Oracle EPM – Introducing Narrative Reporting (Aug 2023)

Summary

In this informative session, Debbie King and Jessica Azad introduce Oracle EPM's Narrative Reporting capabilities, highlighting its role in automating and controlling reporting packages such as annual and monthly board reports. The presentation showcases the user-friendly integration with Word and PowerPoint, allowing for dynamic embedding of charts and data. Key features include streamlined data sourcing, governance workflow, and effective variable management. With a focus on training and resource dedication, organizations can achieve successful implementation in about four weeks, making it a cost-effective solution for enhancing reporting efficiency.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Debbie King introduces Oracle EPM narrative reporting capabilities, highlighting its role in automating reporting packages.
• 📊 Narrative reporting allows for the creation of reports in both tabular and graphical formats, catering to existing Oracle EPM customers.
• 📄 Reports can be developed in Word or PowerPoint, with the ability to publish them in PDF format, ensuring a professional finish.
• 🔄 The reporting package involves authors, reviewers, and approvers, emphasizing the importance of governance and workflow.
• 🔗 Data can be sourced from Oracle EPM data sources or other systems like HR, using Excel for data management.
• 💻 Jessica Azad demonstrates the functionality within an internal planning environment, showcasing a report based on a Word template.
• 📈 Users can embed charts and revenue information directly into reports, leveraging Smart View connections for real-time updates.
• ⚙️ The system supports both static and reference variables to facilitate dynamic report updates, improving efficiency.
• 👩‍🏫 The implementation process can be achieved within four weeks with dedicated resources and proper training for the team.
• 💰 The cost of implementation is kept low by emphasizing knowledge transfer and empowering teams to manage their reporting needs.

Q & A

What is Oracle EPM Narrative Reporting?

Oracle EPM Narrative Reporting is part of the Oracle EPM Integrated Suite of Solutions that facilitates the orchestration and automation of reporting packages, such as annual and monthly management reports.

What are the two primary capabilities of Narrative Reporting?

The two primary capabilities are the orchestration for control and automation of reporting packages, and the ability to create reports that can be embedded in both tabular and graphical formats.

How does Narrative Reporting improve the reporting process?

It automates the reporting process, reducing manual efforts and errors, and allows for dynamic updates and professional formatting, which enhances efficiency and accuracy.

What types of documents can be used to create reports in Narrative Reporting?

Reports can be created in Word or PowerPoint documents and can be published in PDF format for professional presentation.

What are the roles involved in the report package workflow?

The report package workflow includes authors, reviewers, and approvers, which are essential for governance and ensuring the quality of released results.

What are the three ways to source data for reporting packages?

Data can be sourced from EPM data sources using reports or Smart View linked Excel, or from external sources like HR and health and safety data managed via Excel.

What tools are utilized for embedding information in reports?

Information can be embedded into reports using features from Word and Excel, such as charts and dynamic commentary.

What types of variables can be used in the reports, and what are their functions?

There are static variables for fixed references, like the reporting period, and reference variables that pull dynamic data, ensuring that the reports automatically reflect the latest information.

How long does it take to implement Narrative Reporting successfully?

With dedicated resources, a successful implementation can be achieved in about four weeks, depending on the complexity and the data sources involved.

What is the cost structure for implementing Narrative Reporting?

The implementation is low-cost as it focuses on training the team to manage reporting processes, emphasizing knowledge transfer to ensure they can produce automated reports effectively.