Top 50 Oracle Apps Technical Interview Questions and Answers by IT Trainings Institute
Introduction
So, let’s dive into this comprehensive collection of Oracle Apps Technical Interview Questions and Answers, carefully categorized by IT Trainings Institute to support your interview preparation journey:
Oracle Apps Technical Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers
1. What is Oracle Apps (E-Business Suite)?
Answer:
Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) is a comprehensive suite of business applications used to manage enterprise functions like:
-
Finance
-
HR
-
Supply Chain
-
Manufacturing
-
CRM
It includes modules like Oracle Financials, SCM, HRMS, and more.
2. What is the role of a Technical Consultant in Oracle Apps?
Answer:
A Technical Consultant is responsible for:
Developing RICE components (Reports, Interfaces, Conversions, Extensions)
Writing SQL, PL/SQL code
Creating XML Publisher and Forms/Reports
Developing and managing workflow and personalizations
Working with Oracle APIs and concurrent programs
3. What is a Concurrent Program in Oracle Apps?
Answer:
A Concurrent Program is a batch job (PL/SQL, Shell, Java, or Report) that runs in the background to perform tasks like:
Generating reports
Running interfaces
Processing data
It is managed using the Concurrent Manager.
4. What are the types of Interfaces?
Answer:
Inbound Interface – Data coming into Oracle Apps (e.g., supplier invoices)
Outbound Interface – Data going out of Oracle Apps (e.g., sales reports to external tools)
5.What is the use of FND Tables?
Answer:
FND (Foundation) tables are part of Oracle Apps’ metadata and hold information like:
Users (FND_USER)
Concurrent requests (FND_CONCURRENT_REQUESTS)
Flexfields (FND_FLEX_VALUES)
Menus and responsibilities (FND_RESPONSIBILITY)
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6. What is a Value Set in Oracle Apps?
Answer:
A Value Set is a list of valid values attached to a field in a form or report. It controls the input and validation of data.
Types:
Independent
Dependent
Table
Special
Pair
7. What is Multi-Org in Oracle Apps?
Answer:
Multi-Org (Multiple Organizations) is a feature that enables:
Managing data for multiple legal entities or business units
Separation of transactional and setup data
Common tables include ORG_ID and SET_OF_BOOKS_ID.
8. What is a DFF (Descriptive Flexfield)?
Answer:
A Descriptive Flexfield is a customizable field that allows users to enter additional data. It has:
Context-sensitive segments
Stored in ATTRIBUTES (ATTRIBUTE1, ATTRIBUTE2, etc.)
9. What is a KFF (Key Flexfield)?
Answer:
A Key Flexfield is used to uniquely identify entities like Accounts, Items, and Locations. Examples:
Accounting Flexfield
Item Category Flexfield
They consist of segments like Company, Department, Account, etc.
10. What are APIs in Oracle Apps?
Answer:
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are PL/SQL procedures provided by Oracle to perform operations like:
Create customer (AR_CUSTOMER_PUB)
Create invoice (AR_INVOICE_API)
Create purchase order (PO_HEADERS_INTERFACE)
These ensure data integrity and reduce custom coding.
11. What is the difference between a DFF (Descriptive Flexfield) and a KFF (Key Flexfield)?
Answer:
The key differences between DFFs and KFFs lie in their purpose and structure:
DFF (Descriptive Flexfield):
- Purpose: Used to capture additional, descriptive information about an entity. It’s like adding extra columns to a table without modifying its structure.
- Structure: Consists of context-sensitive segments (fields that appear based on the value of a “context” field) and global segments (always visible). The values are stored in ATTRIBUTE columns (e.g., ATTRIBUTE1 , ATTRIBUTE2, …, ATTRIBUTE15) in the base table.
- Example: On a Customer form, you might use a DFF to store “Customer Industry” or “Preferred Communication Method”. The fields shown might change based on “Customer Type”.
KFF (Key Flexfield):
- Purpose: Used to create unique identifiers for entities and to enforce a structured, composite key. They define the “key” attributes of an object.
- Structure: Consists of segments that together form a unique code. These segments map to distinct columns in the base table, and Oracle maintains a concatenated segment value in a specific column (e.g., CONCATENATED_SEGMENTS).
- Example: The Accounting Flexfield in Oracle General Ledger (GL) is a KFF. It combines segments like Company, Department, Account, and Intercompany to form a unique GL account code (e.g., 100.010.5000.000).
12. What is a Request Group in Oracle Apps?
Answer:
A Request Group in Oracle Apps is a logical grouping of Concurrent Programs. It controls which concurrent programs a specific Responsibility can submit. A responsibility is linked to one or more request groups. This mechanism helps in managing user access to background processes.
Example:
A “Payables Manager” responsibility might be assigned a “Payables Reports” request group, which contains concurrent programs for “Invoice Aging Report,” “Payment Register,” etc.
13. What is a Responsibility in Oracle Apps?
Answer:
A Responsibility in Oracle Apps defines a user’s access privileges within the E-Business Suite. It determines:
- Which menus and functions a user can access.
- Which request groups (and thus, concurrent programs) a user can submit.
- Which data they can see (e.g., through Multi-Org setup).
- Which profile options are set for that responsibility.
A user can have multiple responsibilities.
Example: “General Ledger Super User” responsibility would give access to all GL functions and reports, while “Accounts Payable Inquiry” responsibility would only allow viewing AP data.
14. What are Profile Options in Oracle Apps? Give examples.
Answer:
Profile Options are user-definable parameters that control the behavior of Oracle Applications. They can be set at various levels: Site, Application, Responsibility, and User. The lowest level setting takes precedence.
Examples:
- GL: Set of Books Name: Determines which ledger (Set of Books) is defaulted for a General Ledger responsibility.
- HR: Business Group: Specifies the default business group for HR functions.
- PO: Allow Reqimport: Controls whether requisitions can be imported via an interface.
- OE: Item Validation Organization: Defines the organization used for validating items in Order Management.
15. What is Workflow in Oracle Apps? What is its primary purpose?
Answer:
Oracle Workflow is a powerful engine that enables organizations to automate business processes by defining and managing their routing, notification, and approval logic.
Primary Purpose:
To automate business processes by sending notifications, initiating approvals, and executing specific actions based on predefined rules and conditions. It streamlines operations, reduces manual effort, and enforces business policies.
Example:
An “AP Invoice Approval Workflow” could route an invoice for approval based on its amount and supplier, sending notifications to approvers and updating the invoice status upon approval or rejection.
16. What is XML Publisher (now Oracle Business Intelligence Publisher or BI Publisher)?
Answer:
XML Publisher (now commonly known as Oracle Business Intelligence Publisher or BI Publisher) is Oracle’s primary reporting solution for creating highly formatted, pixel-perfect reports from various data sources.
Key Features:
- Data Source Separation: Separates report layout from report data.
- Template-Based Reporting: Uses templates (e.g., RTF, PDF, XPT, Excel) designed in familiar tools (like Microsoft Word) to define report layouts.
- Multiple Output Formats: Generates reports in various formats (PDF, HTML, Excel, RTF, CSV, XML).
- Flexible Data Sources: Can connect to SQL, PL/SQL functions, web services, XML files, etc.
Example:
You can create a “Customer Invoice” report where the data is extracted via a SQL query, and the layout (company logo, address, line items table) is defined in an RTF template.
17. What is ADI (Applications Desktop Integrator)?
Answer:
Oracle Applications Desktop Integrator (ADI) is a tool that allows users to perform Oracle E-Business Suite tasks directly from Microsoft Excel. It enables uploading data into Oracle Apps and downloading data for analysis, typically using a spreadsheet interface.
Purpose:
To facilitate mass data entry, data extraction, and financial reporting by leveraging the familiar Excel environment, reducing the need for manual data entry within the Oracle Forms interface.
Example: Financial users often use ADI to upload journal entries from Excel into the General Ledger module.
18. What is the significance of the APPS schema in Oracle E-Business Suite?
Answer:
The APPS schema is the central schema in Oracle E-Business Suite. It is a synonym-only schema that provides access to all the underlying product-specific schemas (e.g., GL, AP, AR, PO, HR, FND).
Significance:
- Simplified Access: Developers and users connect to the APPS schema to access data and objects from different modules without needing to know the specific underlying product schema (e.g., AP.AP_INVOICES_ALL, GL.GL_JE_HEADERS).
- Security and Management: Oracle manages privileges and grants on the underlying tables and views to the APPS schema, ensuring that APPS has the necessary permissions to access all required data.
- Portability: Code written using APPS synonyms is more portable and less dependent on specific schema names, which can change during upgrades or patching.
19. What is a Custom Top in Oracle Apps? Why is it used?
Answer:
A Custom Top (or custom application top) is a directory structure created on the Oracle Apps file system to house custom development objects (reports, forms, concurrent programs, PL/SQL packages, etc.) that are not part of standard Oracle products. It mirrors the standard Oracle application directory structure.
Why it is used:
- Isolation: Keeps custom code separate from Oracle standard code, preventing accidental overwrites or issues during patching and upgrades.
- Organization: Provides a structured way to manage and deploy custom objects.
- Maintenance: Simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting of custom components.
- Compliance: Adheres to Oracle’s best practices for customizations.
Example: You might have a custom top named XXAP (for your company’s custom Accounts Payable extensions), where you’d store custom AP reports, interfaces, and PL/SQL packages.
20. What is a Self-Service Page in Oracle Apps? How are they typically developed?
Answer:
Self-Service Pages (also known as OAF pages, built using Oracle Application Framework) are web-based pages in Oracle E-Business Suite that allow end-users to perform specific tasks themselves, typically without direct intervention from IT or HR.
Examples:
- Employee self-service (viewing payslips, applying for leave)
- Manager self-service (approving expenses, managing team performance)
- Supplier self-service (submitting invoices, checking payment status)
Development: They are typically developed using Oracle Application Framework (OAF), which is a Java-based framework. Development involves:
- Creating Java Beans for business logic.
- Designing XML Pages for the user interface.
- Using JDeveloper (Oracle’s IDE) for development.
21. What is an AOL Object? Give some examples.
Answer: AOL (Applications Object Library) is a foundational set of shared components and utilities within Oracle E-Business Suite that provide the framework for building and running applications. AOL objects are the building blocks defined within this framework.
Examples of AOL Objects:
- Concurrent Programs: (as discussed)
- Executables: The actual program file (PL/SQL, SQL*Report, Java, Shell script) that a concurrent program runs.
- Request Groups: (as discussed)
- Responsibilities: (as discussed)
- Menus: Define the navigation structure within a responsibility.
- Functions: Individual programs or forms that can be invoked from a menu.
- Value Sets: (as discussed)
- Flexfields (DFFs, KFFs): (as discussed)
- Profile Options: (as discussed)
- Lookups: Predefined lists of values used in various modules (similar to static LOVs in APEX).
22. What is the significance of "WHO" columns in Oracle Apps tables?
Answer:
“WHO” columns are a standard set of columns found in almost every transactional and setup table in Oracle E-Business Suite. They capture audit trail information.
Standard WHO Columns:
- CREATED_BY: User ID of the person who created the record.
- CREATION_DATE: Date and time when the record was created.
- LAST_UPDATED_BY: User ID of the person who last updated the record.
- LAST_UPDATE_DATE: Date and time when the record was last updated.
- LAST_UPDATE_LOGIN: Login ID (session ID) from which the update was made.
Significance:
- Audit Trail: Provides a clear history of who created and last modified a record and when.
- Troubleshooting: Helps in debugging and identifying the source of data changes.
- Security: Contributes to data accountability.
23. What is a Custom Report in Oracle Apps? How do you register it?
Answer:
A Custom Report is a report developed by a technical consultant to meet specific business requirements not covered by standard Oracle reports. They are typically developed using SQLPlus, SQLReport Writer, or BI Publisher.
Registration Process (Simplified):
- Develop the Report: Write the SQL query or create the data model and layout.
- Create an Executable: Register the actual report file (e.g., .rdf for Reports, .xdo for BI Publisher) as an “Executable” in Oracle Apps (Navigation: Application Developer -> Concurrent -> Executable).
- Define a Concurrent Program: Create a “Concurrent Program” and link it to the executable created in step 2 (Navigation: Application Developer -> Concurrent -> Program). Here you define parameters, output format, etc.
- Add to a Request Group: Assign the concurrent program to an appropriate “Request Group” that is associated with the relevant responsibility (Navigation: Application Developer -> Concurrent -> Request Group).
- Assign to Responsibility: Ensure the user’s responsibility has access to the request group.
24. What is a Lookup in Oracle Apps? How is it different from a Value Set?
Answer:
A Lookup (or FND Lookups) is a predefined list of valid values, often static, used throughout Oracle Applications for various fields. They are managed through the “Application Lookups” form.
Differences from Value Set:
- Scope: Lookups are typically pre-seeded by Oracle or used for common, relatively static lists across many applications. Value Sets are more flexible and can be defined dynamically using SQL queries for specific fields.
- Usage: Lookups are often used for fields with a finite, unchanging set of options (e.g., Yes/No, Status codes, Transaction Types). Value Sets are used when the list of values might change frequently or needs to be derived from database tables.
- Storage: Lookups are stored in FND_LOOKUP_TYPES and FND_LOOKUP_VALUES. Value Sets have their own tables (FND_FLEX_VALUE_SETS, FND_FLEX_VALUES, etc.).
25. What is the significance of APPL_TOP and COMMON_TOP in Oracle Apps directory structure?
Answer:
These are crucial environment variables pointing to key directories in the Oracle E-Business Suite file system:
- APPL_TOP: This is the top-level directory for all Oracle Application products. It contains the code for all installed application modules (e.g., AP, GL, PO, HR, FND). Within APPL_TOP, each product has its own sub-directory (e.g., $APPL_TOP/ap/12.0.0/).
- COMMON_TOP: This directory (usually $APPL_TOP/common) contains common files, utilities, and components shared across multiple Oracle Application products.
Significance:
- Organization: Provides a standardized and logical structure for storing application files.
- Deployment: Helps in deploying and managing application code, patches, and customizations.
- Environment Setup: Crucial for setting up the environment for users and concurrent managers to locate application executables, forms, reports, and other files.
26. What is a Discoverer Report?
Answer:
Oracle Discoverer is a Business Intelligence (BI) tool that allows end-users to create ad-hoc queries, reports, and analyses directly from the Oracle Database without requiring extensive technical knowledge. It has a graphical interface (Desktop and Web versions).
Purpose:
To provide ad-hoc reporting and analysis capabilities to business users, enabling them to explore data independently and make informed decisions. It connects to the database via “Business Areas” (metadata layer).
27. What is a System Administrator Responsibility?
Answer:
The System Administrator responsibility is a high-privileged responsibility in Oracle E-Business Suite that provides access to core administrative functions related to users, responsibilities, concurrent programs, profiles, and more.
Key Functions:
- Creating and managing users.
- Creating and managing responsibilities, menus, and functions.
- Registering concurrent programs and executables.
- Setting profile options.
- Managing concurrent managers.
- Performing patching and maintenance tasks (though some require direct file system access).
28. How do you find the underlying table name for a particular form in Oracle Apps?
Answer:
This is a common task for technical consultants. Several methods:
- Form Personalization/Customization: If the form is customized, examine the code for triggers or custom events where the tables might be referenced.
- FND_FORM_FUNCTIONS and FND_APPLICATION tables: Query these tables to find the form name associated with a function, and sometimes the form name itself might give a clue to the main table.
- Trace (SQL Trace): Enable SQL trace for the user session while navigating the form. The trace file will capture all SQL statements executed, revealing the tables queried.
- Backend Analysis: Often, the form name or module name is very similar to the main table name (e.g., “PO_POXPOV” form is likely related to PO_HEADERS_ALL and PO_LINES_ALL).
- Documentation: Refer to Oracle’s technical documentation or common knowledge bases for specific modules.
29. What is Oracle Applications Framework (OAF)?
Answer:
Oracle Applications Framework (OAF) is Oracle’s proprietary Java-based framework used for developing and extending web-based (HTML) user interfaces in Oracle E-Business Suite. It is based on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture.
Purpose:
- To build new Self-Service web pages within EBS.
- To customize or extend existing OAF pages.
- To provide a modern, browser-based user experience as a replacement for older Oracle Forms-based interfaces.
Tools: OAF development primarily uses Oracle JDeveloper IDE.
30. What are Interfaces in Oracle Apps? How do they work (high level)?
Answer:
Interfaces in Oracle Apps are mechanisms for exchanging data between Oracle E-Business Suite and external systems. They involve bringing data into EBS (inbound) or sending data out of EBS (outbound).
High-Level Working (Inbound):
- Staging Table: Data from the external system is first loaded into a temporary staging table (also known as an interface table) within the Oracle database.
- Validation: Concurrent programs or custom PL/SQL processes perform validations on the data in the staging table to ensure it meets Oracle’s business rules and data integrity constraints.
- Standard API/Interface Program: If validation is successful, a standard Oracle Interface Program (a concurrent program provided by Oracle for specific modules, or a custom program utilizing Oracle APIs) is run to transfer the valid data from the staging table into the base tables of the respective Oracle Apps module.
- Error Handling: Invalid records remain in the staging table with error messages for correction.
Example (Inbound): Loading daily sales orders from a retail system into Oracle Order Management.
Oracle Apps Technical Interview Questions and Answers for Experienced
31. Explain the multi-tier architecture of Oracle E-Business Suite. Detail the role of each tier.
Answer:
Oracle E-Business Suite typically operates on a three-tier architecture, though modern deployments might involve more layers (e.g., load balancers, firewalls).
1. Client Tier (Desktop Tier):
- This is where the end-users interact with the application.
- For Forms-based applications, a Java applet (JRE Plug-in) runs within a standard web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Chrome with appropriate extensions). This applet provides the traditional Oracle Forms user interface.
- For HTML-based applications (Self-Service or Oracle Application Framework – OAF pages), the interface is rendered directly in pure HTML and JavaScript within the web browser.
32. What is the Application Object Library (AOL) or FND? Why is it fundamental to Oracle EBS development?
Answer:
Oracle Application Object Library (AOL), often referred to by its short name (Foundation), is a core set of shared components, utilities, and standards that provide common functionality across all Oracle E-Business Suite applications. It’s fundamental because it ensures consistency, reusability, and security across the entire suite.
- Key components/functions of AOL:
- Flexfields (Key Flexfields, Descriptive Flexfields): Provides configurable and extensible data fields.
- Lookups: Standardized lists of values.
- Value Sets: Defines valid sets of values for various parameters and flexfield segments.
33. Differentiate between a Key Flexfield (KFF) and a Descriptive Flexfield (DFF). Provide a real-world example for each.
Answer:
Both KFFs and DFFs allow for customization and extension of Oracle EBS applications without modifying the underlying standard tables.
- Key Flexfield (KFF):
- Purpose: Used to capture key identification codes or meaningful segments that uniquely identify an entity within the system. They often represent a concatenated intelligent key.
- Structure: Pre-defined structure with a fixed number of segments that form a unique identifier.
34. You need to implement a complex business logic change that involves updating multiple tables based on certain conditions. How would you approach this technically in Oracle EBS, considering different customization methods?
Answer:
This requires careful consideration of the “CEMLI” (Customizations, Extensions, Modifications, Localizations, Integrations) guidelines and choosing the least intrusive method.
- Forms-based Customization (for Forms screens):
- Forms Personalization (Preferred for UI changes): For simple UI modifications (e.g., hiding/showing fields, changing labels, defaulting values, calling custom PL/SQL on events). This is a metadata change, stored in and survives upgrades easily. Not suitable for complex multi-table updates directly, but can trigger backend code.
- This allows for more complex validation, default value setting, and calling custom PL/SQL packages.
- Approach: Write a custom PL/SQL package (see below) that encapsulates the multi-table update logic. Call this package from Custompill on the appropriate Forms event . This decouples the logic from the for
- Backend Customization (Most Common for complex business logic):
- Custom PL/SQL Packages/Procedures/Functions: This is the workhorse for complex business logic. Create a new cus
35. You need to create a new custom report in Oracle EBS. Which reporting tools would you consider, and what are the steps involved in developing and registering it? ?
Answer:
- Reporting Tools to Consider (based on requirement and EBS version):
- Oracle Reports (RDF): The traditional and widely used tool for complex, pixel-perfect, highly formatted reports. It’s robust for large data volumes and offers fine-grained control over layout. Often used for invoices, statements, etc.
- Oracle BI Publisher (formerly XML Publisher – XDODBC/XDM): The strategic and recommended reporting tool for EBS. It separates data extraction (XML data template) from layout design (RTF, XSL-FO, PDF, HTML). Highly flexible for various output formats and powerful for complex layouts and bursting.
- Discoverer (Deprecated): While still present in older EBS versions, it’s deprecated and not recommended for new development. Used for ad-hoc querying and simple reports.
36. Describe the common methods for integrating external systems with Oracle E-Business Suite for data inbound and outbound. When would you choose one method over another?
Answer:
Inbound Integrations (Data into EBS):Mechanism: Data is loaded into staging (interface) tables. Then, a standard Concurrent Program (e.g., “Payables Open Interface Import,” “Journal Import”) is run to validate and push data from interface tables into the base tables.
Cons: Requires understanding of interface tables, error handling needs careful design
Pros: Data validation built-in, handles complex business rules, supported by Oracle, robust.
Purpose: Oracle provides standard open interfaces (interface tables and API packages) for most modules (e.g., GL Interface, AP Invoice Interface, PO Interface, BOM Interface). These are the recommended and safest way for high-volume, structured data.
Open Interfaces/APIs:
37. A critical Concurrent Request is stuck in "Pending" status for an unusually long time. What steps would you take to diagnose and resolve this issue?
Answer:
This is a common and critical production issue.
- Check Concurrent Request Details:
- Find the stuck request and check its “Phase” and “Status” (e.g., PENDING/Normal, PENDING/Standby, PENDING/Scheduled).
- Check the “Manager” column – which Concurrent Manager is it waiting for?
- Look at the “Start Date,” “Requested Start Date,” and “Hold” status.
- Check Concurrent Manager Status:
- From the same “Administer” form, check the status of the Internal Concurrent Manager (ICM) and the specific Concurrent Manager that the request is waiting for.
- Are they “Active”? Are their “Actual” processes matching “Target” processes?
- Look for “Deactivated” or “Terminating” managers.
38. How do you create a custom concurrent program in Oracle EBS (PL/SQL Concurrent Program, SQL*Loader, Host, Java, etc.)? Outline the registration process and mandatory parameters for a PL/SQL concurrent program.
Answer:
Performance tuning in EBS involves a holistic approach across multiple layers.
- SQL Query Optimization (Most Critical):
- Execution Plans: Analyze Explainplane and SQL_TRACE/TKPROF output for all SQL queries used in Forms, Reports, and PL/SQL packages. Look for:
- Full table scans on large tables.
- Inefficient join methods (e.g., Nested Loops on large tables).
- Excessive sorts.
- High buffer gets (logical I/O) or physical reads.
- Indexing: Ensure proper indexes exist on columns used in Where clauses, Join conditions, ORDER BY, and GROUP BY. Create custom indexes if necessary (prefixed with and carefully reviewed).
39. What are the key technical considerations and challenges when planning and executing an Oracle EBS R12 upgrade, especially concerning customizations? How do you mitigate these risks?
Answer:
Upgrading EBS R12 is a significant undertaking, and customizations are a major challenge.
- Key Technical Considerations & Challenges:
- Customization Impact: This is the biggest challenge. Oracle’s upgrade process (AD Utilities, patching) is designed for standard code. Customizations can conflict with new standard code, changes in underlying data models, or deprecated APIs/technologies.
- Forms (FMBs): Changes to base Forms objects (blocks, items, triggers) can break customized Forms. Customizations made via are generally more resilient.
- Reports (RDFs): Underlying SQL changes or new parameter requirements can break custom reports.
- PL/SQL Packages: Deprecated APIs, changes in table structures, or new business logic might require significant re-coding.
40. Explain the concept of "Online Patching" (ADOP) introduced in R12.2. What are its benefits and the key phases involved?
Answer :
Crucial for R12.2+. Explain how it minimizes downtime during patching by having a “run” and “patch” edition of the database. Discuss phases: Prepare, Apply, Finalize, Cutover, Cleanup. Highlight benefits like near-zero downtime for most patches and reduced maintenance windows.
41. Differentiate between Multi-Org Access Control (MOAC) and Multiple Reporting Currencies (MRC). Provide scenarios where each is used.
Answer :
- MOAC: Allows a single responsibility to access data across multiple operating units. Explain how or MO_GLOBAL.SET_POLICY_CONTEXT is used to switch context. Scenario: A shared service center processing transactions for multiple OUs.
- MRC: Enables reporting in multiple currencies without maintaining separate sets of books. Explain how it maintains primary and reporting ledgers. Scenario: A global company needing to report financials in both local and corporate currencies.
42. What is the significance of the Application Object Library (AOL/FND) in Oracle EBS? Name some critical AOL components and their functions.
Answer :
Explain AOL as the foundation and shared services layer for all EBS modules. Discuss components like:
- Concurrent Programs/Managers: Batch processing, scheduling.
- Flexfields (Key and Descriptive): Extensibility, customization without modifying core code.
- Value Sets: Data validation and list of values.
- Profile Options: User-specific or system-wide configurations.
- Menus/Responsibilities/Functions: Access control and navigation.
- Lookups: Predefined lists of values.
- Messages: Standardized error/information messages
43. Discuss various methods for integrating Oracle EBS with external systems (e.g., File-based, APIs, SOA Gateway, Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC)). When would you choose one method over another?
Answer :
- File-based (FTP/SFTP, UTL_FILE): Simple, good for batch processing of large files, but lacks real-time capability.
- Open Interfaces/APIs (PL/SQL APIs, Public APIs): Standardized, real-time or batch, good for direct system-to-system communication within the database.
- SOA Gateway (Service-Oriented Architecture Gateway): Expose EBS functionalities as web services (SOAP/REST). Ideal for service-oriented integration, complex business flows.
- Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC): Cloud-based iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) for integrating EBS with other cloud/on-prem applications. Provides adapters, orchestration, and monitoring. Modern approach.
- Choice: Depends on real-time vs. batch, data volume, complexity, security requirements, and the target system’s capabilities.
44. Explain the purpose and components of the Business Event System (BES) in Oracle Workflow. How can it be used for integration?
Answer
Focus: Describe BES as a mechanism for communicating business events within and outside EBS. Components: Event Group, Event, Subscription, Agent. Explain how it works (raise event, queue, consume) and how subscriptions can be used to trigger custom PL/SQL, Workflow processes, or even outbound web service calls for integration.
45. What are the key considerations and challenges when upgrading an Oracle EBS instance (e.g., R12.1.3 to R12.2.x)? How do you mitigate these challenges?
Answer:
Challenges: Customization impact (CEMLI analysis), data migration/cleansing, downtime planning (especially pre-ADOP), integration compatibility, testing effort, new features adoption, hardware/software compatibility.
- Mitigation:
- Thorough Planning: Detailed project plan, resource allocation.
- CEMLI Analysis: Identify, rationalize, remediate/re-implement customizations. Prioritize personalizations over custom code.
- Test Environment: Create a robust test environment mirroring production.
- Comprehensive Testing: Functional, integration, performance, user acceptance testing (UAT).
46. How do you ensure data security and access control in Oracle EBS beyond standard responsibilities and menus? (e.g., using Data Security, VPD, or custom security profiles)
Answer :
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Standard responsibilities, menus, and functions.
- Data Security: Define grants on specific data (e.g., only view records for a specific operating unit).
- Virtual Private Database (VPD) / Row Level Security: Apply security policies at the database level to filter data based on user context. Explain
- Custom Security Profiles: For specific modules (e.g., HRMS security profiles to restrict access to employee records based on organization hierarchy).
- API Security: When developing custom APIs, ensure proper validation and authorization.
47.How do you stay updated with the latest Oracle EBS technologies, patches, and best practices (e.g., R12.2.x updates, OAF enhancements, integration patterns)?
Answer
Focus: Look for continuous learning. Mention Oracle documentation, My Oracle Support (MOS) notes, Oracle Blogs (e.g., Oracle E-Business Suite Technology Blog), conferences (Kscope, ODTUG), community forums, and hands-on experience with new releases.
48. What are the considerations when designing a custom solution in EBS to ensure it is upgrade-friendly and maintainable?
Answer :
Minimize Customizations: Prioritize standard functionality, configurations, and personalizations.
- Use Public APIs: Whenever possible, use standard Oracle APIs for data manipulation instead of direct table updates.
- Modular Design: Create reusable PL/SQL packages and functions.
- Clear Documentation: Document all CEMLIs (Configurations, Extensions, Modifications, Localizations, Integrations).
49. How do you stay updated with the latest Oracle EBS technologies, patches, and best practices (e.g., R12.2.x updates, OAF enhancements, integration patterns)?
Answer
Focus: Look for continuous learning. Mention Oracle documentation, My Oracle Support (MOS) notes, Oracle Blogs (e.g., Oracle E-Business Suite Technology Blog), conferences (Kscope, ODTUG), community forums, and hands-on experience with new releases.
50. Describe your experience with Oracle Reports and BI Publisher. When would you use one over the other for reporting needs in EBS?
Answer :
Oracle Reports: Traditional tool for complex, formatted, pixel-perfect reports, typically run as concurrent programs. Good for legacy reports or very specific layouts.
- BI Publisher (formerly XML Publisher): Modern, flexible reporting tool. Separates data from layout. Can generate output in various formats (PDF, Excel, HTML, RTF). Data can come from SQL, Data Templates, XML files, web services. Ideal for highly formatted invoices, purchase orders, dashboards, and reports needing dynamic layouts.
- Choice: BI Publisher is generally preferred for new development due to its flexibility, ease of layout design (using Word/Excel), and multiple output formats. Oracle Reports might be used for maintaining existing reports or specific performance needs where its binary nature offers an edge.