Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a rapidly evolving technology that promises significant benefits. It can potentially enhance everyday life through applications ranging from small-scale software tools to large systems. One specific application of AI is its ability to analyze Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) and the data associated with it, providing business users with instant insights. In this blog and webinar, we explore how we utilized Oracle’s 23ai Autonomous Database capabilities to convert natural language queries into SQL, which can then be executed against the EBS database. We also used APEX to develop a user interface that serves as a starting point for inputting natural language questions.
The AI Vision
When you arrive at your desk each morning, it’s common to reflect on your outstanding work orders, particularly if managing these tasks forms a crucial part of your daily responsibilities. This practice not only sets a productive tone for the day but also helps prioritize your workload effectively.
For example, as an HR professional, you might begin your day by reviewing details of employees who have been with the company for over 25 years, taking note of their names, job titles, and locations. This would enable you to acknowledge their contributions and possibly arrange appreciation plans. On the other hand, if your responsibilities include financial management, the first task might be generating a report on invoices that have been overdue for more than a month, allowing you to take immediate action on overdue payments.
These types of inquiries are routine for project managers, HR managers, and various professionals who regularly interact with different EBS models. Imagine harnessing technology that allows you to obtain answers as easily as you would when asking a personal assistant, “What’s the weather today?” Such intuitive systems enable you to access vital information almost instantaneously, abolishing the delays typically associated with waiting for subordinates to compile reports or gather data, which often consumes significant time.
With this advanced technology at your disposal, you can achieve immediate results without the usual bottlenecks, and there’s no requirement to depend on the IT department to create custom reports. The system is expertly designed to interpret simple, natural language queries. This means you can communicate your needs using everyday language, without having to master complex programming languages or delve into technical jargon. By merely typing a straightforward question, you can receive a well-structured report in a matter of seconds.
Having such swift and reliable access to your data empowers you to make prompt, informed decisions. For instance, if you identify that specific invoices are delayed, you can immediately take corrective action to resolve the issue, rather than waiting for someone else to assist you. This streamlined process not only enhances your overall efficiency but also increases your effectiveness in your role, positioning you as a proactive contributor to your team’s success.
Two Ways to Enable AI in ERP
There are two distinct and effective strategies for integrating advanced AI capabilities into EBS (Enterprise Business Suite) systems. By exploring these strategies, organizations can uncover innovative solutions that significantly enhance operational efficiency and decision-making processes within these critical business frameworks.
Here are the two straightforward approaches we’ve identified for EBS:
- Seamless Integration via APEX: The first method involves strategically embedding interactive prompts directly within your EBS application using Oracle APEX (Application Express). This seamless integration fosters immediate and interactive engagement, allowing users to receive real-time guidance and insights as they navigate the application. This method not only enhances the overall user experience but also promotes higher productivity and effective problem-solving, as users can access valuable information without leaving their workflow.
- Direct Access to AI-Driven Insights: The second approach utilizes an APEX-based application where users can log in directly to connect with Oracle’s AI-powered database. This connection opens the door to a wealth of AI-driven insights that can be harnessed within the ERP framework. By integrating natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, users gain the ability to analyze data trends, forecast outcomes, and receive personalized recommendations, thereby enriching their decision-making capabilities and enabling them to respond swiftly to changing business conditions.
Both methods provide organizations with valuable access to cutting-edge AI insights, enabling them to optimize operations and make informed strategic decisions.
To delve deeper into the transformative potential of Generative AI and learn how it equips EBS business users with Instant Intelligence, watch the full on-demand session below, presented by Sudhakar Papaganti at OATUG‘s Ascend conference. Explore the essential components of this technology and discover how it can be leveraged to drive efficiency and innovation in your business processes.
