Automated Peoplesoft Crystal Reports to Oracle BI Publisher Reports Migration

Our customer, a leading technology services organization, leverages extensive experience and industry insights to help clients achieve their digital goals. With a unique deployment model emphasizing high-quality local engagements, this client’s network spans 70 client delivery centers across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The business emphasizes speed, agility, and flexibility with dynamic, fit-for-purpose teams brought together with customized, industry-specialized service models to deliver proven solutions and achieve results.

Transitioning To Oracle BI Publisher with DataTerrain’s Automation

Business intelligence (BI) and analytics were crucial for making rapid decisions to shape new deals and manage project execution. As Crystal Reports was out of support, our customer needed to convert to Oracle BI Publisher swiftly, ensuring no impact on user experience and retaining the AS-IS look and feel from Crystal Reports.

The Challenges of Converting to Oracle BI Publisher

The primary challenge was ensuring a seamless transition from Crystal Reports to PeopleSoft Oracle BI Publisher without disrupting the user experience. The customer needed to maintain the AS-IS look and feel of the reports while leveraging the advanced capabilities of Oracle Analytics Publisher.

Why DataTerrain?

DataTerrain was chosen for this transition due to its robust automated approach to migrating from Crystal Reports to Oracle BI Publisher. As an early mover in this domain, DataTerrain’s refined experience is demonstrated through numerous successful projects. Its proprietary automation tool has proven effective in accelerating conversion processes.

Accelerated Transition Using DataTerrain’s Automation Tool

DataTerrain’s structured approach for transitioning from Crystal Reports to Oracle BI Publisher was meticulously followed to ensure timely and budget-friendly completion. Major phases of the transition included:

1. Automated Analysis and Detailed Planning
   DataTerrain’s tool generated a report inventory and conducted a technical analysis to identify nuances, potential issues, and performance bottlenecks, leading to a detailed project plan.
2. Automated Transition and Validation
   The tool converted each Crystal Report to an RTF template, deploying it to the PeopleSoft server for access as Oracle Analytics Publisher process types. DataTerrain customized queries based on user feedback, enhancing report features while resolving performance issues.
3. User Validation and Rollout
   User involvement was ensured from planning to validation. The process scheduler in Oracle BI Publisher was executed during validation, culminating in a successful rollout.

Visible Differentiators Provided by DataTerrain

The customer noted two key differentiators from this project:

• Accelerated Project Execution Using a Global Delivery Model
  Transition was completed ahead of the Crystal Reports support deadline, with global SMEs available around the clock.
• Value Adds While Retaining Look and Feel
  Additional features like filters and customizations resulted in high user satisfaction.

Benefits to the Customer

Following the successful transition to Oracle BI Publisher, the customer realized several benefits:

• Seamless Integration with PeopleSoft
  Reduction in maintenance effort while retaining the original look and feel on the latest software version.
• Increased Flexibility and Reuse
  Separation of data layout, logic, and translation simplifies maintenance and support.
• Improved Performance
  Enhanced data handling capabilities in Oracle BI Publisher significantly improved performance and user productivity.
• Versatile Layout Editor
  The layout editor enables delivery of outputs in various formats (.doc, .xls, .pdf) with drag-and-drop customization features.
• Integration of Data from Multiple Sources
  Options for tracking and reporting critical metrics via integration with web services and XML feeds.
• Personalized Content Delivery
  Scheduling and bursting features allow for personalized content delivery in multiple formats.

Conclusion

Post-transition, the customer has expanded its use of Oracle BI Publisher as a strategic tool for improving decision-making and addressing growing reporting needs. DataTerrain’s expertise and automation tools ensured a smooth transition, helping the customer fully leverage the capabilities of Oracle Analytics Publisher. Future considerations for organizations looking to migrate should include comprehensive planning, user involvement, and utilizing specialized automation tools to enhance efficiency.

For more information about Oracle Business Intelligence Publisher download options or support services, contact DataTerrain today.