administrator can define the following elements within the EUL:within the EUL:

Discoverer OverviewEnd User Layer – The Key To Success!

Access to appropriate information Meaningful names for business areas, folders, and items Possible drill paths & hierarchies Summary tables – to improve query performance Common filters used to reduce the number of rows returned


The following items are just some of the limitations noticed with the default “BIS Views” End The following items are just some of the limitations noticed with the default “BIS Views” End User Layer:User Layer:

Discoverer OverviewEnd User Layer – Be Aware of the Current Limitations

Cannot view any of the COA segment value descriptions

Cannot utilize segment value hierarchies (e.g. parent / child relationships) defined within GL

Multiple GL periods are returned in period lists of values, which is due to multiple GL calendars;

List of values for most items (e.g. COA segment values) NOT defined

There are NO pre-defined calculations (e.g. ending balance)

GL Business Areas contains folders for functionality not used (e.g. encumbrances & average balances)

Query prediction not configured

Recommendation – Identify user needs & modify the EUL accordinglyRecommendation – Identify user needs & modify the EUL accordingly


While using Discoverer against Oracle applications, potential While using Discoverer against Oracle applications, potential requirements include :requirements include :

Discoverer OverviewPotential Requirements

Empower users to quickly define their own ad hoc queries

Ability to define parameters to be entered at query runtime

Ability to drill-down from account balances to supporting journal entry details

Ability to create and use multiple filters for limiting query results

Ability to export results to Excel


Getting Started


Must have a valid application username & password Must connect to a valid database Select a user responsibility (if you have more than one)

Getting StartedLogging Into Discoverer


Create / Open Workbook

Select Items Table Layout Conditions

Getting StartedWorkbook Wizard Steps

1 2 3 4 5 6

When creating a new workbook, the workbook wizard is presented to the user

Workbook Wizard - provides users with a workflow driven interface for simplifying the query creation process

6 steps: Only the first two steps are required for a simple query with no filters

Getting Started: Simple QueriesGetting Started: Simple Queries Retrieving Data: Complex QueriesRetrieving Data: Complex Queries

CalculationsSorting & Grouping


Getting StartedStep 1- Open Existing / Create New Workbook


1

Step 1 – Process (Choose one of following methods)Step 1 – Process (Choose one of following methods):: Click “Create a new workbook” button, choose display Click “Create a new workbook” button, choose display

type, & click “Next” wizard buttontype, & click “Next” wizard button Click “Open an existing workbook” button, select Click “Open an existing workbook” button, select

location, select workbook, & click “Open” buttonlocation, select workbook, & click “Open” button

Notes: My Computer – query located on PC & CANNOT be

shared with other users Database – query located on server & CAN be

shared with other users


Getting StartedGetting StartedStep 1- New WorkbookStep 1- New Workbook (Table Display Types)(Table Display Types)

Table – Items placed only on X axisTable – Items placed only on X axis Page Detail Table – Items placed on X and Z axisPage Detail Table – Items placed on X and Z axis Crosstab – Items placed on X and Y axisCrosstab – Items placed on X and Y axis Page Detail Crosstab – Items placed on X, Y, and Z Page Detail Crosstab – Items placed on X, Y, and Z

axisaxis


Getting StartedStep 2 – Business Areas / Folders / Items Select Items

2

11

22

33

11

22

33

Business Area – set of folders Business Area – set of folders containing related information, containing related information, which are usually grouped by which are usually grouped by application; GL, AP, FA, AR, etc.application; GL, AP, FA, AR, etc.

Folders – stores details about Folders – stores details about groups of related information, groups of related information, which are usually mapped to which are usually mapped to database tables & viewsdatabase tables & views

Items – a business dimension Items – a business dimension related to a specific type of related to a specific type of information, which are usually information, which are usually mapped to a database table mapped to a database table column. Item types include axis column. Item types include axis (heading), measure (data point), (heading), measure (data point), & aggregate (sum, avg)& aggregate (sum, avg)

Step 2 – Process: Open business area from the “Available” side Open folder(s) from the “Available” side Select item(s) & move them to the “Selected” area Click either the “Finish” or “Next” wizard button


Getting StartedGetting StartedUser Interface – Discoverer ApplicationUser Interface – Discoverer Application

Workbook NameWorkbook Name

Menu BarMenu Bar

Tool BarTool Bar

Analysis BarAnalysis Bar

Formatting BarFormatting Bar

Results WindowResults Window

Worksheet NameWorksheet Name

Status BarStatus Bar


Getting StartedGetting StartedUser Interface – Results WindowUser Interface – Results Window

Report TitleReport Title

Page Items (Z Axis)Page Items (Z Axis)

Columns (X Axis)Columns (X Axis)

Data PointsData PointsRows (Y Axis)Rows (Y Axis)


Getting StartedGetting StartedBasic NavigationBasic Navigation

Select axis items, rows, columns, data pointsSelect axis items, rows, columns, data points Select page itemsSelect page items View item propertiesView item properties Select report titleSelect report title Rearrange axis itemsRearrange axis items Resize axis itemsResize axis items Rename worksheetRename worksheet

Open an existing workbook from the database and perform the Open an existing workbook from the database and perform the following tasks:following tasks:


New New WorkbookWorkbook

Open Open WorkbookWorkbook

SaveSave

PrintPrint

Print Print PreviewPreview

DrillDrill

RefreshRefresh

GraphGraph

Format Format ExceptionsExceptions

Sort Low Sort Low To HighTo High

Sort High Sort High To LowTo Low

New New SheetSheet

Duplicate Duplicate as Tableas Table

Duplicate as Duplicate as CrosstabCrosstab

Edit Edit SheetSheet

Group Group SortSort

Export To Export To Excel Excel

Getting StartedTool Bar Buttons


Nearly every menu option is also available either using a hotkey or toolbar button shortcut Key exceptions include: “Schedule”, “Page Setup”, “Manage Workbooks”, “Options”, & “Help” Right mouse clicks produce a context-sensitive “shortcut” menu

Getting StartedMenu Bar


User InterfaceGetting Help

Windows Based, Searchable, Online Help (Help > Help Topics) Internet Browser Based, User Guide (Help > Manuals) Context-Sensitive Help (Click Help button in an active dialog box) Wizards (used to automate frequently performed tasks e.g. workbook wizard) Training Presentation & Manual (prepared by Answerthink)


Retrieving Data



Select Items Table Layout Conditions

Retrieving DataWorkbook Wizard

1 2 3 4 5 6

Workbook Wizard provides a workflow driven interface for simplifying the query creation process

6 steps; Steps 3 – 6 (optional) allow used to filters, formatting, & calculations

To modify an existing query from the “Output Results” window, select “Sheet | Edit Sheet”

Getting Started: Simple QueriesGetting Started: Simple Queries Retrieving Data: Complex QueriesRetrieving Data: Complex Queries

CalculationsSorting & Grouping


Retrieving Data Step 3 – Table Layout Table Layout

3

Step 3 – Process: Position items in X, Y, and / or Z axis If necessary, select “Show Page Items” checkbox Click “Next” wizard button


Retrieving Data Step 4 – Conditions Conditions

4

Step 4 – Process (Cont’d): Click “New” condition button Select an item, a condition, & enter values (SEE NOTE!) Click “OK” (optionally enter new conditions / parameters) Click “Next” wizard button NOTE: COA values are defined as TEXT in Oracle GL and MUST BE entered using

single quotes! Be careful with “And” vs. “Or”

== Equals Equals! =! = Does NOT Equal Does NOT Equal<><> Does NOT Equal Does NOT Equal>> Greater Than Greater Than<< Less Than Less Than>=>= Greater Than or Equal To Greater Than or Equal To<=<= Less Than or Equal To Less Than or Equal ToBetweenBetween Low & High Values Low & High ValuesNot BetweenNot Between Low & High Values Low & High ValuesLikeLike Used with % wildcard Used with % wildcardNot LikeNot Like Use with % wildcard Use with % wildcard

LIST OF CONDITIONSLIST OF CONDITIONS


Retrieving Data Step 4 – Conditions Cont’d (Parameters) Conditions

4

Step 4 – Process (Cont’d): Click “New” condition button Select an item, a condition, & a value (“New Parameter…”) Complete “New Parameter” dialog box Click “OK”, “OK” (optionally enter new conditions / parms) Click “Next” wizard button


Retrieving Data Step 5 – Sorting & Grouping Sorting &

Grouping

5

Step 5 – Process: Click “Add” button Select item to sort by Choose sort “Direction” (e.g. Asc vs. Desc) Optionally select “Group”, “Line”, & “Spaces” settings Click “Next” wizard button


Retrieving Data Step 6 – Calculations Calculations

6

Step 6 – Process: Click “New” condition button Select either items or functions & paste into calculation using appropriate

“operator” Enter a calculation “Name” Click “OK” button Click “Finish” wizard button


Retrieving Data Other – Totals

Totals – Process: Click “New” condition button Select aggregate & data point Select a placement Optionally enter a label and format the data Click “OK” button


Analyzing Results


Analyzing ResultsAnalyzing ResultsFilteringFiltering

Filtering Page Items – ProcessFiltering Page Items – Process:: Click the drop down arrow within the page itemClick the drop down arrow within the page item


Analyzing ResultsAnalyzing ResultsPivotingPivoting

Pivoting – ProcessPivoting – Process:: Click & drag an item from one axis to anotherClick & drag an item from one axis to another


Analyzing ResultsAnalyzing ResultsDrillingDrilling

Drill Up / Down Drill Up / Down – requires – requires EUL hierarchyEUL hierarchy

Related ItemRelated Item – within same – within same folderfolder

Detail in another SheetDetail in another Sheet – to – to another folder (e.g. from another folder (e.g. from balances to journal lines)balances to journal lines)

Drilling – ProcessDrilling – Process:: Begin Drill (e.g. right click, menu bar, tool bar, Begin Drill (e.g. right click, menu bar, tool bar,

triangle)triangle) Select drill typeSelect drill type Select where to drill toSelect where to drill to Click “OK” buttonClick “OK” button


Formatting Output


Formatting OutputFormatting OutputGeneral Tasks (Exercise)General Tasks (Exercise)

Report Title & LogoReport Title & Logo Headings (Text)Headings (Text) Data (Numbers)Data (Numbers) BackgroundBackground Page Setup (e.g. page layout, margins, headers / footers, etc.)Page Setup (e.g. page layout, margins, headers / footers, etc.) ExceptionsExceptions Defaults Formats & Null ValuesDefaults Formats & Null Values

Tools | Options | Formats TabTools | Options | Formats Tab Tools | Options | Crosstab TabTools | Options | Crosstab Tab

Open an existing workbook from the database and review / perform the following Open an existing workbook from the database and review / perform the following tasks:tasks:


Sharing Data


Sharing DataSharing Data Sharing WorkbooksSharing Workbooks

Sharing Workbooks – ProcessSharing Workbooks – Process:: Select File | Manage Workbooks | SharingSelect File | Manage Workbooks | Sharing Select appropriate tab within “Share Workbooks Select appropriate tab within “Share Workbooks

dialogdialog Associate workbooks with Oracle applications user Associate workbooks with Oracle applications user

responsibilities or specific user name responsibilities or specific user name Click “OK” buttonClick “OK” button

The ability to share Discoverer The ability to share Discoverer workbooks, that have been previously workbooks, that have been previously saved to the database, with other saved to the database, with other Discoverer users through Discoverer Discoverer users through Discoverer Desktop applicationDesktop application


Sharing DataSharing Data Mailing DataMailing Data

The ability to email electronic files from The ability to email electronic files from Discoverer.Discoverer.

Mailing Data – ProcessMailing Data – Process:: Select File | SendSelect File | Send Select information to send (e.g. workbook, sheet, Select information to send (e.g. workbook, sheet,

etc.)etc.) Select attachment vs. message text optionSelect attachment vs. message text option Select output format (.xls, .htm, .txt, .dis, etc.)Select output format (.xls, .htm, .txt, .dis, etc.) Click “Send” buttonClick “Send” button


Sharing DataSharing Data Exporting DataExporting Data

The ability to export Discoverer data to The ability to export Discoverer data to another application format.another application format.

Exporting Data – ProcessExporting Data – Process:: Select File | ExportSelect File | Export Select information to send (e.g. workbook, sheet, Select information to send (e.g. workbook, sheet,

etc.)etc.) Select output format (.xls, .htm, .txt, .dis, etc.)Select output format (.xls, .htm, .txt, .dis, etc.) Specify file locationSpecify file location Click “Finish” buttonClick “Finish” button


Sharing DataSharing Data Printing DataPrinting Data

The ability to print from Discoverer.The ability to print from Discoverer.

Printing Data – ProcessPrinting Data – Process:: Select File | Print or Print PreviewSelect File | Print or Print Preview Modify preview / print optionsModify preview / print options Select printerSelect printer Click “Print” buttonClick “Print” button


Advanced Concepts


Advanced ConceptsAdvanced ConceptsNot AddressedNot Addressed

Scheduling workbooksScheduling workbooks ChartingCharting Condition Sub QueriesCondition Sub Queries PercentagesPercentages Most of the settings within Tools | OptionsMost of the settings within Tools | Options Importing SQL & SQL InspectorImporting SQL & SQL Inspector Discoverer Administration VersionDiscoverer Administration Version

Due to time constraints the following tasks will NOT be addressed Due to time constraints the following tasks will NOT be addressed during classroom instruction:during classroom instruction:

Documents

Oracle Financials Implementation: Discoverer Presented by: James Grebe November 2005