One common challenge my clients face when using Oracle Cloud ERP is the complexity involved in running quick, recurring SQL queries against their database. Oracle ERP typically relies on BI Publisher, which, despite being a powerful reporting tool, requires creating data models and reports even for simple data checks. This process can feel overly complicated and time-consuming, especially for users needing quick access to recurring data queries such as invoice checks, payment statuses, or supplier balances.
To solve this frequent issue, I recommend using Oracle Cloud SQL Studio, a practical, Windows-based tool included in the Fusion Toolkit suite. This tool enables users to execute SQL queries directly on Oracle Cloud ERP databases without the requirement to navigate through BI Publisher, thus streamlining the data access process.
First, let me briefly explain some essential terms to understand the context clearly.
Oracle Cloud ERP is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning solution provided by Oracle, covering modules like Financials, Supply Chain Management (SCM), Human Resources (HR), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). These modules store extensive business data, which users regularly query to support daily business operations.
BI Publisher is Oracle’s built-in reporting solution for ERP users. It allows users to create data models based on SQL queries and then generates reports in formats such as PDF, Excel, or CSV. While it is robust for structured reporting needs, it can feel inefficient for quick and frequent data checks due to its mandatory steps and interface complexity.
Middleware is software that enables communication and data transfers between separate software applications. Oracle Cloud SQL Studio, in this context, acts as an efficient middleware, simplifying direct communication between the user’s local desktop and the cloud ERP database without requiring a full BI Publisher setup.
When dealing with quick data requests or recurring queries, BI Publisher’s built-in limitations become evident. For instance, users often experience a restrictive limit of around 200 rows in data model unless they perform extensive configurations creating reports. Additionally, creating a new data model and report for each query is both tedious and impractical, especially for tasks that should take seconds rather than minutes or hours.
Oracle Cloud SQL Studio addresses these limitations by allowing instant query execution directly from a client’s Windows desktop. By eliminating the need to create a BI Publisher data model or report, this tool dramatically reduces the time and effort spent running recurring ERP queries.
Here is how my clients typically use Oracle Cloud SQL Studio to simplify their daily operations:
Initially, users ensure Java OpenJDK 17 or later is installed on their Windows machines. Afterward, they configure their Oracle credentials securely within Oracle Cloud SQL Studio. This configuration connects their local machine directly with the Oracle ERP environment using a secure encrypted setup. Here is their documentation.
Once configured, users launch Oracle Cloud SQL Studio directly from their desktop by simply opening the provided executable. This straightforward step brings up a familiar SQL Developer like editor interface where they can immediately enter and execute their queries.
For example, a finance team may frequently verify the invoices updated within the past week. With Oracle Cloud SQL Studio, users directly write a straightforward SQL SELECT statement such as:
SELECT
ai.invoice_id,
ai.invoice_num,
ai.invoice_date,
ai.vendor_id,
ai.invoice_currency_code,
ai.invoice_amount,
ai.payment_status_flag,
ai.approval_status,
ai.WFAPPROVAL_STATUS,
ai.FUNDS_STATUS,
ai.creation_date
FROM
ap_invoices_all ai
WHERE
ai.creation_date >= SYSDATE - 7
ORDER BY
ai.creation_date DESC
Running this query directly in the Oracle Cloud SQL Studio interface instantly provides the results in an easy-to-navigate table. Moreover, Oracle Cloud SQL Studio automatically saves the full result set as a CSV file on the user’s local machine. This file can be immediately used in Excel or integrated into other software tools without any additional effort.
My clients appreciate how quickly they can now respond to operational questions or prepare data for meetings and audits. Rather than navigating cumbersome reporting screens, users execute queries within seconds and share or analyze the resulting data immediately.
Additionally, Oracle Cloud SQL Studio simplifies error handling and debugging. Unlike the often vague errors encountered in traditional BI Publisher setups, errors returned by Oracle Cloud SQL Studio queries are clear and immediate, greatly assisting troubleshooting and query optimization. This clarity significantly enhances user confidence, as they quickly understand and rectify query issues.
Beyond daily business operations, IT teams and ERP administrators find Oracle Cloud SQL Studio invaluable for quick database checks, performance troubleshooting, and verifying data integrity after batch processes or integration tasks. It eliminates reliance on BI Publisher’s slow feedback loop, thus accelerating administrative tasks considerably.
To illustrate a concrete example, a recent client faced a common ERP scenario: regular monitoring of expense reports and approvals. Traditionally, each expense query required creating or maintaining BI Publisher reports—adding unnecessary complexity and delays. After introducing Oracle Cloud SQL Studio, the finance team could instantly query expense statuses directly, significantly reducing turnaround times for approvals and reimbursements.
An example query that immediately retrieves expense reports awaiting approval would look like this:
SELECT
EXPENSE_REPORT_ID,
EXPENSE_REPORT_NUM,
PERSON_ID,
EXPENSE_REPORT_DATE,
EXPENSE_REPORT_TOTAL,
EXPENSE_STATUS_CODE,
EXPENSE_STATUS_DATE,
CURRENT_APPROVER_ID,
CREATION_DATE
FROM
exm_expense_reports
WHERE
EXPENSE_STATUS_CODE = 'PEND_MGR_APPROVAL'
AND CREATION_DATE >= SYSDATE - 14
ORDER BY
EXPENSE_STATUS_DATE ASC;
Running this directly in Oracle Cloud SQL Studio provides instant clarity on pending expense actions, significantly accelerating the support process.
For those interested in implementing Oracle Cloud SQL Studio, the process is simple and does not require significant technical expertise. Users first purchase a license, download the Fusion Toolkit from its official website and ensure they have Java installed. After quickly configuring their Oracle Cloud ERP credentials within Oracle Cloud SQL Studio, they are immediately ready to run SQL queries directly. The SQL Queries only return the data that their user have access to. Here is their demo article i followed.
Detailed configuration instructions, troubleshooting, and further information can be found in the Fusion Toolkit’s official documentation at fusiontoolkit.com.
Feedback from clients consistently highlights increased productivity, faster decision-making, and improved satisfaction with their Oracle ERP system due to the simplicity and immediacy Oracle Cloud SQL Studio provides. Users across finance, HR, IT, and operational roles now perform frequent queries independently without unnecessary technical barriers or assistance.
Overall, I find that recommending Oracle Cloud SQL Studio significantly improves my clients’ operational efficiency by simplifying their Oracle Cloud ERP data queries. It bridges a crucial gap, allowing immediate database access like when we used SQL Developer for on premise instance without cumbersome reporting steps, and enables quicker, more informed business decisions.