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Expert Perspectives

Thought leadership on AI adoption, cloud strategy, and enterprise digital transformation.

Topic

AllAICloudConsultingData IntegrationDigital TransformationEDMEnterpriseEPMEPM FormsEPM ReportingEssbaseInfrastructureIPMMethodologyMigrationNarrative ReportingPlanningSmart ViewStrategy

Author

AllMoe GoharyPaul LewisRobert Gideon
·Paul Lewis·From Paul's blog

Shared Connection (kind of) for HsGetValue Formulas

Paul Lewis explains that while it is not possible to use a shared XML connection file with HsGetValue formulas in Oracle Smart View, there is a practical workaround: using the URLFN connection string. By inserting the URLFN string (which includes the environment URL, server, application, and database) into a single cell, users can avoid creating machine-specific private connections, making workbooks easy to share and refresh across teams. However, he advises caution with extensive HsGetValue use due to potential performance drawbacks in large spreadsheets.

EPMSmart ViewPlanning
·Paul Lewis·From Paul's blog

EPM July 2026 Updates

Oracle EPM’s July 2026 updates introduce several noteworthy enhancements outside of Planning, including expanded support for multi-value runtime parameters in Simulate Concurrent Usage, improved IPM Insights with new variance detection and the ability to view insights directly from forms and dashboards, and the launch of natural language queries through the Reporting Agent. Administrators should also note a key change: trailing Unicode whitespace in member and alias names is now automatically trimmed during metadata validation, aligning EPM Cloud with Essbase and reducing data synchronization issues. Most customers are unlikely to experience problems, but reviewing member and alias names for uniqueness after trimming is recommended.

EPMPlanning
·Paul Lewis·From Paul's blog

Clarifications for Advanced Predictions

Paul Lewis reflects on his recent presentations at Ascend26 and Kscope26, offering important clarifications on Oracle EPM’s Advanced Predictions functionality. He explains that the ETF algorithm has been removed from Oracle’s selection list and, more critically, that AutoMLx does not select multivariate algorithms like Light GBM or XGBoost unless specifically chosen, contrary to what he previously stated. Lewis underscores the importance of validating documentation with hands-on analysis and engaging with the EPM community for accurate insights.

EPMPlanning
·Paul Lewis·From Paul's blog

Can I Have Duplicate Member Names in EPM?

Duplicate member names in Oracle EPM applications are technically allowed only across different dimensions, not within the same one, due to how Essbase structures metadata. However, using the same member name in multiple dimensions is not recommended, as it can introduce confusion in business rules, data integrations, and reporting. To ensure clarity and maintain best practices, always use unique member names and aliases within your EPM environment.

EPMPlanning
·Paul Lewis·From Paul's blog

EPM Updates Delayed Until April 2026

Oracle has postponed EPM updates until April 2026 to address issues discovered in the 25.11 release, particularly around calculation accuracy and system performance following the Essbase 21c upgrade. While some modules (Narrative Reporting, Account Reconciliation, and Enterprise Data Management) are unaffected, clients using Consolidations, Planning, PCM, or Tax should carefully assess their own environments. We advise reviewing your systems and, if stable, requesting Oracle to align your production version with your test environment to maintain consistency during the extended update pause.

EPMEssbasePlanning

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