Fusion Katta: Oracle Fast Formulas - Chapter 34: Global Variables and System Values in Fast Formulas

Chapter 34: Global Variables and System Values in Fast Formulas

In Oracle Fusion Fast Formulas, global variables and system values allow access to contextual and system-level data during formula execution. These values can greatly enhance the accuracy and adaptability of your calculations.

🌍 What are Global Variables?

Global variables are predefined by Oracle and hold values relevant to the current environment or processing context.

📘 Common Global Variables

Variable Name	Description
`GLOBAL_NAME`	Name of the current person being processed
`GLOBAL_ASSIGNMENT_ID`	Assignment ID for the person
`GLOBAL_START_DATE`	Start date of the payroll period or process
`GLOBAL_END_DATE`	End date of the payroll period or process
`GLOBAL_EFFECTIVE_DATE`	Date when the action becomes effective

You don’t need to declare these variables—they are available directly in any Fast Formula.

🛠 Example Usage

plsql
IF GLOBAL_EFFECTIVE_DATE > TO_DATE('01-JAN-2023') THEN
  BONUS_ELIGIBLE = 'Y'
ELSE
  BONUS_ELIGIBLE = 'N'
ENDIF

In this example, logic is based on the system-provided effective date.

🧩 What are System Values?

System values are another set of predefined inputs made available by the system during specific processing events. They often depend on the type of formula (Payroll, Absence, Benefits, etc.).

📘 Examples by Formula Type

Formula Type	System Value Example	Description
Payroll	`GROSS_EARNINGS`	Earnings before deductions
Absence	`ABSENCE_DAYS`	Days of absence
Benefits	`ENROLLMENT_DATE`	Date of enrollment
Element Entry	`INPUT_VALUE_NAME`	Name of the value being processed

⚠ Important Notes

Not all global/system values are available in every formula type
Always check documentation for your formula type
Some values are read-only

🧠 Best Practices

Tip	Description
✅	Use global values to make formulas context-aware
✅	Avoid hardcoding dates—use `GLOBAL_EFFECTIVE_DATE` instead
✅	Test with various system scenarios (new hire, termination)
⚠️	Don’t assign values to global/system variables—they're read-only

🧪 Mini Quiz

1. What is GLOBAL_EFFECTIVE_DATE used for?
a) Checking if employee is terminated
b) Retrieving the date the action takes effect
c) Storing performance rating
d) Calculating bonus directly

✅ Answer: b) Retrieving the date the action takes effect

2. Are system values available in all formula types?
a) Yes
b) No

✅ Answer: b) No

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Oracle Fast Formulas - Chapter 34: Global Variables and System Values in Fast Formulas