Does anyone here regularly use Oracle SCM? I’m trying to get a decent feel for it, without going thru the “sign up for a demo” rigmarole. The only in-depth YT tutorial video series I’m finding are hosted by Indian YT channels, and the accent is heavy enough that I’m having a hard time following along. Maybe there’s another training platform out there somewhere?

I’ve used other inventory management systems, but nothing as complex as Oracle, and I’m wondering if it’s fairly user-friendly and intuitive for new users. I have “business proficient” tech skills, but I’m not an advanced IT user, by any means. Access to a hands-on Oracle training environment would be awesome, if there is such a a thing!

Email is in my profile, if offline is better. Thanks guys!

No direct experience with their SCM offering, but I'm on the team at work responsible for migrating all of our HR data from Peoplesoft to Oracle Fusion HCM. It was a huge, multi-year effort for our organization, and 2 years after going live, we are still working out the kinks. While Oracle products are good, they definitely require months of training to begin to understand and use.

That is a good data point, thank you!

I've used Oracle before among other systems like SAP, JD Edwards IFS, BPCS, and ManMan (had to go to my LinkedIn profile to remember what systems I've used).

It's just like any other ERP system. But what I found helpful is to know what are your real life processes:
1) How do you take out parts from inventory for scrap, expense, etc. How do you "bring in" parts either back from scrap, from a work order, or a purchase order.
2) How do you kit out a work order or if you use production line inventory usage.
3) How do you create a purchase order for a released part from an approved vendor. How do you receive and accept parts so that it allows accounting to pay the invoice.
4) How do you manage an engineering part until it becomes a released part to be used in production. How do you manage the process of updating a version of a part through your inventory, production line, and finished goods.

Etc., Etc. Etc.

So what I'm trying to get at is that your organization has a process to manage everything that has to do with parts in the real world. You organize those processes in a document. Then you map out the keyboard strokes that Oracle uses that mimics or reflects those processes.

I've also helped install / validate the installation of these systems. It's not an overnight process but the "months" required should overlap from getting the system in place, training people, etc. You need to be up and running when you go "live." There should be a hyper-support period when the system first goes on to resolve any issues.

What I think helps in the transition is a small limited pilot program that runs parallel to whatever system you're currently using to ensure the "numbers" match for a small number of critical items before fully switching over.

It's definitely an all hands on deck evolution switching to a new system.

Just about every ERP system does what a company needs to do. It depends on how much integration you want across your company functions and the bells and whistles that your executive people want like dashboard reporting, real time cloud access, etc. There are probably 3rd party companies that can provide the bells and whistles on top of what system you'll use

Rey, thank you for the detailed info! I guess I should have been more clear in my intent; I’m not asking because I’m considering converting to Oracle SCM at my current employer, I’m asking because I’ve applied somewhere that currently uses it, and would LOVE to have some level of exposure or touch-time prior to meeting department people during late stage interviews. Not to BS actually knowing the software, but just being able to demonstrate that I’ve taken the initiative to have a decent understanding of the system.

They do not require Oracle SCM experience; they actually don’t even mention it in the posting, I just happen to know it’s what they use. They do prefer someone with experience “using a sophisticated SCM system”. I’d be embellishing to say that the different systems I’ve used are as sophisticated as Oracle SCM, and I don’t want to embellish. I do however pride myself in being someone who learns new things rapidly and comprehensively, so there’s that!

Just an aside: I worked for PeopleSoft when they were taken over by Oracle.

I still remember the rush for the exits when the acquisition was signed. No one wanted to work for Larry. Oracle had to pay big retention bonuses to keep PeopleSoft folks on board long enough to figure out how the products worked.

quote:

Originally posted by Outnumbered:
Rey, thank you for the detailed info! I guess I should have been more clear in my intent; I’m not asking because I’m considering converting to Oracle SCM at my current employer, I’m asking because I’ve applied somewhere that currently uses it, and would LOVE to have some level of exposure or touch-time prior to meeting department people during late stage interviews. Not to BS actually knowing the software, but just being able to demonstrate that I’ve taken the initiative to have a decent understanding of the system.

They do not require Oracle SCM experience; they actually don’t even mention it in the posting, I just happen to know it’s what they use. They do prefer someone with experience “using a sophisticated SCM system”. I’d be embellishing to say that the different systems I’ve used are as sophisticated as Oracle SCM, and I don’t want to embellish. I do however pride myself in being someone who learns new things rapidly and comprehensively, so there’s that!

I understand where you're coming from as I've switched to companies using different software. I've been in the same boat If you're familiar with the processes that I've mentioned: inventory adjustments, expensing out, kitting a work order, or decrementing usage as it happens, then you can just relay what you've done in your previous and current companies. I can't be more helpful because the systems are all mashed together in my head. But stick me in the environment and I can pick up quickly and be able to say the equivalent of "I want to eat", "Where's the bathroom", etc. in the right language.

I suggest focus more on your process, people, problem skills. Have answers prepared to questions like, "tell me about a time you had a problem you had at your current job. How did you solve it? What did you learn from it? And what happened when a similar problem happened again?

Companies think that for the most part, they can take any monkey off the street and train them how to do job. They just need to confirm you're not as dumb as a rock, can work well with the people you'll be working with, don't have a chip on your shoulder, going to come in when you're suppose to, not going to be a problem, and can learn - be self-motivated, can communicate, and a team player.

Good luck. If they say no oracle experience needed, believe them. They care more about the other stuff that you'll have to be to be working with them. Like most systems, you'll be knee-deep in only 15% of what the system actually does, if that. So you can get lost in the weeds needlessly even before you start the job. They already have a training book to teach you Oracle for the processes you'll be involved with. You're not going to impress anyone by knowing the technical how-to before you get there. But having the confidence that you can pick up the stuff and being able to work nice with others will impress them.