AI Query

To enable and use AI Query in Oracle Essbase with Oracle AI Database 26ai, you must set up connections and vectorize the outline. For AI powered data analysis, you can then submit natural language queries (NLQ), which generate valid MDX queries you can save as reports.

Note:

Oracle Essbase includes features powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (Gen AI). While Oracle strives to provide accurate results, Gen AI outputs may be incorrect, incomplete, or inappropriate. Information provided by Gen AI features should be verified by users before taking action or making decisions based on it. Oracle is not liable for damages or losses arising from the use of Gen AI features.

Prerequisites

Before using AI Query, complete the steps in Prerequisites for AI Features.

Note:

Only Service Administrators can create AI connections.
  • Deploy Essbase in Marketplace or

    Autonomous AI Database Serverless deployment mode.

  • Use an Oracle AI Database 26ai with the required permissions.

  1. Create Global Connections in Essbase

    In the Essbase web interface, under Sources:
    1. Create an Oracle AI Database Connection:

      Set up a connection to Oracle AI Database 26ai. For detailed steps, see Create a Connection and Datasource to Access Oracle Database.

    2. Create a GenAI Connection:

      Select GenAI as the connection type and complete the set up. For detailed steps, see Create a GenAI Connection.

  2. Associate an AI Connection with Your Application

    Note:

    Only users with Application Manager permission can associate or dissociate an AI connection with an application.
    1. Go to the Applications page.
    2. Select the application.
    3. Select the link next to AI Status.
    4. Select Agree to accept the terms and conditions.
    5. Select the AI connection that you want to associate.
    6. Select Associate.
  3. Vectorize Outline
    1. Run the Vectorize Outline job to convert your database outline to vectors. For complete instructions, see Vectorize Outline.
    2. Once the job is submitted, a background process performs outline vectorization. After the job completes successfully, AI Query becomes available for the selected application and database. The Vectorize Outline job is a one-time process.

    Note:

    You can monitor the status of the Vectorize Outline job from the Jobs page in the Essbase web interface.
  4. Interact With AI Query
    Once the vectorization job is complete:
    1. Open your Application and select your Database.
    2. Select Analyze Data.
    3. Select Reports.
    4. Select AI Query to open the AI Query panel.

    Additional Options in the AI Query Panel

    When you launch the AI Query panel, you can select from system-generated (auto-populated) starter questions.

    AI Query features:
    1. Repopulate this query: Regenerates the answer based on the same question.
    2. Show MDX query: Displays the generated MDX query.
    3. Copy MDX query: Copies the generated MDX to your clipboard.
    4. Explain MDX: Provides a natural language explanation of the generated MDX query, making it easier to understand the query structure and purpose.
    5. Analyze query in Smart View: Opens the report in Oracle Smart View for further analysis in Excel.
    6. Clear conversation: Resets the session or conversation history.
  5. Natural Language to Report Generation (Smart View Reports)
    1. In the AI Query panel, select the Create Report.
    2. Enter a name for the report in the Name field and select OK. The report will appear in the Reports section in the left pane.
    3. Select the generated report to start working on it directly in the spreadsheet.
    4. To edit or delete a report, select the action menu next to the report and select Edit or Delete as needed.
  6. Natural Language to MDX Query Generation
    1. In the left pane, select Create, then select Use Natural Language Query.
    2. Enter your query in the Natural Language Query field and select Generate MDX.
    3. Select Validate to review the generated MDX.
    4. Once validated, select Save. The report will appear in the Reports section in the left pane.
    5. Select the generated report to start working on it directly in the spreadsheet.
    6. To edit or delete a report, select the action menu next to the report and select Edit or Delete as needed.

Dissociate an AI Connection

AI Query can be deactivated for an application by deleting its associated AI connection.
  1. Go to the Applications page.
  2. Select the application.
  3. Select Delete next to the AI connection name.
  4. Select Dissociate to confirm.

Note:

This action starts a background job that deletes all vector tables and related AI data created during outline vectorization in your Oracle AI Database schema.