27/06/2009 by Simon Tomey.

I presented the results of a survey at a recent UKOUG SIG workshop on reporting and it was clear that reporting was a big current issue for most organisations.

I was shocked by the strength of feeling behind the statistic that 81% of users are only interested in “quick wins as part of a bigger solution”. (Very few wanted just quick wins, and even fewer wanted the big solution). We discussed small constructive steps which could be taken and I’ve put this together as a “Reporting Roadmap”. I’ve discussed this with a number of organisations, who think it a real winner. The Reporting Roadmap starts with maximising the free integrated functionality and progressing in small steps with low risk low cost interventions which all deliver quick payback. Contact me (07880 877977) or wait for the next article for further information.

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27/06/2009 by Simon Tomey.

These pages provide a consolidated view of information you may need for an upgrade project. There are links to see a detailed list of resources available for each stage. I’ve only had a quick skim, but it seems a pretty good place to start. Post a comment about how useful you find it. Here’s the link (you need to be logged in to Metalink for this to work): https://metalink.oracle.com/CSP/main/showdoc?db=NOT&id=461705.1

Here are the stages covered with tabs and links for each stage:

Evaluate - This section covers resources available to help you research the value available in a new release. Included are Release Notes, details on functional and technical enhancements, and related benefits.
- This includes an evaluation of whether you should upgrade or re-implement. (It would be interesting to hear from those who re-implemented Vs upgraded as to their reasons and how helpful this article is).
https://metalink.oracle.com/CSP/main/showdoc?db=NOT&id=780989.1

Plan - This section contains resources to help you plan your upgrade. Key assets include Roadmaps to help you plan your Oracle Upgrade, and technical information for planning your sizing and platform strategy.

Prepare - This section includes resources available to help you prepare your system for the upgrade. Key assets detail pre-upgrade tasks and steps.

Execute - This section includes resources for successfully executing your upgrade. Documentation includes the Upgrade process, collateral at the Technology Stack, Database and E-Business Suite levels, as well as critical and recommended patches for R12.

Post Upgrade - This section provides resources to help you setup and work with new features. The Release Content Documents (RCDs) communicate information about new or changed functionality. Setup and Known Issues documents assist you with new features.

Optimize - This section contains resources for optimizing your upgrade. Tips and recommendations for Performance Tuning and Optimizing your system are provided.

Maintain - This section includes resources available to help you maintain your system. Key assets include maintenance and month-end recommendations.

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09/06/2009 by Simon Tomey.

Defiance: The Bielski Partisans by Nechama TecThis is the remarkable story of four Jewish brothers who defied the Nazis and saved One thousand Two hundred Jews from death. See this book on Amazon »

Some of my reflections:

• The brothers had the right gifts to make it work
• Those in the ghettos pinned their hopes on being allowed to stay alive and were deterred by the pain and uncertainty of the forest. Their Nazi guards crushed their spirit and persuaded them they had no chance of survival outside of the ghetto.
• The brothers were determined not to be imprisoned. It was something outside of them that prompted them to go to the woods, but it was something inside them that lead them to lead the 1,200 for 3-4 years.
• The brothers faced seemingly insurmountable difficulties, but they overcame them each time.
• Even thought the prospects for survival were meagre, the brothers did what was right, rather than just what was expedient for their survival. They welcomed the old, the young, and the sick and they looked after them.

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