Different Options for Loading Data to Planning

One of the most asked questions I encounter is “How do I get my data into planning?” The answer is it depends.

For existing planning users, the old standby for loading data to planning was through the use of the Hyperion Application Link (HAL) utility. However, this utility has been phased out and is no longer supported by Oracle for use with Planning, therefore customers who are on older version of planning and want to upgrade face a brand new question: What is the HAL replacement? In most cases Oracle Data Integrator is the replacement tool for HAL, however, there are situations when a different tool is a better fit.

For new planning implementations the answer is a little more difficult due to the number of options available for loading data to planning.

There are multiple tools that are capable of loading data to planning. Each tool has its own pros and cons in regards to loading data to planning. The options for loading data into Planning are:

• Oracle Data Integrator (ODI)
• Data Integration Manager (DIM)
• Financial Data Quality Management (FDM)
• Enterprise Performance Management Architect (EPMA)
• Spreadsheet lock and send

I have worked with each of the tools listed and found that there is a lot of overlap in the tool choices so I decided to provide a brief description of the tool along with the strengths and weaknesses that I have found.

Oracle Data Integrator (ODI)

Oracle Data Integrator Enterprise Edition is a comprehensive data integration platform that covers all data integration requirements from high-volume, high-performance batches, to event-driven, trickle-feed integration processes, to SOA-enabled data services

Strengths

• High performance, E-LT architecture
• Does not require new servers/hardware; scales with existing source and target hardware
• Bundled with Hyperion Planning - No Extra Cost
• Oracle Strategic Tool for Data Integration
• Works with data and meta data

Weaknesses

• Usually IT Managed. There is a web application to enable business users to execute routines as needed.
• Hyperion Knowledge modules 1.0 release
• Not fully integrated with all Hyperion Products
• Smaller resource pool to pull from

Data Integration Manager (DIM)

Oracle Data Integration Management is a data integration platform that enables companies to access, integrate, transform, and move virtually any type of data between Hyperion and virtually any system. DIM is built off of the Informatica Platform.

Strengths

• Full scale ETL tool
• Flexible and Powerful
• Time proven track record for ETL excellence
• Based on Informatica - Lots of experience in Marketplace
• Works with data and meta data

Weaknesses

• IT Managed
• Additional Licensing Required
• Additional hardware required (unless PowerCenter already exists)

Financial Data Quality Management (FDM)

Financial Data Management helps to increase confidence in the numbers and lower costs of compliance by eliminating data integrity risks associated with the collection, mapping, and verifying by users of critical financial data from across the enterprise

Strengths

• Provides Business Mapping Layer
• Provides Drill back to transactional detail
• Provides drill through to select ERP systems
• Business Managed
• Auditable

Weaknesses

• Does not handle complex transformation
• Limited Functionality
• Very limited source and target capabilities
• Limited Automation capabilities
• Additional Licensing Required
• Only works with data

Enterprise Performance Management Architect (EPMA)

EPM Architect helps users configure common dimensions from an extensible library, link these dimensions to different applications, re-use or move artifacts from one application to another, and graphically manage data flows between applications. EPMA does have a data load mechanism but it is fairly limited.

Strengths

• Manages meta data
• Allows for data sharing between applications

Weaknesses

• Not a direct to source system - still requires data process to get data directly from data source
• Very limited source and target capabilities
• Limited automation capabilities

So the big question is which tool do I use. I mentioned earlier that it depends. Each tool will load data to planning but each tool has its strengths and weaknesses. When determining which tool is the right tool to choose, I consider the below questions.

1. What is the license enablement
2. Types of Data Sources – Flat files or direct database connections
3. Level of Automation Required for the load process
4. Data mapping requirements
5. Does the load process require auditing capabilities
6. Who will own the data load process - IT or Business Analysts

This will give you a start in selecting the right tool. Each tool has its own set of integration options so I have summarized the tools and the data load options in the below chart to help determine which tool is the right tool to use.

Conclusion

I usually lead with Oracle Data Integrator in new environment architecture and in most cases use ODI as the tool for loading data into planning. However, FDM does fit in many environments where there is less IT involvement and business will manage the entire load process. FDM is also the only tool that provides drill through from planning to transactional detail or to the ERP system. DIM is a great alternative if you have in house Informatica expertise and you don’t mind spending the extra licensing costs to enable DIM.