1. HCM Data Loader
  2. Guidelines for Preparing the Source Data

Guidelines for Preparing the Source Data

This topic describes some ways in which you can prepare your data for loading to Oracle HCM Cloud and ensure that it loads successfully.

Reviewing and Cleansing the Source Data

Identify the business objects that you're planning to upload to Oracle HCM Cloud and their source systems. Review this source data, and verify that it's both accurate and current. Correct any problems before you attempt to extract it. For example:

  • Ensure that a manager is identified for every worker and that the information is accurate.

  • For jobs and positions, ensure that correct job codes and titles exist in the source systems.

  • For worker history, establish the accuracy of any historical data. Understand whether all historical data must be uploaded or just key events, such as hire, promotion, and termination.

Preparing the source data in this way minimizes the problems that can occur when you upload data to Oracle HCM Cloud. It also makes it less likely that you load inaccurate data to the new environment.

Extracting Data from the Source System

You must define mappings between your source data and the Oracle HCM Cloud business-object model by comparing source and target attributes. To review the structure of a business object in Oracle HCM Cloud:

  1. Open the View Business Objects page in the Data Exchange work area.

  2. Search for the object by entering its name in the Business Object query-by-example field and pressing Enter.

  3. Click the object name to open the Business Object Details page for the object. This page provides comprehensive information about the object's structure and attributes.

You must also define the transformation logic and build extraction routines. You can use tools that are native to the source system, such as PL/SQL in Oracle E-Business Suite or SQR in Oracle PeopleSoft. Alternatively, you can use an Extract, Transform, and Load tool, such as Oracle Data Integrator or PowerCenter Informatica.

Validating the Source Data Before Upload

HCM Data Loader validates your data during both the import and load phases of data loading. The Data File Validator tool, available from My Oracle Support, can perform most of the data-formatting validations before you attempt to load the data. You run this utility in your source environment to test your generated .dat files. The utility generates a list of validation errors in HTML format. You can correct the errors in the .dat files before you load them.

You can download the Data File Validator tool from the My Oracle Support document, Data File Validator Tool for HCM Data Loader (document ID 2022617.1).

Here's a tutorial on creating and maintaining data with HCM Data Loader Create and Maintain Data with HDL