11 Highlights of HCM 9.2 Update Image 18

The newest PeopleSoft Update Image for HCM, Image 18, is out! Here are the 11 highlights of the newest Update Image:

#1 Updatable PDF for W4

Employees can now update both federal and state withholding tax forms directly within PeopleSoft (available for PeopleSoft Payroll for North America). To access the updateable tax forms, employees can click on the Payroll tile within the Fluid Employee Self Service homepage.

The Tax Withholding page displays information about the employee entered within PeopleSoft, including the jurisdiction and any special withholdings. Employees can begin the process of editing the PDF tax forms by clicking on the arrow to the right of each line item. After clicking on the arrow, a box of instructional text appears. This text can be modified by administrators to include special instructions or links to outside resources.

After selecting the form to update, the form downloads with some information automatically filled in using data from within the Employee Pay Data USA Tax Information Component. Fields that are editable show up in blue. Note: If the Approval Workflow Engine is turned on, an administrator will be required to approve the changes.

#2 Fluid Candidate Gateway

The Fluid Candidate Gateway now allows job applicants to apply for jobs and monitor job application progress from a desktop, tablet or phone. The streamlined look and feel within Fluid UI allows applicants to navigate seamlessly.

Applicants can access the Candidate Gateway through the Careers home page. Applicants can search for job openings by keyword or view the latest available jobs and set filters to narrow the results. From a job description, users can add the job to their Favorites list or email the job listing to themselves or a friend.

To apply for a position, users are walked through a step by step guide, including a step where candidates can upload their resume. The Fluid Candidate Gateway utilizes the same setup as the Classic Candidate Gateway. Therefore, a new implementation isn’t needed.

#3 Simplified Analytics

Now with PeopleTools 8.55, managers can access Simplified Analytics for enhanced data analysis and decision making through the Company Directory, My Team, Team Time, Team Performance and the Open Jobs tile on the Fluid Manager Self Service home page. Charts and graphs are now displayed in the Related Information and My Analytics pane on the right hand side of the screen.

The Related Information tab displays a responsive chart or graph based off of the data shown on the page. Users can personalize which data is reflected in the Related Information tab by selecting the Personalize Related Content button.

Users can also expand analytic graphics to a full sized window, including a table grid with the transaction data underneath. By clicking directly on the graphic, users can view details or drill down into the transactions. Users can also filter to display the exact information they need in the chart. The My Analytics tab allows users to set up their own charts or graphs using the Analytics Wizard, complete with the ability to publish the analytics to the user’s Fluid Homepage.

#4 Application Start Pages

With Navigation Collections in Fluid UI, navigation is simplified and streamlined to access sets of pages and components from one, convenient location. Users can now select tiles within Fluid Homepages to access the information they need and alter or create new Navigation Collections.  Users can access Navigation Collections through the Talent Administrator (Career and Success Planning and Performance Administration Navigation Collections) and Workforce Administrator (Benefits Administration, Compensation Administration, HR Administration, Absence Administration, Global Payroll Administration and New Hire Tasks) Fluid Homepages.

The left pane shows accessible, related components, whereas the right side of the page displays the selected, Classic component.

#5 ACA Form 1094/1095C Correction

With Update Image 18, users can access, correct or replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Form 1094 and 1095C. The enhanced pages are as follows:

·      ALE Employer Transmittal Data page

·      ACA Employee Transmittal Data page

·      Create ACA XML Files page

·      ACA Transmission History page

#6 Benefits Archive Template

In Update Image 18, Benefits Administrators can archive results data utilizing the Data Archive Manager.

Predefined archive queries, objects and templates, including an Archive Query and a Restore Query, assist users. Using the Data Archive Manager, users can run an Archive including Delete, Remove from History, Rollback or Selection. The Audit Archiving page provides users with a one-stop shop to access Archiving results.

#7 Phased Retirement for US Federal

In PeopleSoft HCM, US Federal Agencies and employees can submit Phased Retirement Personnel Action Requests. To start the submission process, users can access the Supervisor Request USF component and enter in necessary information, including the Action and Reason Code “PRT”. Agencies can run Phased Retirees USF reports from within the application, such as a report on active phased retirement employees or employees who went back to work after a phased retirement, among others. PeopleSoft HCM also allows users to create CDPF reports as well.

#8 Brazilian eSocial- Basic Structure

Update Image 18 offers an enhanced eSocial solution for Brazil, allowing companies to send the government payroll and HR data in through a streamlined and consolidated framework. Specifically, in Image 18, PeopleSoft delivers new set up pages and various enhancements to existing set up pages, including batch processes. The batch processes prepare the data, reprocess if there are errors and create XML outputs to submit.

  

#9 GP France DSN Phase 3

DSN, a Government Reporting Standard in France, provides a framework that standardizes the data submission process to the French government. PeopleSoft Global Payroll for France allows organizations to submit DSN reports directly from within the application. By running a batch process, the user can collect relevant data for the DSN report. In Update Image 18, multiple DSN file versions are supported in the same instance. Users can also update DSCN structures.

#10 Mobile Payslip for Multiple Countries

With Fluid UI, employees can view their paycheck information directly from their mobile device. On the Payment Summary page from within the Payroll tile, users can access payslip information, including information such as deductions, earnings and analytics. In Update Image 18, this functionality has been implemented for these Global Payroll Country Extensions:

·      Argentina                                India                                        Spain

·      Australia                                 Mexico                                    Thailand

·      China                                       New Zealand                          United Kingdom

·      Hong Kong                               Singapore

#11 File Integration Framework

With the File Integration Framework in PeopleSoft HCM, users are guided in the flat file creation process. SQRs are no longer necessary to bring in data from the system. The framework significantly reduces the amount of turnaround time to view a test file. By selecting “Add File Definition,” users can configure file definitions using a step-by-step activity guide.

FSCM Update Image 19 is Out

With the recent release of FSCM Update Image 19, PeopleSoft Finance users have access to great enhancements that increase efficiency and productivity while cutting down on processing and navigation time. Update Image 19 is delivered through the Selective Adoption model, allowing users to select the features they want, when they want. Here are the top seven highlights of the newest release: 

#1: Fluid Expense Report Entry
Through the Fluid Expense Report Entry in FSCM 9.2 Update Image 19, users can submit expense reports on the go from a tablet or mobile device. In Update Image 19, Fluid expenses has been enhanced to include full currency exchange capabilities, per diems and VAT. Expenses has also been enhanced to include Receipt Split and Hotel Wizard, utilizing streamlined navigation through Fluid activity guides.

From the Expenses tile on the Employee Self Service homepage, users are alerted with a number of total expenses that have not been submitted in a report yet. 

After clicking on the Expenses tile, the user is brought to the Expenses homepage, where he or she can perform a variety of tasks with the simple click of a button. 

Some Expenses Homepage Highlights

·      Notices Tile: Users can receive notifications or messages from the Expenses department
·      Create Expense Report Tile: Users can create a new expense report with the push of a button and upload receipts directly to the page by taking a picture of it with their phone or device and uploading it; Users can enter in expenses by hand or select a pre populated expense saved in My Wallet
·      Add Quick Expenses Tile: Allows users to submit a cash or miscellaneous expenses to their wallets quickly to put into an expense report later on
·      My Wallet Tile: Users can see all outstanding expenses that the user has saved to put into an expense report at a later date in time
·      My Expense Reports Tile: Shows all expense reports and their status, including reports that are submitted, reports that are pending and the ones that are in draft mode
·      Expense History Tile: Users can access a complete list of all of their expense reports submitted in the past

#2: General Ledger Business Unit Management
In addition to many enhancements with PeopleSoft Fluid Expenses capabilities, the General Ledger Business Unit Management feature is enhanced in Image 19 to include the ability to add, alter or duplicate General Ledger Business Units through an Activity Guide. 

The General Ledger Business Unit Management feature provides a one-stop shop for users to access common classic components used to build General Ledger business units. Now, users have one centralized location to access business unit set up information.

On the sidebar of the page, users can search through business units or filter to find the exact business unit they are looking for. From the search results, users can copy and modify a business unit by clicking on the Action drop down arrow next to each unit. Users can also walk through an intuitive activity guide to set up a new business unit, completing required fields and keeping track of the creation process easily through a sidebar displaying the status of each step and the level of completion. 

#3: My Work Scope
In FSCM 9.2 Update Image 19, both Classic and Fluid WorkCenters have been updated to include multiple filter values by utilizing a new Scope field. From a WorkCenter, the user can select Configure Scope from the Personalization menu. The user can set scope and filter criteria to display the information they need. For example, a user could set up a specific scope to monitor the billing information for one client or business unit.

#4: Cost Balancing WorkCenter
The Cost Balancing WorkCenter found within PeopleSoft’s Fluid User Interface is designed specifically for managers to help them close the General Ledger before a period comes to a close. This WorkCenter displays all of the outstanding work assigned to a manager that must be completed before the period comes to an end. Managers can see the number of transactions that they will need to review next to each task. 

Managers also have the ability to set filters on the transactions to narrow their focus and access the information they want to see, such as a tolerance amount to flag certain transactions that need to be reviewed. Other enhanced capabilities include the ability to take action on a transaction and change the Display Options as well as the ability to download the data into an Excel spreadsheet by simply clicking on the spreadsheet icon. The Cost Balancing WorkCenter makes it easy for managers to match up the accounting line items with the Inventory Ledger costs to ensure that they are in balance.

#5: Lease Accounting Enhancements
In Image 19, PeopleSoft Real Estate Management can now support all asset types. Operating and capital leases are supported as a lessee or a lessor. This enhancement capability makes it easy for users to formulate a lease from the asset depository or create a new one manually. 

Users can utilize Asset Management accounting entry templates, making it easy to enter in all of the accounting entries associated with the lease.

#6: Prepayment Usability Enhancements

Update Image 19 in PeopleSoft Accounts Payable makes it simple and seamless to complete prepayment to a supplier in order to start the procurement process and production of goods and services. By combining the Voucher Prepayment Search page and the Apply Vouchers to Prepayment page, users can apply prepayments to vouchers quickly and easily. There is also no longer a voucher limit.

#7: VAT 2016 Regulatory Requirements
Update Image 19 is updated to reflect the Italian Trading Partner Declaration Report as of June 2016. For more information about this new VAT regulatory requirement or the features in Update Image 19, download the PeopleSoft FSCM Update Image Overview White Paper. (Note: You will need your Oracle log on credentials to access this document.)

PeopleSoft Updates with Marc Weintraub

Quest International User Group recently hosted Marc Weintraub, Oracle Senior Director of Product Strategy, PeopleSoft, to present a webinar on the latest developments within PeopleSoft. Marc outlined three major developments within PeopleSoft applications and how customers can prepare and implement these changes.

1) PeopleSoft applications running on Oracle Cloud

Organizations currently running PeopleSoft can benefit greatly by running their PeopleSoft applications in the Oracle Cloud. One of the most significant benefits of Cloud is a great increase in business agility. PeopleSoft customers can take their applications that they are currently running and own the license to, and move the infrastructure to Oracle’s secure Cloud. PeopleSoft application users can make an easy transition to Cloud using the PeopleSoft environments they have already created.

Cloud allows for a much more rapid creation of new environments and uptake of new business processes while freeing up organizations to concentrate on more strategic areas of business. In addition to Cloud’s benefit of business agility is business continuity. Business Continuity is the daily maintenance and updating of PeopleSoft applications. Cloud makes it easier to constantly stay up to date and take in new features, functionality or patches to stay current.

The third major benefit of moving PeopleSoft to the Cloud is cost and risk reduction. By focusing on core competencies and allowing Oracle as a Cloud service provider to take care of the rest utilizing Platform as a Service, organizations can free up resources that would have been spent on managing and maintaining datacenters.

What is the different between PeopleSoft on Oracle Cloud and Oracle Cloud applications?

With many Cloud offerings now available to PeopleSoft users, PeopleSoft running on the Cloud and SaaS applications can often get interchanged. However, they are two separate entities. Oracle Cloud Applications, or what is known as SaaS, are applications that are rented from Oracle each month. Users cannot go in and make changes. In the case of running PeopleSoft in the Cloud, users still own their source code and can go in and make changes if they choose to, using bolt-on’s or going into the source code to set up customizations the same way they set it up before. With SaaS applications, users are always current whereas running PeopleSoft on Oracle Cloud gives users the flexibility to choose when and how often they apply updates. However, with both solutions, the technology, infrastructure and environments are being managed by Oracle.

2) PeopleSoft Selective Adoption delivering new capabilities
In addition to new Cloud offerings by Oracle, Selective Adoption has changed the game with PeopleSoft applications. Selective Adoption, delivered with PeopleSoft 9.2, offers users the ability to select the changes they want, when they want without another major upgrade. Users can quickly receive maintenance updates and new functionality. Since the release of PeopleSoft 9.2, Oracle has released 18 Update Images with over 375 new features.

Moving forward, PeopleTools will begin to release updates on the continuous delivery model as well through Patch Sets. This will allow PeopleTools to be better integrated with the Selective Adoption process. When users select a certain feature they would like to uptake, they only have to uptake the PeopleTools updates that are tied with it. Within the next 24 months, customers can expect to see many updates including enhancements in self service capabilities, Fluid functionality and additional analytics.

3) PeopleSoft Fluid User Interface offering a modern and intuitive mobile and desktop user experience

With the PeopleSoft Fluid User Interface, applications are available on the go and provide users with the information they need from a desktop, tablet or mobile device. Fluid UI is interactive and personalizable, offering users a modern and intuitive experience. With the release of PeopleTools 8.55, Oracle has delivered a number of enhancements for Fluid UI, including Simplified Analytics, Fluid Activity Guides, resizable tiles and master-detail layout, among others. In PeopleTools 8.55, Fluid UI is the default. With Fluid UI, users are guided through business processes using visual-heavy Activity Guides that are simple to complete. Other great enhancements in Fluid UI have been through Simplified Analytics, providing users with the tools they need for greater data analysis.

To learn more about these PeopleSoft updates, visit Oracle online at www.peoplesoftinfo.com.

What's Happening with PeopleSoft ERP

So what's new with PeopleSoft?

Oracle PeopleSoft ERP applications offer users around the world the tools they need to operate business processes smoothly and efficiently. Oracle is committed to offering the best tools possible to its PeopleSoft customers, through enhancements to existing ERP application features and functionality as well as through investments in new development areas. Since the release of PeopleSoft 9.2, Oracle has released 17 Update Images and over 150 new features, with more planned to come. Alex Man, Oracle Group Vice President, PeopleSoft Development outlines 8 items, or 8 areas of focus, that PeopleSoft ERP customers can expect to see moving into the future.

1.Customers can expect to see continued developments in Fluid UI
Fluid UI provides customers with unmatched flexibility when it comes to accessing PeopleSoft application content on the go, from a desktop, tablet or mobile phone. PeopleSoft has released six new Fluid home pages since the release of PeopleSoft 9.2. Other new developments within Fluid UI include Pivot Grids and WorkCenters, which Oracle continues to invest in. 

Oracle has delivered 19 WorkCenters to its ERP customers, providing users with a one-stop shop for business users to process, conduct transactions, take action on alerts and view reports and analytics. Some new features to be delivered in the future include the ability for users to define a scope within the WorkCenter from multiple work lists. WorkCenters will also be Fluid enabled and will be geared toward managers, providing them with the tools they need to monitor their direct reports from a smartphone or tablet. Oracle customers can also expect Mobile Expenses in Fluid UI to be enhanced. With additional capabilities such as multi-currency added in, users will be able to submit their expenses any time and any place. 

eProcurement Requisition in Fluid UI will resemble more customer-focused websites and applications such as Amazon, with images of each item next to the listing, formatted with more of a product catalog feel. The new developments in Requisitioning will make it easier than ever before to select items, review the order and submit it. Users will be able to place orders on the go, without having to be in the office to complete the transaction.

2. Customers can expect to see enhancements to External Application Portals
In addition to new developments within PeopleSoft that are geared more towards internal users, such as providing employees with the tools they need to submit expenses, PeopleSoft will be developing and tailoring the user experience for more external audiences as well, such as customers or suppliers. With enhancements in the Supplier Portal, suppliers will be able to go in and register with their information, see available bids and interact with the company, all from within the portal. Oracle customers can also set up their applications to provide their customers with access to the PeopleSoft system.

3. Customers can expect to see new Accounting Requirements
With new accounting standards released within the past year, the Oracle PeopleSoft team is focusing on making sure that PeopleSoft customers are completely covered under their applications. The two major accounting initiatives Oracle is focusing on right now are the Revenue Recognition and Lease Accounting initiatives. These changes in accounting requirements will affect multiple areas of PeopleSoft Financials such as General Ledger, Asset Management and more.

4. Customers can expect to see enhanced Common Components and Frameworks
Frameworks make it easy for PeopleSoft customers to improve the way they complete common business processes and transactions. PeopleSoft is working on developing many more additional frameworks to assist customers, including the Guided Data Entry Framework, Validation Framework and Mass Transaction Manager to name a few.

5. Customers can expect the option to utilize new PeopleSoft ERP Products
Oracle has recently released four new products, including three Real-time Bottom Line products and a Project Discovery product with in-memory processing. The Real-time Bottom Line products are geared toward maximizing business performance, which can take organizational factors into account and simulate what will occur within an organization before it actually happens.

6. Customers can expect to see a continued investment in Analytics and Reporting
PeopleSoft ERP applications provide users with numerous options when it comes to analytics and reporting. Pivot Grids, Simplified Analytics, BI Publisher Reports and OBIE Reporting (or General Ledger Reporting) all drive enhanced organizational decision making and data analysis. 111 Pivot Grids have been delivered for PeopleSoft ERP applications alone. Oracle also continues to develop and deliver Dashboards to its customers, offering enhanced personalization and navigation through pagelets.

7. Customers can expect to see enhancements in Supplier Lifecycle Management
The Oracle PeopleSoft team has delivered Onboarding and Registration within Supplier Lifecycle Management and will continue to enhance current offerings to provide Scorecarding and a Qualification system. This will allow organizations to better manage the relationship with their suppliers and take action when needed.

8. Customers can expect to receive options as to whether they want to run PeopleSoft on the Cloud or On Premise
PeopleSoft ERP is available on the Oracle Cloud Marketplace, providing all PeopleSoft ERP customers with the ability to host some or all of their environment on the Cloud. PeopleSoft has also released the PeopleSoft Cloud Architecture, providing customers with the tools they need to deploy and maintain PeopleSoft on the Cloud with any Cloud service.

Interested in learning more about how you can upgrade to PeopleSoft 9.2 to access these features and more? Visit the PeopleSoft Information Portal.

PeopleSoft Leadership Sets Direction for Applications

Q & A, Quest International Users Group’s magazine, recently published an article including a Q & A session withPaco Aubrejuan, Oracle Senior Vice President and General Manager, PeopleSoft Applications Development. In the interview, Paco addresses three main areas of discussion related to PeopleSoft applications. Paco includes an overview of PeopleSoft in the cloud, Selective Adoption and Fluid User Interface, outlining not only the features currently available to customers, but also what customers can expect to see in the future as well.

A synopsis of Paco’s answers are provided below under each question.

Question 1: What are the options for PeopleSoft customers with cloud aspirations?
Cloud is becoming an increasingly important topic in the PeopleSoft user community. Many organizations are now faced with the choice to migrate some or all of their environment to the cloud, allowing for lowered total cost of ownership while maximizing flexibility and system agility. When cloud was initially introduced to PeopleSoft users, it meant Software as a Service, meaning that the customer would pay a monthly fee to receive access to Oracle applications. Since then, Oracle has Oracle released what is the first full cloud application suite in existence. Oracle now offers Data as a Service (DaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), in addition to Software as a Service (SaaS). PeopleSoft applications are now accessible via the Oracle Public Cloud.

Cloud does not need to be all or nothing with PeopleSoft customers. Many customers, while running their applications on premise, are choosing to transition their development, test and production environments to the Oracle Public Cloud. In addition to reduced costs and agility, customers running environments on the cloud are able to uptake enhancements much faster and receive the latest features and functionality that Oracle has to offer. The PeopleSoft Cloud Architecture (PCA) introduced with PeopleTools 8.55 offers increased automation for PeopleSoft application lifecycle management and provides a platform to quickly deploy and update applications.

Question 2: What are your recommendations for embracing Selective Adoption?
PeopleSoft Selective Adoption is a game changer. Before the introduction of Selective Adoption in PeopleSoft 9.2, customers had to upgrade and take the newest release of PeopleSoft applications, regardless if they needed or wanted the updates. Selective Adoption puts customers in the driver’s seat, allowing them to uptake only the changes they want, when they want. Oracle releases update images every 2 to 3 months, providing customers with optional updates that they can uptake. Customers are able to skip over update images without having to stay current on them. Selective Adoption means the end of costly upgrades.

Because Selective Adoption offers new features on a continuous basis, customers should develop a strategy of how to address this new delivery model. Not only must organizations decide on what features they want to uptake, but they need to decide on elements such as how often to do maintenance or security updates, outlining what will be done on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. In addition, customers must include both IT and business process decision makers to decide what to uptake and where it will fit in the budget.

Question 3: What is the PeopleSoft Fluid User Interface and why is it important for customers?
PeopleSoft Fluid User Interface was developed and delivered as a result of customers’ desires to have applications that are simplified, modern and mobile. Now with Fluid UI, PeopleSoft applications can be rendered on a variety of screen sizes, utilizing HTML5 and CSS3 technology. Fluid UI offers customers intuitive and simplified navigation as well as the ability to access the information they need while on the go. Fluid UI, first introduced in PeopleTools 8.54, is now enhanced in PeopleTools 8.55 with more and more business transaction pages being built in Fluid UI. In PeopleTools 8.55, Fluid UI is the default. Users are able to transition between Classic and Fluid pages seamlessly.

Some notable features delivered through the Fluid User Interface include Fluid Activity Guides, Fluid WorkCentersand Simplified Analytics, providing users with the tools they need for simplified navigation and enhanced decision making.

To read the full Q & A with Paco Aubrejuan, click here.

How Simplified Analytics Streamline Procurement Operations

Hello Oracle PeopleSoft users,

You may have heard of Simplified Analytics or seen a demo at one of the last PeopleSoft user conferences. Today specifically, I want to show you the beauty of Simplified Analytics for Procurement Operations and how they can streamline processes and ease workload for Procurement managers.

PeopleSoft Procurement Operations in Fluid UI allows managers to access the important procurement information they need, wherever they are at, from a desktop, tablet or mobile device. Important events such as Procurement Spend, supplier’s non-conformance to SLAs and any pending approvals can be monitored and acted upon while on the go.

In addition to the mobility and flexibility that Procurement Operations in Fluid UI offers, managers can view interactive, Simplified Analytics for enhanced data analysis. From the Procurement Operations homepage, managers can set up different events as tiles for simplified and streamlined navigation, personalizing them with the exact information they would like to monitor. Managers can set up various thresholds for each event, receiving a notification when a threshold on a certain event is exceeded and needs to be reviewed, such as the number of contracts due to expire. 

Procurement managers can set up a tile as a Supplier Watch List to monitor violations and assess whether suppliers should continue to hold the organization’s key supplier positions. From the Supplier Watch List page, suppliers are listed on the left-hand side with alerts underneath the suppliers that currently have violations. New suppliers will not have any activity under their names. Suppliers can be added to the Supplier Watch List using a simple search and add feature. On the right side of the details section, users can access My Analytics to combine data from within the page to make a report using the Create Analytics Wizard. 

Users can enter a new report name and specify whether they would like the data from the PS Query to be shown in a chart, table or Pivot Grid. Users can specify and filter through which data and fields they would like to be included in the report. 

After clicking Next, the chart automatically appears. Users can select or deselect the information they would like to include in the chart, using a click and drag to add additional fields. Users can also save the report for future reference by clicking Save in the top right corner.

The analytic can also be added to the homepage as a tile or shared with others through accessing the Publishing Options button if the user has administrative access.

1. Publish this report to ‘My Analytics’ of other users
This option publishes and places the Analytic report in all users’ My Analytics that use the component.

2. Publish this report to the tile repository of other users
This option publishes and saves the Analytic report as a tile in the My Analytics folder for all users that use the component, providing them with the ability to add the tile to their homepage.

Other options for Simplified Analytics include the ability to go back in through the tile and alter filters, chart layout, grid transaction details, sort options and export into an Excel sheet. Users can also save the updated analytic report or publish another analytic to their homepage. 

You could also look at the Supplier 360 view that allows users to access a single page of all the information on a supplier.

Interested in learning more about how you can access Oracle's Simplified Analytics on Procurement Operations? Visit peoplesoftinfo.com.