Oracle Fusion HCM OTBI - Chapter 6: Working with Folders and Columns in OTBI

Oracle Fusion HCM OTBI - Chapter 6: Working with Folders and Columns in OTBI 

📖 Content

Understanding Folders and Columns in OTBI

When building an analysis, you work within subject areas made up of folders that contain columns. These columns represent fields from the Oracle Fusion transactional system, such as names, dates, IDs, and financial amounts.

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📂 What Are Folders in OTBI?

Folders are logical groupings of related columns. They make navigating and selecting data intuitive for users.

Common Folder Types:

• Worker Details – Personal and employment information.

• Assignment Details – Data about jobs, positions, and employment type.

• Department Details – Info about the employee's department or business unit.

• Compensation Details – Salary, grade, and pay-related columns.

• Absence or Leave Details – Leave requests, balances, and approval status.

• Time Details – Time entry and payroll time card data.

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📊 Types of Columns in OTBI

OTBI columns fall under two categories:

1. Attribute Columns (Dimensions):

• Descriptive information

• Examples: Person Number, Job Name, Department Name, Hire Date

2. Measure Columns (Facts):

• Numeric or quantitative values

• Examples: Salary Amount, Headcount, Absence Duration, Payroll Balances

Tip: Attribute columns define "what" and "who", while fact columns answer "how much" or "how many".

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🛠️ Using Columns in Analysis

Adding Columns:

1. From the Criteria tab, expand the desired folder in your subject area.

2. Drag and drop columns into the selected columns pane.

Reordering & Formatting Columns:

• Use the up/down arrows to rearrange columns.

• Right-click a column for Column Properties:

  • Change display name

  • Format numbers/dates

  • Apply sorting or aggregation

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🎓 Real-Time Scenario Example:

You want to create a report that displays employees, their department names, and their monthly salary.

• Subject Area: Workforce Management – Worker Assignment Real Time

• Columns to use:

  • From “Worker Details”: Full Name, Person Number

  • From “Assignment Details”: Department Name

  • From “Compensation Details”: Monthly Salary

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🧠 Best Practices:

• Use only the required columns to avoid performance issues.

• Always rename technical column names for readability (e.g., “Person Number” instead of “PER_PERSON_ID”).

• Add descriptions in column properties for clarity when sharing reports.

🔹 Next Steps

• Previous Chapter: Oracle Fusion HCM OTBI - Chapter 5: Filtering and Prompts in OTBI Reports?

•  Next Chapter:  Oracle Fusion HCM OTBI - Chapter 7: Creating Charts and Graphs in OTBI