Hosted by Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper

Hello JDE Connection Listeners, In this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Linda Sloan-Compton, the leader of the JD Edwards Business Analyst Special Interest Group (SIG). We delved into Linda’s journey, her roles and responsibilities, and the crucial part she plays in our community.

Linda’s Journey: From AP Clerk to JD Edwards Guru

Linda’s story in Pinal County, Arizona, is nothing short of remarkable. With 27 years under her belt, she has witnessed her organization’s evolution from JD Edwards World to EnterpriseOne. Starting as an accounts payable clerk, Linda navigated through various functional roles, acquiring a wealth of knowledge that perfectly positions her as a business analyst today.

The Challenges of Being a Translator

One of the most insightful parts of our discussion revolved around the challenges Linda faces in bridging the gap between the functional and technical aspects of JD Edwards. She emphasized the importance of understanding both worlds to effectively communicate and solve problems. Linda’s role as a translator is a testament to the complexity and depth of JD Edwards and the critical need for knowledge sharing in our community.

Institutional Knowledge and the Need for Better Resources

Linda’s experiences highlighted a significant issue in our field: the reliance on institutional knowledge and the need for more structured, accessible resources. She mentioned how analysts, especially those from a functional background, struggle with the technical nuances of JD Edwards. This gap in understanding affects how effectively they can use the system and develop solutions.

A Call for More Collaborative Learning

Our discussion with Linda underlined the necessity for a more collaborative approach to learning and knowledge sharing. Whether it’s through SIGs, whiteboard sessions, or employing modern resources such as AI, there’s a clear need for platforms where both functional and technical users can come together to share their insights and experiences.

Wrapping Up

Our conversation with Linda was not just enlightening, but also a reminder of the vibrant and diverse JD Edwards community we are part of. Her journey from an accounts payable clerk to a leader in the JD Edwards space is a story of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning.

Remember, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, you’re not alone in your journey. There’s a whole community here, ready to share, learn, and grow together, so remember to like and subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts.

Until next time, keep bridging those gaps and sharing your knowledge!

P.S. What was the tell-tale sign Linda Sloan-Compton was not from the Midwest? Check out this weeks’ Midwesternism for the answer!

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Learn More

Quest Oracle Community is where you learn. Ask questions, find answers, swap stories and connect to other JD Edwards customers and product experts in the JD Edwards Community, where you can also check out what’s happening in the Business Analyst SIG.

Join JD Edwards peers, Oracle product teams, Business Analysts, IT leaders, Tech power users and others for insights, innovation and community at the JD Edwards Forum at BLUEPRINT 4D May 7-10, 2024! Featuring an expanded program, The JD Edwards Forum at BLUEPRINT 4D is designed to help JD Edwards customers prepare their organizations, their teams, their tools and technology, and their strategies – for the future. This year’s event is a great chance to meet the JD Edwards product teams in person, make connections with innovative solutions providers and build your network with other JD Edwards customers. Register now!