Oracle Fast Formulas - Chapter 14: Creating Reusable Formula Functions

 

Chapter 14: Creating Reusable Formula Functions

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🎯 Objective of This Chapter

In this chapter, you’ll learn how to create reusable formula functions in Oracle Fusion. These are custom-built logic blocks that can be used across multiple Fast Formulas, promoting modularity, consistency, and ease of maintenance.

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🧠 What is a Formula Function?

A Formula Function is a standalone, user-defined logic module that performs a specific task and returns a value. Once created, it can be called within any compatible Fast Formula.

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🔧 Why Use Formula Functions?

Benefit	Description
Reusability	Write once, use in multiple formulas
Modularity	Break down complex logic into smaller parts
Maintainability	Easier to update and manage
Standardization	Ensure consistent calculations across the system

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📌 Where Are Formula Functions Created?

Formula functions are defined in Oracle Fusion under the Fast Formula Function section, not directly inside a Fast Formula.

Steps to Create:

1. Navigate to Setup and Maintenance

2. Go to Manage Fast Formula Functions

3. Click Create

4. Enter the logic, parameters, and return type

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🛠 Structure of a Formula Function

Each function includes:

• Function Name

• Input Parameters

• Return Type (e.g., number, text, date)

• PL/SQL or formula logic

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✍ Example: Creating a Simple Bonus Calculator Function

Step 1: Define the Function

Function Name: CALCULATE_BONUS

Input Parameters:

• base_salary (number)

• bonus_percent (number)

Return Type: number

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Logic:

plaintext
bonus_amount = base_salary * bonus_percent / 100
RETURN bonus_amount

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Step 2: Use Function in Fast Formula

plaintext
bonus = CALCULATE_BONUS(50000, 10)
RETURN bonus

This would return 5000.

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📌 Rules for Formula Functions

• Function name must be unique

• Input parameters must be typed and declared

• Always include a RETURN statement with the correct type

• You can nest functions and even call them recursively

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✅ Best Practices

• Use meaningful names for functions and parameters

• Keep each function single-purpose

• Validate parameter data types

• Document the function logic in the description

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🔁 Real-World Use Case

Imagine you have a common logic for performance-based bonus used in:

• Compensation planning

• Payroll adjustments

• Year-end rewards

Instead of copying logic, just call the same formula function in each place.

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📝 Mini Practice Quiz

1. What is a formula function used for?
   👉 Reusable logic in Fast Formulas.

2. What must be included in every formula function?
   👉 Return statement.

3. Can one formula function call another?
   👉 Yes.