A Journey to Oracle Cloud Applications Through the Eyes of a Financials Consultant

Talk about trying to teach an old dog new tricks! I have been working with PeopleSoft for more than 25 years, both as a technical and functional consultant. When I found out I needed to learn Oracle Cloud Applications, I was skeptical. After working with PeopleSoft for so long, it was second nature for me to learn new features and modules. It was easy to read and understand the documentation on a new PeopleSoft module or new functionality delivered with PUMs. It was as if I had developed “PeopleSpeak,” the ability to understand, communicate, and implement PeopleSoft features with clients! Was it possible for me to transition and learn Oracle Cloud Applications? I’m excited to say that it was! Working my way through the following steps was a big help.

Step 1: To familiarize myself with Oracle Cloud Applications, I started using the guided learning paths on the Oracle Partner Network. I read the sales and pre-sales material related to the Financial and Procurement Cloud to get a basic understanding of the products and their key advantages. These guided learning paths showed me why clients should be moving to the cloud.

Step 2: For a more in-depth understanding, I completed the learning paths for the ERP Cloud and SCM Cloud on Oracle Launch Pad. For each module, the learning path provided short tutorials on getting started, configuration, navigation, security, using the module, and reporting. This was my first look at Oracle Cloud Applications products. I found much of the basic functionality in Oracle Cloud and PeopleSoft applications were similar. For example, when creating a requisition, the process resembles the PeopleSoft eProcurement requisition process, utilizing catalogs, forms, and templates. However, in addition to the ability to shop by catalogs, the Procurement Cloud offers the ability to shop by category across all catalogs.

Step 3: Now I was ready to get hands-on with Oracle Cloud Applications. I signed up for the implementation workshops in the Oracle Partner Network (www.oracle.com/partners). Along with your email confirmation for the workshop, you receive access to a demo environment established for the class, which is available to you for two weeks. Each workshop includes a morning lecture with afternoon lab assignments. I spent a lot of time working in the environments, not just completing all the labs, but taking the time to learn as much as I could about each product.

Step 4: I used the Oracle Cloud Applications help feature a lot! It provided insight into various implementation considerations, security requirements, configuration options, product usage, and reporting options. With the registration for the workshop, I also was given access to Oracle Beehive, which contains workshop materials along with many helpful items while studying for the certification exams.

Step 5: The final step in my Cloud journey was to pass the certification tests. You are given two hours to complete each exam, which consist of 70 — 90 questions. A score of 60 percent or better is needed to pass. With the material provided in the workshops and the ability to play in a demo environment before taking the exams, I was able to pass each of my exams on the first try! This entire process allowed me to apply and test my knowledge in a real-world setting, which is now a huge asset when I work with clients moving to Oracle Cloud Applications.

At its heart, the journey to the cloud is about change. To learn how Sierra-Cedar can help your organization foster cultural change and prepare internal teams for cloud transformation, email us today!