Data Import in Oracle Cloud

Oracle Cloud is built on Application Development Framework(ADF) model hence it provides

flexibility and easy for data import to its database from different source systems and tools. The
two most common means of data import are Oracle Application Development Framework
Desktop Integration(ADFDI) and File based data import(FBDI)

Oracle ADF Desktop Integration

ADF Desktop Integration extends the Oracle Application Development Framework into the world
of desktop applications like Microsoft Excel. Application developers can rapidly develop
integrated spreadsheets to allow users to access and edit critical business data. This framework
integrates seamlessly with the web application's security and business logic infrastructure. It
allows end users to edit their data without a live connection to the network. Once reconnected,
ADF Desktop Integration can transparently upload and validate all user changes against the
application's backend.

In Oracle Cloud generally, data is uploaded through two ways i.e. FBDI and ADFDI. If the data
volume is not very big, ADFDI will be the best option as it directly connects to the application
and user can check and refer many values online like COA Values, Ledger, Data Access and
many more.

As ADFDI Excel sheet is connected with the application, it will not allow to upload the invalid
values. Just like any other excel we can copy and paste the values. The user can also search
the values just by double-clicking the cell. This online selection and validation tool make ADFDI
as a better tool than FBDI. ADFDI file can also be used for deleting the lines which are stuck in
the interface.

To be able to use ADFDI excel spreadsheet, users would be required to download and install
the tool on their local machine. The download process is generally divided into two parts i.e.
Download and install the ADFDI Plug-in for excel and Excel Setup to enable and allow the plug-
in to function in desired manner. It is fairly simple and there is no need for any technical
knowledge. The user can install it with basic computer knowledge also.

Installation Procedure:
1. Log in to Oracle Cloud Application
2. Go to Navigator → Tools → Select “Download Desktop Integration Installer”
3. Save and Install the downloaded file
Excel Setups
a. Open any Excel File and Navigate to the “File” option
b. Select the Excel “Options”
c. Go to “Trust Centre Settings”
d. Navigate to “ActiveX Setting” and confirm whether the right option is selected

e. Go to “Macro Settings” and verify that it looks like below

f. Check for Add-Ins by following the navigation
Go to Excel options → Add-Ins → Select “COM Add-ins” from drop down list and click
on “Go”
g. Verify whether “Oracle ADF 11g Desktop Integration Add-in for Excel” is enabled or
not. If it’s not enabled, then enable it
Notes:
 ADFDI Add in must be installed as a user and not as the administrator
 There is no separate version of ADFDI for 64-bit windows. 32-bit version should be
used
 Proxy Settings should be set as “Allow Access to *.microsoft.com” as the installer will
attempt to download missing prerequisite software from Microsoft website.
Specifics:
 Excel sheet is ‘Connected’ to the instance
 Regular loads/adjustments based on manually compiled data
 Excel validation via list of values
 More User friendly
 Slower upload as compared to FBDI specially when data volume is big
 Desktop Excel plugin required
 Upload via Excel only

File Based Data Import

File Based Data Import (FBDI) is another option for getting information into your Fusion
Application. FBDI is more useful when the volume of data is very large. The process of using
FBDI is quite simple:
 Download an excel template that identifies all of the fields,
 Populate the spreadsheet with data from the external system,
 Save the file as a .csv file type, upload the file to the server,
 Run scheduled processes to transfer the data to the interface tables
 Import into the various applications
All of the data is validated during import to ensure its integrity
Specifics:
 Data file prepared off-line
 Bulk data conversions & feeds from external systems
 Validation after upload
 Required Little Technical Expertise
 Very fast upload
 Off-line, no plugin required
 Load via comma separated file ‘csv’

Credits: Oracle Documentation