PeopleTools Features for the Smart Functional User

Copyright © 2012, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.1

PeopleTools Features for the Smart Functional UserJeff RobbinsSenior Director, PeopleSoft Strategy


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.


Goals for this Session Raise awareness on PeopleTools 8.53 features and their use Help you understand new PeopleTools features and their value to

the functional user:– What are the benefits of implementing a feature?– What should you consider before deciding to adopt a feature?– Is the feature usable “out of the box” or does it require additional configuration

or customization?– What is the estimated level of effort to implement with your existing application

(in a Tools Only Upgrade)?

Disclaimer: Examples/demo’s are intended for illustrative purposes only.


Topics

Related Content/Actions - Enhanced Activity Guide - New Pivot Grids - Enhanced

Modal Windows – Enhanced

Appendix


Related Content/Actions Framework


Related Actions/Content Framework

Allows extension of a transaction without customizing the component

Streamlined user interaction– Can do actions, tasks, see related information without leaving the

transaction

Contextual based – Map to fields on the current page to bring up related/contextual information

Managed Object starting in 8.52 PeopleTools

Overview



Application Class Embedded Pagelet External URL OBIEE Pagelet Query Component Content Reference / CREF

Types of Services Allowed



Brings additional, supplemental information into your transaction in a bottom or side frame

Ideal for information that will help users complete the current task

Need to see both at the same time, display only information, help/instructions, etc.

First introduced in 8.50 – but has been enhanced every release

Related Content Overview


Related Actions/Content FrameworkRelated Content Example



Ties additional actions to a transaction without customizing

Allows you to access related tasks without leaving the transaction

Can add to any transaction, SES search results, pagelets

Can now add to a Pivot Grid (New in 8.53)

Related Actions Overview



Instead of displaying in split frame, Related Actions …

– Can be opened in modal window, new window, or replace the current window

– Can also be PeopleCode logic that is executed to perform a task - no window launched

Related Actions Overview - continued



Different ways the Context Menu can be invoked:– Red Glyph Indicator on a field (Can tie it to any visible field)

Implementing/Invoke the Context Menu


Right clicking on field with red glyph will bring up it’s context menu.

Requires NO modification of the page in Application Designer.

Related Actions/Content - InvokingRed Glyph Indicator



Context menu can be invoked:– Red Glyph Indicator on a field (Can tie it to any visible field) – Actions Drop Down Menu (New in 8.53)



Clicking on the Actions drop down widget will bring up it’s context menu.

Requires modification to the page in Application Designer.

Related Actions/Content - InvokingActions Drop Down Widget



Context menu can be invoked:– Red Glyph Indicator on a field (Can tie it to any visible field) – Actions Drop Down Menu (New in 8.53) – SES Search Results (New look in 8.53)



Related Actions/Content - InvokingSES Search Related Actions

Mouse over row to see grey bar, then click on bar to bring up the context menu.



Context menu can be invoked:– Red Glyph Indicator on a field (Can tie it to any visible field) – Actions Drop Down Menu (New in 8.53) – SES Search Results (New look in 8.53) – Related Content page level drop down



Related Actions/Content - InvokingRelated Content drop down

Click on the Related Content drop down in the transaction header area.

ONLY for Component Level Related Content Services. (Mapped to Component Keys)



Ability to add related actions to Pivot Grids (Demo in Pivot Grid Section)

New Actions Drop Down Widget (Demo) – Optional way to display context menu vs. red glyph– Requires Page customization

9.2 Applications taking advantage of new widget in some places. Customers can add more to an existing Action Drop down widget field -

not a customization. Creating a new Action drop down widget would be a customization.

What’s new in PeopleTools 8.53


Implementing Related Actions:

Focus on Action Dropdown Widget


Related Actions/Content - InvokingActions Drop Down Widget

Can be anywhere on a page, not just in a grid.

Especially useful in a grid to consolidate actions.


1. Open page in Application Designer

2. Add button/hyperlink widget in desired location

3. Set the new properties- New Type “Action Widget” - Tie it to a work record/field- Label can be set to anything

(doesn’t have to say “Actions”)

- No PeopleCode is needed.

4. Save the page

Actions Widget – New button type


Side Note: Alternate way of maintaining Pivot Grid actions.

Manage Related Content Service transaction is where you maintain all related content and related actions.


Select the desired component you want to setup new related content/actions within.

Use the “Assign Related Content to an Application Page” link to assign to a transaction not already listed.


Grid 1: Used for services that are for the entire component – based on component keys only. (Shown in the transaction header bar)

Use Tab 1 to configure Related Content services (Shown in bottom/right split frame)

Grid 2: Used for services that are field context sensitive. (Shown in field’s context menu via red glyph or actions widget)


Grid 1: Used for services that are at the component level. (ex. Shown in SES Search results)

Grid 2: Used for services that are field context sensitive. (Shown in field’s context menu via red glyph or actions widget)

Use Tab 2 to configure Related Action services. (modal, new window, etc.)


Enter service information into 2nd grid: - Tie to a service definition or Content Ref- Indicate target type

Use the Configure button to map the values and associate to the newly added Action widget field (or any other field).


Use the Select button in Menu Options box to associate this service to the actions widget field added earlier. (Or any field)

Map the parameters for the service/content reference to any page field in the source component.

Only need to map the required keys – you will also often see alternate keys listed.


Can sort by the Actions Field column to select the field that was added earlier to the page.

Note: Picking any other field would show the traditional red glyph within that field.


Last tab is used to:

- Configure the order/appearances of the context menu(s).

- Configure the related content frame (bottom, right).

Pressing Configure Layout will bring up the configuration page.


Layout for Related Actions:

Can add folders to better organize/group the items.


Related ActionsSummary

Benefits Complexity/Level of Effort

Considerations

• Bring in related information in bottom/right frame to supplement the transaction without customizing

• Tie in related actions for better productivity - don’t have to navigate away to do related tasks

• Easier configuration and maintenance

• Configuration/Implementation – if adding additional. Can be done all online if not using the Actions Widget.

• No Customization – unless modifying delivered rows or adding the new Actions drop down widget

• Row level Security• Basic component security is

handled automatically by PeopleTools (for CREF services)

• But other row level security may have to be built in

• Modifying PS delivered vs. Adding your own

• Using the Actions widget vs. Red Glyph

Simple


Activity Guides

Copyright © 2012, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Insert Information Protection Policy Classification from Slide 1335

Activity Guides

Activity Guides are guided procedures that are steps or tasks for a user or group of users to complete

Instances are unique sessions of an Activity Guide that are displayed to the user

Templates provide default attributes, properties, and steps or tasks for each Instance

Action Items are the individual steps or tasks defined in the Activity Guide

Contributors or Participants are the users who are completing these steps or tasks

Overview of Terms


Activity Guides

New feature in 8.53 Users are presented a list of actions or tasks to be completed online by

a guided process Potential Examples:

– System configuration steps (Framework delivered in HCM 9.2)– Life event changes such as marriage, divorce, or birth of a child (Delivered

in HCM 9.2)– On boarding of a new employee (not delivered)– Period end closing (not delivered)

Overview


Activity Guides

User Interface for Activity Guides leverages a WorkCenter– WorkCenters display a pagelet area and transactional page area side by

side in the guided process Tasks or Steps that are part of the guided process are displayed in the

pagelet area Each task or step has an associated online web page where the user

can take actions or review information in the transactional area Navigational buttons for the guided process are displayed at the top of

the online page in the header of the WorkCenter area

Overview (continued)


Activity GuidesUser Interface Example in HCM 9.2


Activity GuidesUser Interface Example in HCM 9.2 (continued)

Pagelet Area:

Action Items



Pagelet Area:

Action Items

WorkCenter Header Area: Navigational Buttons



Pagelet Area:

Action Items

WorkCenter Header Area: Navigational Buttons

Transactional Area:

PeopleSoft Page, External Website, PS/Query


Activity GuidesInstances Instances are unique sessions Definitional properties include:

Identification Notification Security Contextual Data Pagelet Area Processing Action Items Etc


Activity GuidesTemplates

Allows for reuse of properties (defaults) by Instances

Required to generate Instances dynamically

Required to utilize pagelet wizard to generate an Action Item pagelet

Template and Instance definitions contain virtually the same properties

Additional properties exist on Template that allow Instance creation at run time using application logic


Activity Guides

Transactional based steps or tasks that are assigned to a participant for completion

Requires Related Content Service definitions

Ordered by sequence number within the activity guide

Can be organized hierarchically by groups with parent child relationships

Action Items


Activity Guides

Dependencies can be defined between the different action items (e.g. one Action Item must be completed before another can start)

Actions Items can be Template based or Instance specific Action Items can be updated at run time through an API

– Insert new Action Items– Delete Action Items– Update statuses– Change assignment of participants– Etc

Action Items (continued)


Activity Guides

Scenario: Create an Activity Guide for the System Administrator for several tasks that are required during HCM System implementation

To keep it simple we are only adding two steps (pages) to the Activity Guide:

1. Review PeopleTools Options settings2. Review HCM Installation Table settings

Deployment Example Demo


Activity Guides

Steps Covered in the Demo:

1. Create a Template2. Create an Instance3. Create Action Items for the two steps4. Generate an Activity Guide pagelet5. Associate a WorkCenter with an Activity Guide6. Test the Activity Guide



Activity Guides

Steps NOT Covered in the Demo:

1. Creation of Related Content Service Definitions2. Creation of the WorkCenter



First step is to create the Template - Use the Create Template button to add a new activity guide template and assign properties


Enter an Activity Guide ID, title, and description - If you don’t use full 10 characters, additional characters will be appended for uniqueness

Notification Options - Send email to participants when Action Items are added or changed by an administrator


Security - Can be assigned at either user or role level - Administrator access allows update of Templates and Instances - Contributors are participants who will

complete Action Items within an Instance - Viewers are allowed to view but not update

Action Items in an instance


Contextual Data uniquely identifies an instance when it is created dynamically - Examples:

• EMPLID• OPRID• SetID• Department


Instance Creation - special application logic - application package method that will

be used when creating an Instance dynamically


Configurable Fields - displayed as related data for an

action item - populated by Instance creation logic


Pagelet Options - allows additional navigation buttons (other

than Previous and Next) to be specified - Examples:

• Continue• Cancel• Mark as Complete

- associates application package method logic to a button that will executed at run time when a button is utilized

- controls whether the progress bar appears in pagelet area for Action Items


Once you save the Activity Guide, the Create Instance button appears on the Properties page

Use the Create Instance button to create an Instance using the properties from the Template you defined


Modal appears where you enter the title and description and then click the Create button


All of the properties and settings defined in the Template will be defaulted to the Instance - The activity guide ID will be auto

generated based on the Template name for uniqueness


Next step is to add Action Items:

1. Go to Manage Activity Guide Templates page

2. Click on the Template


Use the Add Item button to add Action Items



Item ID and Title - If you don’t use all 10 characters, additional

characters will be appended for uniqueness


Sequence Numbers controls the order in which the Action Items are displayed to the user


Specify the assigned contributors either at the role or user level


Action Item Link - Displays a PeopleSoft page, non-

PeopleSoft web page, or a PS/Query- Requires a related content service

definition as a pre-req before you can define the link

Save the definition then click on the Return link to return back


Add another Action Item




The next step is to generate a pagelet for your Activity Guide



Select a Data Type of Activity Guide

Specify the Activity Guide template you created



The Template name defaults, but if your pagelet is Instance specific you will need to specify the Instance ID that was created



The pagelet preview will show how your pagelet will be displayed


Publish the pagelet as either a homepage or template based pagelet

Click the Finish button to publish the pagelet



The Next Step is to Associate your WorkCenter with the Activity Guide


You must select Activity Guide Layout template

Add the template or homepage pagelet you created to the WorkCenter


Next Step is to navigate to your Activity Guide via the primary page of your WorkCenter



Activity Guides

1. Determine tasks to be completed by users, order of tasks, and groupings (parent/child relationships)

2. Determine PeopleSoft transaction, query, or non-PeopleSoft URL that corresponds to a task, then create related content service definitions for them

3. Determine roles and/or users to be assigned to tasks

4. Determine whether each task requires pre or post processing logic

5. Determine whether a template is required and whether the Instance should be created dynamically, manually or on adhoc basis

Recap of Deployment Steps


Activity Guides

6. Create definitions for each Action Item either at the Template level or Instance level

7. Use Pagelet Wizard to generate the Activity Guide pagelet

8. Create WorkCenter page and assign the Activity Guide Layout to the WorkCenter page

9. Add Activity Guide pagelet to the WorkCenter page

10. Test the Activity Guide by navigating directly to the WorkCenter

Recap of Deployment Steps (continued)


Activity GuidesSummary


Considerations

• Links together separate transactions to complete a business process

• Does not require customization directly within the PeopleSoft transaction to utilize, therefore reducing upgrade impact

• Configuration/Implementation

• Customization (if pre or post processing logic required)

• Requires related content service for each Action Item

• Pre and Post processing logic requires application class PeopleCode

• Requires WorkCenter to display pagelet and transactional page side by sideModerate


Pivot Grids


Pivot Grids

First introduced with PeopleTools 8.52

Interactive analytical grid and charting tool

– Based on PSQuery – Transforms a PSQuery into an

Excel-like pivot table/chart– Can drag and drop filter values,

refine/narrow data, etc

Overview


Pivot GridsTypical Pivot Grid Configurations

Chart Only

Chart and Grid


Pivot Grids – New in 8.53 Improved Charts/UI

Improved look and feel of Charting Applies to all charting not just Pivot Grids Automatic with 8.53

Cleaner UI Options moved up into a Settings Menu


Pivot Grids – New in 8.53 Multi-Select and Progressive Filtering

Once you select values in one filter – the others filter values list may change based on the data.

No configuration necessary to do this.

Filter drop downs now support ability to select All, or Pick (n) values.


Pivot Grids – New in 8.53 Data Migration

• ADS (Application Data Set) support for Pivot Grids Easier to move Pivot Grid definitions from one database to another Better control over changes (Compare/Approval) Can be all done in PIA


Drill down capability + hooking in Related ActionsPivot Grids – New in 8.53

For Chart Only Pivot Grids

- Clicking on area in chart will allow you to drill down to see the details.



Detail grid is shown with specified columns.

Actions drop down field automatically displayed if Related Actions configured for this Pivot Grid.



Clicking on the “Actions” drop down displays the context menu and any defined related actions.

Allows you to jump to transactions easily and perform related tasks based on the data.

Easier to “Act” on the data now.



For Grid and Chart Pivot Grids

- Clicking on any cell in the grid will display the detail grid.

- When grid is displayed you have to use the grid to drilldown – can’t use the chart.


Using the Wizard to Create Pivot Grids:

Focus on New Features in 8.53


Step 1: Properties

Basic information about the Pivot Grid.


Step 2: Selecting Source/Fields

Provide Query name and indicate the columns to be used within the Pivot Grid model.


Step 3 -- Part 1: Defining the model

Column Labels (New): Can override the labels. Column Type:

- Axis: Fields that qualify the Value (Metric).

- Display (New): Additional fields to be shown in the detail grid.

- Value: Metric being displayed.


…Bottom of Step 3… Step 3 -- Part 2: Defining the prompts

Shows the prompts defined in the Query.

Can indicate if they are hidden from end user (New).


Step 4: Chat/Grid Options

Of the columns marked as Axis or Value – indicate if they are a filter, or displayed in x/y axis.

Can also define many other chart/grid options like the type of chart, legend choices, etc.


Step 5: PreviewVerify settings/chart layout

Can now configure Related Actions and Publish as a Pagelet directly from here. (New)

Clicking on the Configure Related Content link will open up the following page.


Related Actions (New for Pivot Grids)

Brings you right into the Related Content/Action Configuration pages for the specific Pivot Grid.

Allowing you to define related actions without navigating away.

Very similar to defining for Related Action/Content for a transaction – except simplified view as can only define Related Actions.

Enter service/content reference information, target window option, and then click Configure button.


Map the parameters to Query Data Columns instead of page fields, as with transactional related actions.


After you save – you are back to the Pivot Grid Wizard.

From here you could then click on “Publish as a Pagelet” link to bring up the Pagelet Wizard transaction.


Pivot GridsSummary


Considerations

• Xx

• Xx

• xx

• Configuration/Implementation

• No Customization

• Xx

• Xx

• Xx

• xx


Considerations

• Quick/Easy creation of analytical/interactive grids/charts

• Eliminates the need to download to Excel and create pivot tables

• Improves security and control over application data

• Ensures data is current by keeping it IN the application

• Configuration/Implementation (All done online)

• No Customization – unless modifying a delivered one

• Query Performance

• Keeping Query and Pivot Grid in sync

• Can only use PSQuery object as input to Pivot Grid

• Modifying PS delivered Pivot GridsSimple


SummaryFeature Requires Configuration or Customization in

Tools Only UpgradeLevel of Effort in

Tools Only Upgrade

Related Content/Action

Configuration/Implementation

(unless modifying delivered)

Activity Guides Configuration/Implementation


Pivot Grids Configuration/Implementation


Simple

Simple

Moderate


ResourcesWhere To Get More Information

Customer Sites PeopleSoft Applications External Site

http://www.oracle.com/us/products/applications/peoplesoft-enterprise/index.htm

Supporthttps://support.oracle.com/CSP/ui/flash.html

107

http://www.oracle.com/us/products/applications/peoplesoft-enterprise/index.htm

https://support.oracle.com/CSP/ui/flash.html


www.peoplesoft92.comPeopleSoft ResourcesPeopleSoft 9.2 Information Portal

http://www.peoplesoft92.com/


www.youtube.com/PSFTOracle

General PeopleSoft Update Manager Continuous Delivery Overview PeopleSoft Information Development

HCM and ELM Global Search for HCM Paycheck Modeling Benefits Life Events Recruiting: Candidate Gateway Recruiting: Talent Acquisition

Manager ePerformance Enterprise Learning Management Mobile Company Directory Setup Overview for Mobile Company

Directory Total Rewards Org Chart Viewer Talent Summary Manager Dashboard

ERP Supplier Hierarchy Global Search for FMS/SCM Mobile Inventory Manager eProcurement User Interface and

Global Search Program Management Integration

with Primavera P6 Mobile Expenses Accounts Payable WorkCenter Cash Position and Forecast

Tools and Technology Global Search, Related Actions,

Component Search Actionable Operational Analytics WorkCenter Framework Pivot Grids Mobile Approvals PeopleSoft Interaction Hub iPad Certification Forms and Approvals Builder

PeopleSoft ResourcesPeopleSoft Video Feature Overviews

http://www.youtube.com/user/PSFTOracle


Documentation Hosted PeopleBooks

http://www.oracle.com/pls/psft/homepage

Cumulative Feature Overviewhttps://support.oracle.com/CSP/main/article?cmd=show&type=NOT&doctype=SYSTEMDOC&id=1117047.1

PeopleSoft PeopleTools 8.53 Documentation Homepagehttps://support.us.oracle.com/oip/faces/secure/km/DocumentDisplay.jspx?id=1494462.1&h=Y

PeopleSoft PeopleTools 8.53 Release Value Propositionhttps://support.us.oracle.com/oip/faces/secure/km/DocumentDisplay.jspx?id=1473194.1&h=Y

PeopleSoft PeopleTools 8.53 PreRelease Noteshttps://support.us.oracle.com/oip/faces/secure/km/DocumentDisplay.jspx?id=1494929.1&h=Y

110

PeopleSoft ResourcesAdditional Documents

http://www.oracle.com/pls/psft/homepage

https://support.oracle.com/CSP/main/article?cmd=show&type=NOT&doctype=SYSTEMDOC&id=1117047.1

https://support.us.oracle.com/oip/faces/secure/km/DocumentDisplay.jspx?id=1494462.1&h=Y



Q&A


-- Appendix --


Modal Windows


Modal Windows

8.50 – Prompts and Errors/Warning messages, Grid Zoom appear modally

automatically

8.52 and 8.53 – Ability for all Secondary Pages / modal Components to appear modally– Turned on for 9.2 applications only (System Level) – PeopleCode API’s available if needed to enable Pre-9.2 applications– Limitations in Components opened up modally

Can’t issue a transfer() from a modal window – the modal will close and replace primary page

Overview


Modal Windows


Modal Windows

Tools Only Upgrades - Requires customization of code to modify existing application pages (Available starting with 8.52)

– DoModalS() API - secondary page will show up modally – DoModalSComponent() API - component will show up modally

For 9.2 applications– All DoModal() and DoModalComponent() calls will display modally

system wide – Two new API’s to turn OFF modal appearance if desired:

DoModalX(), DoModalXComponent()

New API’s


Modeless Windows

Modeless Window – Simplified New Window - No browser controls – Window stays in focus – always remains on Top. No Alt-tab toggling – Primary window is NOT greyed out

Can work in both windows at the same time (physically a new window)

Primary window has limitations – can’t open more modals or other popups from original transaction while modeless is open

– Used in isolated/focused areas– New API: TransferModeless()

New API’s


Modeless Windows

Background window is not grayed out.

Modeless window – simplified new window. (no controls)


Modal/Modeless WindowsSummary


Considerations

• Improves Usability

• Can see both pages at once

• For 9.2 applications: Modal windows are Automatic

• Implementation for customer owned areas

• Customization for any PeopleSoft delivered objects wanting to change behavior

• Customizing delivered objects

• Logic in modal windows that call transfer() api’s

• Will close the modal window and transferred page will show in full window

•Modeless window limitations

Simple

