Smart View Update

Introduction

This tutorial provides an overview of the recent updates and features of Oracle Smart View, a powerful tool used for reporting and analysis within various Oracle applications. Whether you are using Hyperion, Cloud EPM, Cloud ERP, OAC, or Essbase, this guide will help you understand the new functionalities and how to effectively utilize them.

Step 1: Understanding Smart View Architecture

• Smart View comes in two main forms:
  • Smart View for Windows Client: A robust version available for Windows, offering extensive features since its introduction in 2004.
  • Smart View for Office 365: A browser-based version compatible with Office 365 and Mac OS, designed for users who prefer a cloud-based solution.
• Each version aims to provide similar functionalities, ensuring users can work seamlessly between desktop and cloud environments.

Step 2: Key Features of Smart View

• Connection to Multiple Sources: Smart View connects to various Oracle applications, allowing users to access data from EPM Cloud, Essbase, and other sources directly within Excel.
• User-Friendly Enhancements:
  • URL Mapping: This feature allows users to manage connections easily when migrating environments. Instead of updating each workbook, you can set up a mapping once, and it will apply to all relevant sheets.
  • Drill-Through Capabilities: Recent updates allow users to drill through to source data directly from Smart View without switching to a web browser, enhancing usability and efficiency.

Step 3: Utilizing New Functionalities

• Performance Improvements: Regular updates focus on optimizing performance and updating libraries, which ensures that Smart View operates efficiently.
• Flex Forms: These enhance the functionality of traditional forms by allowing users to utilize Excel features, such as filtering and adding rows, directly in forms.
• Health Checks: Smart View includes diagnostics to identify potential issues and optimize settings automatically, improving user experience.

Step 4: Leveraging Advanced Features

• Scripting and REST APIs: Users can automate tasks and integrate Smart View with other applications using RESTful APIs, paving the way for advanced data manipulation and analysis.
• Adobe InDesign Integration: A new plug-in for Adobe InDesign allows users to incorporate EPM Cloud content into documents, facilitating the creation of polished reports and presentations.

Step 5: Keeping Smart View Updated

• Version Management: Ensure you are using the most recent version of Smart View to take advantage of all new features. The current versioning system is based on a quarterly cadence (e.g., 20.100 for the first release of the year).
• Regular Updates: Smart View is updated approximately three to four times a year, and keeping your software current will ensure compatibility with Oracle’s cloud services and on-premises applications.

Conclusion

Oracle Smart View is continually evolving to meet the needs of its users across various platforms. The recent updates enhance connectivity, usability, and integration capabilities. To maximize your efficiency with Smart View, stay updated with the latest versions, explore new functionalities, and utilize the features that best fit your reporting and analysis needs. For further assistance or inquiries, consider joining Oracle's customer connect platform or reaching out directly through support channels.