Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About FreeForm

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General Questions:

What is the difference between Essbase and an EPM Cloud FreeForm app?
When will current Essbase 21c versions be adopted in EPM Cloud?
What is the impact of having EPM Cloud + Essbase 21c? How will they work together? Data movement, reporting, Smart View connections, and so on.
What is the recommendation for customers for their Essbase cubes when migrating from On-premise EPM to EPM Cloud?
What are the default hardware settings that will limit processing?
What EPM license do I need to have to get multi-cube FreeForm?
Where can I find helpful resources for frequently asked questions about administrative tasks in EPM Cloud?

FreeForm App Details Questions:

Oracle Essbase Migration Technical Questions:

General Questions:

What is the difference between Essbase and an EPM Cloud FreeForm app?

Essbase as a solution can be bought as an on-premise solution or for deployment through Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). It is deployed as an OCI solution with the customer having full deployment control of the cubes. FreeForm apps are a SaaS solution offered by Oracle Enterprise Performance Management Cloud that allows Essbase cubes to be imported into EPM Cloud and deployed standalone. FreeForm apps have a hybrid architecture with a relational component beyond the Essbase cubes. FreeForm apps can have up to 12 cubes and up to 29 total dimensions across all cubes. (26 custom dimensions plus three account, period, and entity dimension types.)

When will current Essbase 21c versions be adopted in EPM Cloud?

Adoption of the latest Essbase versions into EPM Cloud is based on the impact on our customers – functional and performance. We are currently evaluating 21c for EPM Cloud adoption, and FreeForm apps will be one of the early adopters.

What is the impact of having EPM Cloud + Essbase 21c? How will they work together? Data movement, reporting, Smart View connections, and so on.

Essbase 21c on OCI is an IaaS deployment. FreeForm is a SaaS deployment. Data will need to be extracted from either environment or moved to the other. Oracle Smart View for Office shared connections can connect within the same platform so you can connect multiple FreeForm apps using one shared EPM connection. Essbase 21c on OCI would be a private connection when FreeForm is a shared connection in Smart View. Any data exchange between FreeForm apps and Essbase 21c on OCI or on-premise will be an export-import of data.

What is the recommendation for customers for their Essbase cubes when migrating from On-premise EPM to EPM Cloud?

On-premise customers migrating their on-premise EPM instances to EPM Cloud should migrate their Essbase reporting or planning cube instances into FreeForm apps in EPM Cloud. This will ensure consistent access to EPM business processes all within SaaS EPM Cloud. This also avoids data latency and data movement across environments. Also, it will ensure there is one place to maintain access rights and security. Customers can leverage all the latest features in theEPM Cloud platform and future enhancements on an ongoing basis.

What are the default hardware settings that will limit processing?

We operate based on named user licensing and the Cloud hosting policy guides performance expectations. EPM Cloud uses a standardized Cloud hardware configuration, and customers can make change requests using the Service Request process.

What EPM license do I need to have to get multi-cube FreeForm?

FreeForm apps are available with EPM Enterprise Cloud.

Where can I find helpful resources for frequently asked questions about administrative tasks in EPM Cloud?

See Frequently Asked Questions in Getting Started with Oracle Enterprise Performance Management Cloud for Administrators.

FreeForm App Details Questions:

Are all FreeForm apps considered custom applications?

Yes. All FreeForm apps are fully custom with no out-of-box content. You have full flexibility in dimensions and members. You can create cubes of any dimension combination as long as the total cubes are less than 26 custom dimensions. You can map Account, Period, or Entity dimensions if they are part of the cube dimensionality to the default dimension types. We automatically map these dimensions if they exist in the source outline or Migration file.

Does multi-cube FreeForm app mean that I can have 12 cubes, each with only 2 or 3 dimensions?

Up to 12 cubes are allowed in a FreeForm app, in any combination of BSO and ASO cubes. Each cube can have the exact needed dimensions without requiring any required dimensions or members.

What kind of Administration Interface is available in FreeForm apps?

Essbase admin console features to the extent relevant in SaaS are available through Calculation Manager or the dimension editor in the FreeForm app. Since it is a web-based application there are other admin interfaces in EPM web applications that allow administrators to manage EPM applications.

Does Cube Refresh refresh all cubes at once?

FreeForm deployments are cubes contained within one FreeForm app. You can have up to 12 cubes. Refresh is by application across all cubes. There is no concept of cube-specific refresh in EPM Cloud.

What about size thresholds?

There are no file size limits in the new EPM Enterprise Cloud where FreeForm is available. Dimension size and data volumes are handled on a case-by-case basis. There is a standard well established support protocol for upscaling the thresholds.

Will slow changing attributes be supported in FreeForm apps?

Some customers have asked for this, but the demand for it is not high enough. We will investigate it based on customer connect feedback in Cloud Customer Connect.

Is there direct access to FreeForm cubes through Smart View and Oracle Analytics Cloud and Data Visualization?

Smart View connections to FreeForm apps goes through the standard Smart View EPM Cloud interface. FreeForm apps can be accessed from Oracle Analytics Cloud and using Data Visualization using the direct connect capability in Oracle Analytics Cloud.

Are hybrid cubes supported with FreeForm apps?

FreeForm apps support creation of Hybrid BSO cubes and ASO cubes.

Do FreeForm apps offer a repository of multiple applications?

Repository is by application but can be connected into from another application. Data across applications can be blended in web and Smart View.

Is load of metadata through Data Management available with FreeForm apps?

Yes. Data Management metadata load is supported where there is at least one BSO cube. We will be supporting FreeForm apps with only ASO cubes through Data Management in the near term. The import of metadata using the Outline Load Utility (OLU) is an option.

Do we lose any Planning Custom App Type related functionality in FreeForm apps?

Common platform functionality which does not depend on required Planning dimensions is all available. Open dimensional approvals is on the roadmap.

Can you use Groovy if you select FreeForm apps?

Yes. All platform features are available with FreeForm apps. All business rules, including Groovy rules, are supported with FreeForm apps.

Can you remove a dimension after adding it?

You can unselect the dimension from the cube and the next cube refresh will remove the dimension association from that cube.

Can you use Planning Migration files to create an application similar to the Essbase OTL or the Migration zip files?

FreeForm apps are meant for Essbase outline (OTL)/Migration imports or as build-from-scratch applications. On-premise Planning applications map to custom application types in EPM Enterprise Cloud.

Can you import multiple outline or Migration files?

FreeForm only accepts one outline or Migration file to create an application. Additional cubes can be created in the interface and associated to this outline. We don’t import multiple outline or Migration files into a single application.

Is FreeForm only available with the Enterprise version of EPM (vs. what was previously called PBCS)?

FreeForm apps are available with EPM Enterprise Cloud.

How do you upload dimensions (and hierarchies) from a legacy Oracle Hyperion Planning application into EPM using FreeForm?

Options are to load using an Essbase outline file (OTL), dimension extracts from source and import, manage using web interface/SmartView extension, or manually create.

Can we refresh the database from Smart View?

Yes, a refresh from Smart View is possible. Right-click on Dimensions, and then Refresh Databases.

Are partitions enabled?

No. Partitions are not required within FreeForm since it is a SaaS deployment in EPM Cloud where alternate solutions are available. Data maps and Smart Push can be used to feed data across cubes. Partitioning requires both Disk I/O and network access, both of which are not allowed by Oracle SaaS Cloud. In Cloud, the disk and network have been virtualized. With a mixture of ASO and BSO cubes in the same FreeForm app and with use of Hybrid BSO, data maps, Smart Push, and Groovy, partitioning is not necessary.

How can we configure the security filters?

Security is controlled through access controls, users are granted access to an application and then objects from there. In addition, cell-level security exists in FreeForm.

Is the Task Manager feature similar to Financial Consolidation and Close where it can be integrated, or is it just basic tasks? Can you please comment on this feature?

FreeForm uses task lists. The Task Manager feature is now available in Planning applications, but not in FreeForm.

How do you manage dimensions for FreeForm?

Dimension management can be completed in a number of ways:

Manually in the solution using the web interface and Smart View
Integrated from a source solution using Data Management and import dimension jobs
Using an integration tool such as Oracle Fusion Cloud EPM Infrastructure (OCI)
From Oracle Data Relationship Management (DRM) with integration
Using Oracle Enterprise Data Management Cloud, part of the EPM Enterprise solution, which provides a full enterprise data governance and control capability

Can I take a backup of a FreeForm app and then migrate it to a Financial Consolidation and Close or Planning Modules Cloud application?

No, FreeForm is a different business process and, as such, is not portable to other business processes.

What about the business rules script, will they be migrated properly? And the configurable consolidation rule with regard to the Financial Consolidation and Close application?

No, FreeForm is a different business process and, as such, is not portable to other business processes.

Does migration of an OTL work with all versions of Essbase?

You can use an outline (OTL) file or snapshot from an on-premises release 11.1.2.4.xxx (or later) single cube Essbase application to create a FreeForm app. For more information, see FreeForm App Sources.

Is there no restriction for Data Integration in FreeForm that needs Scenario/Time period dimensions?

To use Data Integration in FreeForm you must have a minimum of Account, Period, and Scenario dimension types defined. For more information, see Loading Data to a Free Form Application in Administering Data Integration for Oracle Enterprise Performance Management Cloud.

Can we import data if the application is already created?

Data can be imported using the data import capability. For more information, see Importing Data. Migration-based data imports can only be used during application creation.

Could you provide information about how the EPM Integration Agent feature is being used in Data Exchange?

The EPM Integration Agent is a fully unified solution for extracting and transforming data and metadata from your on-premises or any system such as a third-party cloud, and delivering it to EPM Cloud.

You can connect to and load data from on-premises data sources using custom SQL queries or pre-packaged queries to import data from sources such as EBS and the PeopleSoft General Ledger.

For more information, see EPM Cloud to On-premises Connectivity Using the EPM Integration Agent in Administering Data Integration for Oracle Enterprise Performance Management Cloud.

Is there the capability to create custom dimensions and business rules?

Yes. FreeForm, by design, is a completely open business process and, as such, dimensions and business rules would all be custom built.

Essbase Migration Technical Questions:

What tuning capabilities, if any, will be made available for FreeForm apps?

Since FreeForm apps are a SaaS application, tuning is managed by Oracle. To the extent needed, database properties are available within the Calculation Manager interface.

Is partitioning supported? Transparent, Linked, Replicated?

No. Partitions are not required within FreeForm since it is a SaaS deployment in EPM Cloud where alternate solutions are available. Data maps and Smart Push can be used to feed data across cubes. Partitioning requires both Disk I/O and network access, both of which are not allowed by Oracle SaaS Cloud. In Cloud, the disk and network have been virtualized. With a mixture of ASO and BSO cubes in the same FreeForm app and with use of Hybrid BSO, data maps, Smart Push, and Groovy, partitioning is not necessary.

What about the MaxL Language for Admins, Automation, Shell integration?

Direct scripting is prevented for SaaS Cloud security reasons. Given it is a SaaS platform, we don’t allow open ended scripts. There are other alternatives available in EPM Cloud for MaxL. EPM Automate, EPM Agent, and Groovy are good alternatives.

Are the MDX functions going to be supported?

MDX is already supported to some extent for ASO in FreeForm apps. MDX scripting for custom calc and allocation is exposed since 20.05 through Groovy scripts.

Aside from Data Integration/ETL how else can we recreate rules files in FreeForm apps? This could be cumbersome in Data Integration.

Currently we support import of Essbase format data into FreeForm apps. See Defining a Data Integration and Loading Data to a FreeForm Application in Administering Data Integration for Oracle Enterprise Performance Management Cloud.

For large scale ASO databases, what is the preferred data load mechanism in FreeForm apps?

Use the Essbase file format or use Data Integration.

Any plans to create a CDF to Groovy migration tool?

There are no plans for CDF migration to Groovy. Given Java security considerations, CDF migration cannot be done. Groovy is a good modern alternative.

What Essbase artifacts can I migrate into FreeForm apps and how?

Essbase Artifact	FreeForm Import File?	Notes
Application and cube metadata	Yes	Cubes and outline metadata are imported.
Calculation scripts	Yes	Imported into Calculation Manager and used as business rules
Data	Yes	Level zero import from source or using Migration
Disk volumes	NA
Drill through definitions	No	Managed through Data Integration
Excel workbooks and files	NA	Remapped with EPM Connections in Smart View
Filters	No	Metadata security is maintained in relational schema.
Linked Reporting Objects (LROs)	No	Attachments and comments are managed separately in EPM.
Location aliases	NA
Log files	No
Outlines and formulas	Yes
Partitions	No	Alternatives with data maps and Smart Push across cubes are available.
Report scripts	No	Other export alternatives are available.
Rule files, text files, .csv files	Yes
Scenarios	NA
Substitution variables	Yes
Users	No	Managed separately in IDM in EPM SaaS Cloud
User roles	No	Managed separately in IDM in EPM SaaS Cloud

What objects are skipped when Essbase outline files or Migration files are imported into FreeForm apps?

Essbase Artifact	Reason object was skipped during import
Custom Defined Function (CDF)	CDFs are possible, but given Java security consideration, cannot be done now. Groovy is a good alternative.
Custom Defined Macro (CDM)	CDMs in Essbase are old artifacts. Using a Calculation Manager design time prompt on a rule is a better implementation of that same concept.
Location Alias	Location Alias is a short-cut name that allows you to reference a physical Essbase database through its server name, app name, database name, username, and password. FreeForm apps are self-contained within a single application with multiple databases. Data maps and Smart Push can be used within the application for this.
Report Scripts	Alternatives for data import and export are available in EPM Cloud through Groovy and EPM Automate.
Load Rules	Data Integration offers the ability to pick up load rules, which can be done separately.

How do Essbase features map to FreeForm apps in EPM Cloud?

Native Essbase 11g Feature	FreeForm Apps in EPM Cloud
Active/Passive Cubes	Can be supported using implementation setup
Calc Scripts	Business Rules
Custom Defined Functions/Macros	Groovy
Database Versioning	Automation with Migration snapshots. Additional environments.
Oracle Essbase Administration Services Outline View/Edit	Dimension Editor
Essbase Cell-Level Security	Cell-Level Security in EPM Cloud applications
Linked Reporting Objects	Cell Comments, Doc Attachments, Supporting Details
Load Rules	Data Integration Rules, Groovy, Dimension/Data Import, OLU Export, Level 0 (automated) exports
MaxL scripts	EPM Automate, EPM Agent, and Groovy
Partitioning	Cross-Cube Data Maps/Smart Push with Groovy is an effective alternative
Report Scripts	Export rules, other query/automation solutions in EPM Cloud
Text List	Smart List across all dimensions

How do I deal with Active and Passive Essbase cubes in FreeForm when migrating these cubes from Essbase?

Active cubes are cubes that are actively in use and are used frequently by many users.
Passive cubes are cubes not actively used and are used only once in a while. Passive cubes are often version snapshots of data to represent a view of the data at a point in time for comparative decisions, depending on looking back or as archives of data for audit. Passive cubes are only needed occasionally and only by few users.
Typically there are fewer active cubes than passive cubes. Since active cubes are used frequently and have a larger number of uses, customers should migrate all active cubes into active applications. Cubes which have common dimensions should, as much as possible, be collated into a single application to optimize the number of applications deployed.

For passive cubes, the recommended practice is as follows:

Request additional environments (typically 2-5) as part of the licensing process. The exact number of additional environments will depend on the number of users, and the number of passive cubes.
Create an import and export automation routine using EPM Automate that will Import Oracle Essbase outline files/Migration files for each of the passive cubes into a spare environment, and then export them out as a FreeForm Migration file. Export FreeForm Migration files for each of the passive cube applications into a local/remote cloud location each month to ensure that there is always a current version of the Migration file for each passive cube application readily available for import. Ensure that the file names of the application containing these passive cubes are intuitive and representative of the functional nature of the cubes they represent.
If there's a need to work with or view data in a passive cube, the Migration file for that application can be imported into the spare EPM Cloud instance. Since the Migration file version is current, it will import into the current version of EPM Cloud for FreeForm.