Smartview

1. Data Retrieval: Smart View enables users to retrieve data from EPM and BI applications directly into Excel spreadsheets. Users can access data from multiple sources and applications simultaneously.

2. Ad Hoc Analysis: Users can perform ad hoc analysis by manipulating data retrieved from EPM and BI applications within Excel. This includes filtering, sorting, pivoting, and drilling down into data to gain insights and perform detailed analysis.

3. Data Input and Write-Back: Smart View allows users to input data directly into EPM applications from Excel. Users can enter budget, forecast, or planning data in Excel and write it back to the underlying EPM application.

4. Formatting and Visualization: Smart View provides formatting and visualization options to enhance the presentation of data within Excel. Users can apply formatting styles, create charts, and customize the appearance of data to make it more visually appealing and understandable.

5. Functionality Integration: Smart View integrates seamlessly with Excel's native functionality, allowing users to leverage Excel's formulas, functions, and features while working with EPM and BI data. This includes using Excel's calculation engine for advanced calculations and data manipulation.

Before learning Smart View, it's beneficial to have a foundation in several key areas. While Smart View is primarily used as an Excel-based tool to access and analyze data from Oracle's Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and Business Intelligence (BI) products, having proficiency in the following skills can accelerate your learning process and make you more effective in using Smart View:

1. Microsoft Excel: Smart View is an Excel-based tool, so proficiency in Excel is essential. You should be familiar with Excel's basic functions, formulas, formatting options, data manipulation techniques, and charting features. This includes understanding concepts such as worksheets, ranges, cells, formulas, functions, pivot tables, and charts.

2. Oracle EPM/BI Concepts: Gain a basic understanding of Oracle's Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and Business Intelligence (BI) products, including Hyperion Planning, Essbase, Financial Management (HFM), Financial Close Management (FCM), and other EPM and BI applications. Understand the purpose, capabilities, and data structures of these applications.

3. Data Analysis and Reporting: Develop skills in data analysis and reporting techniques. Understand how to analyze data, identify trends, and present insights effectively. Familiarize yourself with concepts such as data visualization, dashboard design, ad hoc analysis, and report creation.

4. Database Management: Gain knowledge of relational database concepts and SQL (Structured Query Language). While Smart View primarily interacts with EPM and BI applications, understanding database concepts can be helpful for understanding data retrieval, manipulation, and querying.

5. Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A): If you're using Smart View for financial planning and analysis purposes, having a background in FP&A concepts can be beneficial. This includes understanding budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, financial modeling, and financial reporting.

Learning Smart View equips you with a variety of skills that are valuable for financial analysis, reporting, and decision-making processes, especially within organizations using Oracle's Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and Business Intelligence (BI) products. Here are some key skills you can gain by learning Smart View:

1. Data Analysis: Smart View enables you to retrieve, manipulate, and analyze data from Oracle EPM and BI applications directly within Excel. You'll gain skills in data analysis techniques such as filtering, sorting, grouping, and subtotaling to extract insights and identify trends from large datasets.

2. Financial Reporting: Smart View allows you to create and customize financial reports, statements, and dashboards within Excel using data from EPM applications like Hyperion Planning, Essbase, and Financial Management (HFM). You'll learn how to design and format reports, add charts and graphs, and organize data for presentation purposes.

3. Budgeting and Forecasting: If you're using Smart View for budgeting and forecasting purposes, you'll gain skills in inputting, analyzing, and reviewing budget and forecast data directly within Excel. You'll learn how to enter data, perform what-if scenarios, and update planning models in real-time.

4. Ad Hoc Analysis: Smart View facilitates ad hoc analysis by allowing you to dynamically drill down, pivot, and slice-and-dice data within Excel. You'll learn how to explore data from multiple dimensions and perspectives to answer specific business questions and make informed decisions.

5. Data Integration: Smart View enables you to integrate data from various sources and applications into Excel, including Oracle EPM and BI applications, relational databases, and external data sources. You'll gain skills in configuring data connections, importing data, and consolidating information from disparate sources.