At EPMI, we often receive client interest in the capabilities of Oracle Cloud EPM’s Integration utilities. The following post will detail functionality specific to EPM Integration Agent, and where it fits with the other integration tools in Cloud EPM.

What is the EPM Integration Agent?

In computer science, a software agent is a computer program that acts for a user in a relationship of agency, which derives from the Latin agere (to do): an agreement to act on one’s behalf. – Wikipedia

In our case, the EPM Integration Agent acts on behalf of the administrator by passing database query results from the company’s internal network to the Cloud.

Our agents live on the server. Our queries live on the Cloud.

EPM Integration Agent Functions

What data sources are accepted?

EPM Integration Agent acts as a go-between from data sources to Cloud EPM. The EPM Agent can run queries against the on-premises relational data source and upload the results to the Cloud. In addition to SQL queries, the EPM Agent also supports connectivity to non-relational data sources via scripting (Jython, Groovy, or Java). Queries often will contain various types of source system data which is then leveraged in Cloud EPM:  
  • Financial data (General Ledger, subledgers, etc.)
  • Drivers and statistical data
  • Chart of accounts information (metadata updates)
  • Any other source data available via SQL query

Does it work for both on-premises and cloud applications?

Yes!

How is it different from a REST API?

Oracle’s Integration Agent does not replace any REST APIs, but is an additional installable component that can be used with EPM Automate or EPM REST APIs. (EPM Automate is built on top of EPM REST APIs)

How long does it take to set up?

Typically two weeks per data source.

How is it different from cloud data management?

EPM Integration Agent is a component that works with Cloud Data Management and does not replace it. Integration Agent enables connectivity between EPM Cloud Data Management and on-premises databases by passing customizable SQL queries to the on-premises database and then returning the query results back to Cloud EPM.

Data Management integrations built with Integration Agent have an added benefit compared to traditional file-based integrations. Users can design the integration to pull the latest data from the source system on-demand instead of managing different versions of source files.

What is the estimated time savings?

This depends on the complexity, volume, and number of source systems you are seeking to integrate with Cloud EPM.

What frequency can it be configured to?

Integration Agent and EPM Automate can be configured to monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly frequency levels depending on your business requirements. Data Management integrations built with Integration Agent have the added benefit of being able to be scheduled directly from the Data Management scheduler in Cloud EPM. These integrations are not reliant on EPM Automate to schedule the load in an automation script.

The EPM Integration Agent is a key time-saving tool that our clients value. To learn how this tool can impact our organization, please reach out to our solutions team!