Hosted by Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper

Hey there, JDE enthusiasts! It’s Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper here, back with another insightful episode from The JDE Connection. Today, we’re diving into a topic that resonates with many in our community: the challenges of bridging functional and technical knowledge within JD Edwards.

The Steep Learning Curve

We continued our discussion with Linda Sloan-Compton around a common pain point in the JD Edwards sphere – the steep learning curve when transitioning from a functional role to a more technical one. It’s a journey that many of us have embarked on and it’s no walk in the park. How can we make this transition smoother for our fellow JDE adventurers? According to Linda, it’s often easier to mold a functional-minded individual into a technical role if they possess the right analytical skills. However, the real challenge lies in bridging the vast gap between these two realms.

Beyond Traditional Learning Methods

Linda pointed out the significant role SIGs play in facilitating knowledge sharing. But even then, there’s an unmet need. Not everyone can attend SIGs or conferences, and, let’s face it, Oracle’s technical briefing documents aren’t always the most user-friendly resources for everyday problem-solving. Traditional methods like reading extensive documentation might not always cut it. Linda emphasized the need for more accessible learning tools – think quick videos or “bite-sized” guides that can help analysts grasp complex concepts without having to decode pages of technical jargon.

The Elephant Brain & Gumby and Pokey

Linda amusingly likened her memory to an ‘elephant brain,’ storing vast amounts of information until a keyword triggers its retrieval. She even brought up Gumby and Pokey, characters from a bygone era, as metaphors for her mental filing system. It was a fun reminder of how each of us has unique ways of processing and recalling the wealth of information we deal with in JD Edwards.

The Bottom Line: Sharing is Caring

Our discussion underscored a crucial point: in the complex world of JD Edwards, sharing knowledge is vital. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, don’t hesitate to reach out or share your experiences. We’re all part of this intricate maze, and the more we collaborate, the better we navigate it.

Signing Off

That’s a wrap for this episode! Remember, whether you’re deciphering hieroglyphics in JD Edwards or sketching out solutions on a whiteboard, you’re not alone. There’s a whole community here to support, learn, and grow together.

Also, if you remember last episode’s Midwesternism of the day, we piggy back on it with a phrase that some would use to describe a litter of puppies!

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

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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!