1. Integration Playbooks for SCM
  2. File-Based Data Import (FBDI)

File-Based Data Import (FBDI)

You can use FBDI to import data from external sources to interface tables and then to the application tables in Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications.

The import process includes:

  • Microsoft Excel templates that structure, format, and generate the data file according to the requirements of the target application tables.
  • The FBDI load process that loads the data files into the interface tables.
  • Application-specific data import processes to transfer data from interface tables to the application tables in Oracle Fusion Applications.

The steps for importing data into Oracle Fusion Applications using FBDI are:

  1. Download the appropriate Microsoft Excel spreadsheet templates from your source and enter the required data.
  2. Run macros in the template to generate the comma-separated values (CSV) files that are used during the import process.
  3. Combine the CSV files into a compressed (ZIP) archive so that they can be imported together.
  4. Upload the ZIP archive to the designated location.
  5. Load the data into the application tables.

For more information, see File-Based Data Import (FBDI) for SCM.

This diagram shows how external data is imported into Oracle Fusion Applications tables.


Diagram showing how external data is imported into Oracle Fusion Applications tables.

Key Features

  • Used only for inbound integration.
  • Supported by most Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain (SCM) & Manufacturing applications.
  • Supports both automated and manual data import processes, providing user with flexibility based on their specific requirements and IT infrastructure.
  • Supports Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption for data at rest.
  • Supports loading of complex hierarchical data, loading large volumes of records, handling iterative loads, and being able to manage records that have effective dates.
  • FBDI data import using ERP Integration Service also provides callback or event subscription when all processes are complete with a detailed summary of execution.

Best Practices

  • FBDI is the ideal way to import voluminous data into Oracle Cloud SCM.
  • Useful for both initial data migrations when setting up Oracle Fusion Applications or for ongoing bulk data transfers.
  • If possible, FBDI imports should be planned and scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize the impact on system performance and business operations.
  • When using FBDI as an integration option, customers automate the generation of CSV and ZIP files uploaded in Oracle Cloud SCM applications. Because FBDI templates can change between releases, verifying the integration before each update is essential.
  • To import special characters into the application, ensure encoding of the data file is UTF-8.

    If not encoded correctly, values containing special characters in the data file will appear as fuzzy data in the application or as a question mark sign within the value.

  • Deleting or reordering columns will cause the load process to fail and results in an unsuccessful data load.
  • Double quotes and commas are reserved characters in CSV files. If a particular field value contains double quotes commas, the values must be properly escaped when creating the CSV.
  • To automate data import using FBDI customers can use:
    • Oracle ERP Integration Service: Single stop Operation: importBulkData (both REST/SOAP available)
    • Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) ERP Adapter
  • To achieve the best compression ratio, the uploaded file should be compressed using DEFLATE compression.

Constraints

  • Not suitable for real-time data import.
  • Uploading large batches of data using FBDI can cause performance issues, so it's important to find an optimal batch size that the system can handle efficiently.

    Each Oracle Cloud SCM application guide provides more details, but generally, it's recommended to split the data file logically into smaller files to avoid heavy volume processing in a single import.

    Restrict an import to up to 100,000 records in a single import or perform up to five concurrent import activities.

  • Overall, the FBDI ZIP file should not exceed 250 MB in size.
  • Individual files included as part of ZIP file should not exceed 1 GB in size.
Note: Like FBDI, many product teams provide an Excel template for manual data operation. With Oracle ADF Desktop Integration (ADFdi), users can create, update, delete, and download data from Oracle Fusion Applications with these Excel templates. However, because ADFdi templates are unsuitable for automation, this isn't recommended as an integration option.

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