HCM Data Loader (HDL) Tool Overview

Oracle has a set number of tools that are available for customers to use during HCM integrations. For inbound integrations, tools like the HCM Spreadsheet Data Loader, HCM Data Loader, and Payroll Batch Loader are available. On the outbound side, tools like Query Export, OTBI & BI Publisher, and HCM Extract are available. In addition, web services are available to enable a third-party or external piece of software to tap into your Fusion Cloud instance to get data in or out.

Bishara explained that the HCM Data Loader is the primary tool that is used to load data into an HCM Cloud application. It is used to load data in bulk from any source and is typically used for loading large volumes of data. It is a sophisticated tool but also has a lot of complexities, so it can do a lot for you but may take time to prepare for a data load.

HCM Data Loader Capabilities

The HCM Data Loader is capable of accessing most HCM business objects. The tool supports incremental or partial data loads, meaning that you do not have to create a record fully. You can provide partial information and go back later to supply the rest. If you have configured your HCM instance with flex fields or user-defined fields, you are able to load values in those fields. If you have images in your system, you can load those files along with the records in order for the association to happen within the system. The same can be done with any other record attachments (i.e. documents).

The tool also provides full capabilities for monitoring. This means that you are able to track and see exactly what the tool is doing in real-time. It will also tell you if something fails. The tool gives you the ability to control the horsepower behind it as the tool is doing an upload. If you have a large file that needs to be loaded in a specific time constraint, you can increase the number of threads that are driving the process to get it to load faster.

You also have the ability to automate the tool using web services. This allows the tool to be fully autonomous and not have a user initiate the data load.

HCM Data Loader Process

The process starts with a user (that could be replaced with a web service). The user creates the file that is going to be uploaded and then zips that file and uploads it to the system. The system then goes through a two-step process that consists of an import and a load. During that process, the import process validates the syntax of the file. If there are any errors, it will report those to you in the monitoring screen. Once the syntax is validated, the system will move on to validate the data within the file. Once validated, the system will load the data into your application tables.

Demonstration of the HCM Data Loader

Check out the video below to see Bishara’s demonstration of the HCM Data Loader (HDL) tool.