The Cloud makes world-class planning affordable for organizations of all sizes. Oracle PBCS is based on the market-leading Hyperion Planning application but is optimized for the Cloud meaning there is no up-front Capital Investment, low cost, implementations take weeks instead of months, and automatic upgrades ensure that users always have the latest features.
What is PBCS?
PBCS is a web-based planning tool on track to have indistinguishable features to the on-premise solution. The product has several Cloud specific features for example EPM Automate to push information from your framework to the cloud. It includes two Planning instances (Dev/Test and Production), Life Cycle Management (LCM) support for migrations and automated nightly backups of your entire environment.
In the background of PBCS, a similar OLAP Essbase engine and Calculation Manager logic power complex business logic utilizing reusable, object-based rules and a “Code Free” calculation generator and hundreds of financial functions.
Also included is a dedicated Aggregate Storage Option (ASO) Reporting application for Historical actuals or prior plans, and the powerful mapping capabilities of Financial Data Management to enable User-defined data mapping and drill back to Transaction Level Detail.
The product leverages Hyperion’s Financial Reporting Studio for traditional highly formatted, group PDF reporting and interactive web-based reporting. However, the biggest impact is felt from the reporting and ad hoc analysis possible with the Smart View add-in. This combination with Microsoft Office has been regularly imitated but never matched by other vendors in this space.
What Oracle EPM products are available today?
Hyperion Planning and Essbase (if built through a planning application) are accessible today through PBCS. Hyperion Financial Management (HFM) isn’t yet available but seems to be next in line for the move to the cloud, while no plans seem to have surfaced for the hierarchy management tools Data Relationship Management (DRM) and Enterprise Performance Management Architect (EPMA).
Can I keep my on-premise applications?
In short, yes. Oracle will be investing in both traditional on-premise EPM as well as PBCS, and most, if not all, features will be available in both forms. Oracle is looking to make the software transition seamless between the two options, so the question really comes down to this: What is your enterprise software strategy? Are you moving other applications to the Cloud?
Is PBCS secure?
With features like these, it is likely their cloud is just as, if not more, secure than many on-premise environments. Customers benefit from:
- Physical security and best-in-class facilities
- Redundant power and network
- Calamity Recovery
- 24/7 environmental monitoring and alerting
- Security accreditations necessary for most organizations, governments, and industries
- Code review and third-party vulnerability assessment
- Resilient architecture with no single point of failure
Can I migrate my applications to the cloud?
If your on-premise applications are version 11.1.2.1 and above, yes you can migrate easily. Earlier versions may work with some manipulation. However, regardless of your version, any mappings, translations and automation (i.e., ETL built-in Essbase, ODI, FDM) must be rebuilt in the cloud tools such as EPM Automate.
Can I automate loading data to PBCS?
Yes, following file formats that work with FDM, automated jobs can be set up to transfer files to the cloud and load them to the application. Starting soon, the PBCS API will enable integration with tools such as Dell Boomi and Snaplogic for automated feeds.
In fact, Cervello performed extensive testing with the API while it was under development with Oracle
Which is right for us, on-premise or cloud?
The decision really comes down to your priorities, but here are some pros and cons:
On-premise advantages:
- The application sits behind your own firewall
- Sophisticated automation data and hierarchy builds
- Stronger integration with other systems
- Active Directory (network authentication) – i.e., one password to remember
- Pre-built modules, unlimited applications
- All EPM products available (HFM, DRM, Planning, etc.)
- Drill back to on-premise EBS
Cloud advantages:
- No capital costs, the low monthly subscription cost
- Lower TCO – data center, hardware, DR, IT team
- Less/no reliance on IT
- Scalability – no new hardware required for expansion
- Automated Quarterly patches and upgrades included
- Latest and greatest version/functionality
- Tablet-friendly interface is available anywhere without a VPN
How can existing Hyperion Planning customers migrate to Oracle PBCS?
For customers with existing Hyperion Planning applications, the migration path from Hyperion Planning to PBCS is extremely simple. If a customer is on 11.1.2.3.500 or greater, it is a three-click measure:
(1) Use Lifecycle Management and export the application definition
(2) Upload through the computerization utility in PBCS, and
(3) Import it on the PBCS side. Earlier versions may require minor changes to the XML documents for the LCM packet, but we have yet to see a migration that takes more than a few hours.
Can I migrate from On-Premise to Cloud or Cloud to On-Premise? Is the migration seamless or do the LCMs need to be adjusted before importing to PBCS?
LCM migrations from an On-Premise application to PBCS or vice versa are seamless transitions. Since we at EPMS have been creating on both PBCS and On-Premise Planning, our Cloud specialists have learned the ins and outs of migrating between the different server sets.
Is there a limit to the number of custom dimensions that can be added to PBCS?
There is no limit to the number of custom dimensions. As with On-Premise Hyperion Planning, PBCS allows you to create multiple plan types with their own custom dimensionality as6
The Cloud makes elite arranging reasonable for associations, everything being equal. Prophet PBCS depends on available driving Hyperion Planning application however is advanced for the Cloud importance there is no direct Capital Investment, minimal effort, executions require a long time rather than months, and programmed overhauls guarantee that clients consistently have the most recent highlights.
Does PBCS have the same functionality as Hyperion Planning?
PBCS offers largely the similar functionality as On-Premise Hyperion Planning. From a functional point of view, end-users will see very little difference. From an administrative viewpoint, the Cloud environment is significantly simpler to administer because you don’t need to manage things like server-to-server point communications, logs and tuning, and so on
Does PBCS support multiple plan types?
Yes, it supports up to total seven plan types: 3 BSO, 3 ASO, and 1 consolidated plan type for reporting.
How do data loads and pushes occur?
PBCS comes with a full set of data integration tools. For the individuals who know about Oracle FDM or FDMEE, FDMEE is embedded directly within the PBCS application. You can do Cloud-Based data uploads into PBCS and afterward do any mapping translations that need to occur to load data into the Planning application going forward. The most recent arrival of PBCS includes the EPM Automate Utility, a scheduling utility that can help support that process.
How do dimension builds occur?
There are various ways to loading dimensions. PBCS permits direct dimension maintenance within Smart View; if you have hierarchy definitions that live in an Excel file, you can import them directly through Smart View or apply them. Another way is to load the .csv file directly into the Planning user interface. As a third option, you can use the EPM Automate Utility to upload the dimension build files and then kick off any dimension structure changes that need to occur.
How would we load ERP source data into PBCS?
FDMEE, which has replaced FDM, would be the best solution for providing an ERP flat file in addition to performing mappings and importing the source data into your PBCS application.
Is it conceivable to utilize a bookkeeping page situated on the customer machine to associate with the Cloud application?
Truly. Much the same as any On-Premise Planning application, PBCS can Financial Reporting Studio and Smart View to perform both specially appointed recovers just as perform Financial Reporting for visual presentation of the information.
Is it possible to use a spreadsheet located on the client machine to connect to the Cloud application?
Yes. Much the same as any On-Premise Planning application, PBCS can utilize Financial Reporting Studio and Smart View to perform both ad-hoc retrieves as well as perform Financial Reporting the individuals who need a superior visual display of the data.
Can the “Planner” role carry out ad-hoc analysis in read-only mode in PBCS?
Yes, this is a common scenario. Users with read-only access have full capability to do ad-hoc reporting.
What web browsers does PBCS support?
Supported web browsers include Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari.
How do we maintain security in PBCS regarding shared services?
PBCS security isn’t synced with MSAD via connection to the MSAD; it is either manually controlled or imported via .csv for the users who are later provisioned for PBCS. Provisioning is also not performed in Shared Services for PBCS. It is controlled in the Oracle Cloud Identity Console.
Is there a sample demo of the Oracle PBCS application that we can access?
The current On-Premise application can be easily deployed into PBCS for testing in a PBCS environment.
What does a typical implementation plan look like for PBCS? How long does it take?
EPMS helps organizations get started with PBCS using a proven methodology to ensure optimal results. PBCS Pro is an accelerated deployment customized for your organization and delivered in 8–12 weeks, depending on requirements.
Which is best for my organization – Oracle PBCS or On-Premise Hyperion Planning?
Both products are highly recommended by EPMS. Schedule a quick call with our Planning experts to help us determine whether Oracle PBCS, Hyperion Planning, or a hybrid solution would best fit your needs as a company.
Can I Customize the Look of My EPM Business Processes and Change the Background?
Yes, you can customize the look and change the background.
What is the PBCS Plus One Business Process Option?
If you purchased EPM Cloud before June 4, 2019, in addition to the Standard PBCS and Enterprise PBCS licenses, Oracle offers a PBCS Plus One Business Process option. When you purchase the Enterprise PBCS license or PBCS Plus One Business Process option license, depending on the specific option you license, you can create an application of Enterprise type or convert a Standard application to an Enterprise application type and choose to configure Enterprise business processes: Financials, Strategic Modeling, Workforce, Projects, or Capital.
Can I Change the Logo in My Business Process? What Graphical Elements can I Customize?
Yes, you can change the logo.
How Can I Display Member Names in Multiple Languages?
Alias tables enable you to display member names in multiple languages. First, create an alias table for each language. Load member names for each language into the various alias tables. Then advise users of the specific regions to select their corresponding alias table as a user preference.
How can I take advantage of book-quality, financial reports created in Financial Reporting?
You can convert the reports created with the Financial Reporting for use in Planning Modules. These reports meet the unique requirements of the Finance department or any functional area that requires highly formatted multidimensional reporting.
Where Can I Find Documentation and Examples for Groovy Business Rules?
Groovy is available with the EPM Enterprise Cloud. You can create and edit Groovy rules in all of application types (Custom, Module, and Free Form).
You can also utilize Groovy rules with the Enterprise PBCS and PBCS Plus One.
- In addition to this, you can utilize Groovy rules with the Oracle Strategic Workforce Planning Cloud and Oracle Sales Planning Cloud.
- The API reference includes examples that demonstrate the syntax and power of the EPM Groovy object model.
To see example Groovy scripts:
Open the Java API Reference for Oracle Enterprise Performance Management Cloud Groovy Rules, http://docs.oracle.com/cloud/latest/epm-common/GROOV/.
Do one of the following:
- 76 On the main page, scroll down to Example Groovy Scripts. To view the examples, click the word “here” in the sentence about example Groovy scripts.
- In the left pane, under All Classes, click a topic to view detailed information and examples of Groovy scripts. For example, click StrategicModel to see example scripts to load data from Planning and push it into Strategic Modeling, and to load data from Strategic Modeling and push it into Planning.
