The JDE Connection (Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper)

In Episode 032 of The JDE Connection podcast, hosts Chandra and Paul join Susan A. Moore, CBAP, AAC, PMI-PBA, PMI-ACP from International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) on a crossover episode of the Business Analysis Live! podcast. They delve into the intricacies of eliciting business requirements from stakeholders, including understanding and managing stakeholder emotions, the importance of empathy, and exercising emotional intelligence in handling stakeholder frustrations. The hosts also stress the significance of present-focused requirement gathering, urging listeners to fully engage with their stakeholders to uncover their true needs without prematurely jumping to solutions. Likewise, they point out how stakeholders often present solutions rather than stating their actual requirements and the challenges it can create for business analysts when eliciting requirements effectively. Techniques such as asking detailed questions, observing workflows, and maintaining a supportive environment are recommended to understand implicit needs thoroughly. The conversation is enriched with real-world experiences, practical advice, and humorous anecdotes, making it an insightful listen for anyone involved in business analysis and enterprise software management. 

00:48 Introducing the crossover episode on the Business Analyst Live! podcast  

05:26 Crossover episode introductions  

06:57 Senior business analyst, former accountant, technical expertise. 

13:25 How Business Analysis Live! connects to The JDE Connection. 

15:13 Why we say elicitation of requirements instead of gathering requirements?  

19:09 Getting to the end goal? 

22:06 Creating a safe space.   

24:47 Emotion is a data point.  

25:25 Emotional intelligence.  

30:10 Trusting your instincts.  

35:00 How does the business analysis job begin? 

44:39 How to you handle touch/rude stakeholders? 

47:23 Don’t take it personal but make it personal. 

50:56 How do we translate implicit needs into explicit requirements? 

58:53 How do you say ‘no’ in a nice way? 

Resources 

Susan A. Moore, CBAP, AAC, PMI-PBA, PMI-ACP - LinkedIn 

International Institute of Business Analysis - https://www.iiba.org/ 

IIBA Podcasts  

Business Analysis Live! Youtube Channel 

Business Analysis Live! LinkedIn 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at

In this episode of the JDE Connection, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper take you behind the scenes of Quest’s upcoming BLUEPRINT 4D conference at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, TX, May 7th – 10th.  They highlight the keynotes and roadmap sessions on day one of the conference and then breakdown the updates from the product team and customer led sessions throughout the remainder of the week. Chandra then spotlights the Quest Special Interest Groups (SIGs), walking through the meeting dates and times. Finally, they discuss the focus for the Executive Forum and share the goals and high-level details behind Quest’s new Emerging Leaders program. Of course, no episode would be complete without a Midwesternism. 

02:12 – Keynotes 

05:54 – JD Edwards Strategy and Roadmap Sessions 

06:45 – JD Edwards Product Team Sessions 

13:40 – Customer Led Sessions 

24:15 – The JDE Connection LIVE! 

25:38 – SIG Schedule 

29:24 – Executive Forum and Emerging Leaders Program 

33:36 – Midwesternism of the Day 

Resource Links 

https://questoraclecommunity.org/events/conferences/blueprint4d/ 

https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E84502_01/learnjde/index.html 

In this episode of JDE Connection, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper conclude their dynamic conversation with Andrew Ostdiek. The discussion centers around the notion of Business Analysts (BAs) as 'Change Leaders', highlighting their responsibility in advocating for changes and utilization of JD Edwards' solutions in business operations without relying on third-party systems or unnecessary customizations. This episode underscores the importance of empathy and communication, as well as personal growth and active involvement in Special Interest Groups (SIGs), providing valuable insights into the world of JD Edwards and the community surrounding it. Throughout the episode, Andrew, Chandra, and Paul candidly discuss overcoming challenges, leveraging humor to connect with others, and the necessity for BAs to constantly learn and adapt. 

00:00 – Introduction to the Episode 

05:56 – Andrew’s Quest Oracle Community Involvement and Leadership Role 

10:39 – Learning Through Struggles, Sharing Openly, and Asking Questions 

13:39 – Being Patient and Giving Yourself Some Grace 

17:36 – The Overlap Between Recovering Accountants and BAs  

21:19 – Midwesternism of the Day 

In Episode 13 of the JDE Connection, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper welcome guest Jon Green, Senior Director of JD Edwards Product Management and a recent addition to the JD Edwards leadership team. The episode delves into various aspects of customer support and product management within the software industry. Jon discusses the nuances of customer interactions, including the common errors made in support request submissions and the importance of providing complete contextual information for effective problem-solving. The discussion extends into the realms of product management and customer engagement, where Jon talks about the significance of direct customer interactions in enhancing software solutions. The episode also explores how customer feedback is incorporated into the product's development through SIG groups and the role of customers in prioritizing enhancements.  

06:10 Customer mistakes, provide detailed information, include context. 

08:40 Context is crucial for effective user support. 

11:49 Shocking call with a customer. 

17:27 Influencing product development, improving support, and learning. 

20:20 Selecting and implementing the best customer ideas. 

25:32 Learning through connections. 

30:00 Midwesternernism of the Day. 

In this episode of the JD Edwards Connection podcast, hosts Chandra and Paul dive into the Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) module of JD Edwards EnterpriseOne. As part of their ongoing series exploring JDE feature functionality, they provide an overview of the key components within ALM, including Capital Asset Management, Condition Based Maintenance, Resource Assignments, Equipment Cost Analysis, Real Estate Management, Advanced Real Estate Forecasting, and Rental Management. 

05:59 Asset Lifecycle Management 

06:21 Capital Asset Management 

10:45 Condition-Based Maintenance 

14:55 Resource Assignments 

19:30 Equipment Cost Analysis 

23:41 Real Estate Management 

27:20 Advanced Real Estate Forecasting 

32:07 Rental Management  

35:59 Midwesternism of the Day 

Resources 

JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Asset Lifecycle Management: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/asset-lifecycle-management/ 

The Mouth Trap Cheese Curds: https://www.mnstatefair.org/vendor/3645.1/ 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this episode of the JD Edwards Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul dive into the Project Management module of JD Edwards EnterpriseOne. As part of their ongoing series exploring JDE feature functionality, they provide an overview of the key components within Project Management, including Project Costing, Advanced Job Forecasting, Contract and Service Billing, Advanced Contract Billing, Homebuilder Management, and Project Change Management. 

05:28 Project Management Overview 

05:45 Project Costing 

09:05 Advanced Job Forecasting 

12:12 Contract and Service Billing 

16:50 Advanced Contract Billing 

20:02 Homebuilder Management 

23:50 Project Change Management 

29:19 Midwesternism of the Day 

Resources 

JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Project Management: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/project-management/ 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this episode of JDE Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul engage in a detailed discussion with Ken Piddington, focusing on the multifaceted role of the business analyst (BA). Ken provides an overview of his company, US Silica, and their extensive use of JD Edwards (JDE) software following a major consolidation project. He highlights how integral BAs are to various phases of project lifecycles, from initial requirement gathering and stakeholder engagement to design, testing, and change management. Ken emphasizes the unique opportunities a BA role offers, citing its broad exposure to different aspects of an organization and the potential for career growth in numerous directions, such as project management, quality assurance, and business relationship management.

The conversation delves into how US Silica cultivates and retains BA talent, with Ken explaining the importance of aligning projects with individual interests and competencies to keep employees motivated. He confirms that successful BAs come from both technical and business backgrounds, as long as they possess key attributes like strong communication skills, problem-solving ability, and a willingness to learn. The episode wraps up with Ken discussing the importance of making employees feel that their contributions matter and connecting their day-to-day activities to the company's larger goals. He also outlines the steps his team takes to offer continuous learning opportunities and transparent communication about project impacts and company objectives.

00:00 Diverse product range for industrial and commercial use.

03:58 Diverse operations, JD pivotal in business success.

06:53 Importance of business analysts throughout project lifecycle.

11:44 Coaching University of Houston students in IT.

13:28 Business relationship manager facilitates technology-business partnerships.

18:09 Pairing up employees for informal training sessions.

20:29 Encouraging diverse skills and transparent communication.

23:36 Understanding individual role in company's success.

27:04 Transitioning from development to business analysis role.

In this episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul continue their interview with Andrew Ostdiek, a seasoned business analyst and a tech enthusiast deeply involved in the JD Edwards community. Andrew underscores the significance of a methodical approach to utilizing JD Edwards resources, advocating for strategic searching, and leveraging community wisdom. Throughout the discussion, Andrew emphasizes how effective issue reporting hinges on clear, context-rich communication. He also details how understanding how to articulate problems and expected outcomes can significantly impact the efficiency of support requests. This episode reaffirms that proficiency requires an ongoing commitment to learning from both formal resources like Oracle support and informal networks within the ecosystem. 

[00:00:08] - Introduction to the Episode

[00:02:06] - The Art of Oracle Support

[00:06:51] - Effective Communication in Support Requests

[00:10:01] - Preparing and Documenting Support Requests

[00:15:54] - Leveraging Past Successes

[00:19:06] – Improving My Oracle Support Searches

[00:22:13] - Navigating LearnJDE for Insights

[00:27:23] - The Iterative Process of Problem-Solving

[00:29:55] – Midwesternism of the Day

• Stay Informed with JD Edwards (Doc ID 2848328.2)
• JD Edwards: Help Yourself to a Faster Resolution (Doc ID 1074255.2)
• LearnJDE | JD Edwards Resource Library
• JDEList
• My Oracle Support

In Episode 28 of the JDE Connection podcast, hosts Chandra and Paul conclude their conversation with Shannon Alred, ERP Special Project Manager at Brown and Root. They delve into the value of attending JD Edwards conferences, touching on networking, new possibilities, and Oracle's product roadmap. Shannon shares her experiences and tips for navigating conferences, including the importance of attending social functions, public speaking, and the power of community. The episode wraps up with discussions on staying current with JD Edwards updates and the professional growth opportunities that come from engaging with the Quest Oracle Community. The hosts also share some Midwestern charm by discussing an iconic Minneapolis staple and its origin. 

01:23 Understanding JD Edwards Roadmap 

05:30 How to Brown and Root stays code current 

12:10 Proving personal growth opportunities  

15:35 Offering an inclusive environment that encourages learning and sharing 

17:34 Recapping Shannon’s great advise 

18:40 Advise for first time conference goers  

22:10 Midwesternism of the Day 

Resources 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

Don’t forget to register for INFOCUS 2024 in Denver - JD Edwards INFOCUS Conference - Quest Oracle Community   

Matts Bar - https://mattsbar.com/ 

5-8 Club - https://www.5-8club.com/ 

In this week's episode of the JDE Connection, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper dig into the core functionalities of JD Edwards EnterpriseOne’s Financial Management System. Starting with an explanation of why form extensions at the version level could not be delivered due to architectural constraints, they then share the alternative solution introduced in Release 23. The discussion moves on to a comprehensive overview of the major features within the financial management module, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, advanced cost accounting, expense management, fixed asset accounting, general ledger, lease accounting, and joint venture management. Each module's key capabilities and the business problems they address are highlighted to help listeners better understand the breadth and depth of JD Edwards' financial offerings. 

01:10 Form Extensions at the version level 

05:00 Feature Functionality of JD Edwards Series 

07:39 Financial Management System overview 

09:28 Accounts Payable  

10:53 Accounts Receivable  

13:05 Advanced Cost Accounting  

14:06 Expense Management  

15:17 Fixed Asset Accounting  

16:17 General Ledger  

18:00 Lease Accounting  

18:46 Joint Venture Management  

19:54 Midwesternism of the day 

Resources: 

Form Extensions at a version level: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/haiyan-wang-5734b5ab_jdedwards-enterpriseone-release23-activity-7049766057741348864-ne6V?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 

JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Financial Management Products: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/financial-management/ 

Hubble House Restaurant: https://www.hubbellhouserestaurant.com/ 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this episode of the JDE Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul delve into the intricacies of eliciting business requirements. The conversation is part two of a three-part series, following their live episode with Susan Moore of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). They discuss topics such as identifying appropriate stakeholders, managing ambiguous requirements, and navigating the complexities of fast-evolving project demands. The episode also highlights different project management methodologies, specifically comparing the traditional waterfall approach with agile methodologies, and providing insights into their respective advantages and challenges. The educational segment is designed to give listeners a foundational understanding of these methodologies as they relate to gathering business requirements.  

04:01 Identifying and getting time with appropriate stakeholders 

08:12 Getting ambiguous requirements and managing expectations 

11:27 New term called “Scrumafall” 

13:03 Waterfall vs Agile and where does Scrum fit 

24:11 Midwesternism of the day 

Resources: 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In the latest episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper continue their series on JD Edwards feature functionality, focusing on the order management module. They begin by highlighting the module’s capabilities in efficiently managing order complexity, minimizing entry costs, improving customer satisfaction, and ensuring order profitability. The conversation then shifts to the various sub-modules including advanced pricing, fulfillment management, customer self-service, and agreement management. 

02:56 Order Management 

06:33 Advanced Pricing 

15:21 Fulfillment Management 

19:17 Customer Self-Service 

20:15 Agreement Management 

21:35 Midwesternism of the day 

Resources 

JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Order Management Products: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/order-management/#rc30p5 

APRE – Advanced Pricing Resolution Engine: https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/customer-relationship/9.2/eoapg/understanding-the-accelerated-pricing-resolution-engine.html 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Paul and Chandra conclude their three-part conversation on requirements gathering summarizing key points from previous discussions and emphasizing the crucial role of gathering and prioritizing requirements before jumping to solutions. They discuss the benefit of admitting one's lack of knowledge and the creative potential unleashed by collaborative brainstorming sessions. Drawing from personal experiences, both hosts agree that while it is challenging to admit uncertainty, doing so fosters trust and confidence over time. They provide practical advice on balancing divergent stakeholder needs, managing limited resources, and avoiding analysis paralysis by adopting an iterative approach to requirements management, highlighting the "Just Enough Requirements Management" (JERM) concept. 

02:07 Recap of Part 1 and Part 2 

05:13 Different perception of stakeholders towards the project 

07:32 Stakeholders with differing interests and expectations 

11:10 Red line vs Yellow Line Requirements 

12:59 How do you know what’s really important? 

17:31 JERM – Just Enough Requirements Management  

23:46 A constraint is nothing but an opportunity 

21:17 A list of the “Top 10” elicitation challenges 

34:32 Midwesternism of the Day 

Resources: 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this episode of the JDE Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul delve into the intricacies of eliciting requirements from stakeholders, a critical aspect of business analysis within the JD Edwards ecosystem. They share their experiences, including the challenges of dealing with stakeholders who may frequently change their requirements and the importance of understanding both the problem and the solution. The hosts highlight the need for engaging stakeholders effectively without dismissing their ideas outright and emphasize the significance of collaborative problem-solving to garner accurate and thorough requirements. The episode also touches on the concept of "progressive discovery," where requirements evolve, and the balance required between gathering enough information to begin implementation while avoiding the pitfalls of a 'waterfall' approach.  

03:55 Don’t just provide solutions 

06:29 We are problem solvers 

08:04 Understanding the full requirement may lead to alternate an solution 

13:08 Understanding the reason why 

16:40 When stakeholders don’t know what they want 

19:58 Pitfalls of the Waterfall approach  

25:25 Midwesternism of the day 

Resources: 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul dive into the highlights of the upcoming INFOCUS Conference set for October 1-3 in Denver, Colorado, where participants can interact with JD Edwards team members across three days filled with education and networking opportunities. Key events include a roadmap session covering product strategy and AI/ML enhancements, various hands-on workshops led by Oracle as well as sessions from members of the JD Edwards community. We encourage listeners to join these insightful events, emphasizing the value of practical implementations and networking for optimizing your JD Edwards system. 

00:53 A long weekend with tiaras and sashes 

03:04 OCD or CDO 

03:30 INFOCUS introduction 

05:10 Day 1 Session Highlights 

13:59 Day 2 Session Highlights 

27:10 Day 3 Session Highlights 

39:16 Midwesternism of the day 

Resources: 

Quest INFOCUS: https://questoraclecommunity.org/events/conferences/infocus/ 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this week's episode of the JDE Connection, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper continue their series on key functionalities of JD Edwards modules, focusing on the manufacturing management module. They delve into how JD Edwards EnterpriseOne helps manufacturing companies develop, manufacture, and distribute their products efficiently by breaking down the module into four key areas: requirements planning, shop floor control, quality management, and configurator, each offering unique capabilities. Each module's key features and the business problems they address are highlighted to help listeners better understand the breadth and depth of JD Edwards' Manufacturing offerings. 

 03:01 Explanation of the manufacturing system 

 04:45 Requirements planning 

 07:19 Manufacturing Management/Shop Floor 

 10:25 Quality Management 

 12:30 Configurator 

 17:40 Midwesternism of the day 

Resources: 

JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Manufacturing Management Products: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/manufacturing-management/ 

Grundhofer’s Old Fashion Meats: https://grundhofersmeatmarket.com/brats/ 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper dive into the nuances of navigating JDE's complex system codes, breaking down the components, modules and corresponding system codes for areas like Asset Lifecycle Management, CRM, and Financial Management. Listeners of the podcast will appreciate the comprehensive guide on system codes that Paul and Chandra expertly provide, significantly simplifying what can often be a daunting aspect of using JD Edwards.  

01:09 – The importance of understanding system codes 

03:28 – JDE Components, Modules and System Codes 

29:00 – Midwesternism of the Day 

Resource Links 

Foundation Guide: https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/cross-product/9.2/eotfo/jd-edwards-enterpriseone-software-systems.html#u10034803 

JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Localizations: https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E84502_01/learnjde/localization.html 

User Access and Application Usage Tracking: https://apexapps.oracle.com/pls/apex/f?p=103254:8:110937331227642::NO::P8_FEATURE_ID,P8_PRODUCT_ID,P8_LAYER_ID:331661486652412329790348177838730147565,208136276869697198410960926144257606832,208126803266040266183916346690997863598 

In this episode, hosts Chandra and Paul delve into the world of the Human Capital Management (HCM) module of JD Edwards EnterpriseOne. As part of their ongoing series exploring JD Edwards feature functionality, they explore HCM’s robust features aimed at streamlining HR activities. They discuss automated workflows for performance reviews, competency gap analysis, salary matrices, and integration capabilities that ensure a seamless experience with financials, payroll, time, and labor processes. 

04:27 Human Resource Management  

12:51 Payroll 

18:19 Self Service HR 

23:13 Time and Labor 

27:55 Midwesternism 

Resources 

JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Human Capital Management: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/human-capital/ 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

Hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper are joined by a stellar lineup of guests: Don Sauve, Chris Noack, AJ Schifano, and Haiyan Wang. Together, they delve into the positive impact of conferences like BLUEPRINT 4D and how these events reignite enthusiasm for their work with JD Edwards. You'll hear insightful discussions on the significance of direct interactions with Oracle representatives, the ongoing support for JD Edwards leading up to and beyond 2035, and some stories about technical challenges and achievements. Our guests share their takeaways from BLUEPRINT 4D including: JD Edwards longevity, the power of community feedback, delivering value to the customers, the joy experienced when users adopt the technology and the power of community.   

 06:00 Product manager orchestrating digital platform and automation. 

09:30 Clarification on 2035 goal and Oracle assuring ongoing commitment to JD Edwards. 

14:17 Evaluate impact, leverage and customization for solutions. 

19:58 Sharing conference experience, ideas, and motivation. 

23:19 Strive to prioritize, tackle challenges, and adapt. 

26:36 Midwesternism of the day. 

In this podcast episode, Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper introduce their podcast series called, "The JDE Connection." They briefly discuss their backgrounds and roles, with Chandra being a senior business analyst and Paul being the Vice President of JD Edwards Product Development at Oracle. They share their goals for the podcast, which include sharing knowledge about JD Edwards Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and helping to educate and inspire the various participants including business analysts (BAs), CNCs, and developers in the JD Edwards community. 

This episode also outlines future topics such as the challenges of learning JD Edwards, the importance of understanding JD Edwards lingo, available resources for learning and troubleshooting, tools like Cafe1, Orchestrator, Logic Extensions, and the significance of engaging with different stakeholders, such as end-users and leadership, to ensure successful projects and process improvements.  

The key moments in this episode are: 

00:00:08 - Introduction to JDE Connection podcast  

 00:01:08 - Paul's Background 

 00:02:55 - Chandra's Background 

 00:10:28 - Filling the Education Gap in the JD Edwards Community  

 00:13:48 - Choosing the Podcast Format  

 00:15:15 - Podcast Duration and Format  

 00:16:44 - Upcoming Topics  

 00:18:19 - Roles and Responsibilities  

 00:19:39 - Feature Functionality  

 00:22:20 - Tools and Troubleshooting  

The JDE Connection podcast series, hosted by Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper, serves as a valuable resource for the JD Edwards ecosystem. Our mission is to educate and inspire members of the JD Edwards community by conducting insightful interviews with various professionals, including Business Analysts (BAs), CNC experts, developers, and other knowledgeable participants. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of JD Edwards EnterpriseOne software and empower our audience with practical insights and knowledge.

In this episode, Chandra and Paul delve into the world of JD Edwards Business Analysts (BAs). They kick things off by unpacking what it really means to be a BA, essentially serving as the communication hub between different stakeholders, deciphering, and translating requirements for business processes and systems. BAs are like the navigators, bridging the gap between the tech geeks and the business buffs, ensuring everyone speaks the same language and sails smoothly toward achieving organizational goals. 

As their conversation unfolds, Chandra and Paul dive into the nitty-gritty of a BA's daily grind. From gathering and analyzing business requirements to wearing multiple hats like project management, user testing, training, and tackling day-to-day production issues, they paint a vivid picture of the dynamic nature of the BA role. It's not just about understanding the ins and outs of the system; it's about being the go-to problem-solver, the voice of reason, and the guardian of IT protocols and security. 

But why are BAs so crucial, you might ask? Well, according to Chandra and Paul, they're the unsung heroes of informed decision-making, process optimization, and risk mitigation. They're the glue holding everything together, ensuring projects align with strategic goals and that everyone's on the same page. With a dash of humor and a sprinkle of Midwestern flair, the hosts introduce listeners to the term that is a catch-all expression for the rollercoaster of emotions BAs experience on a daily basis. 

Hosts Chandra and Paul delve deeper into the multifaceted role of the JD Edwards Business Analyst (BA). Chandra shares her journey from accounting to becoming a BA and discusses the various paths that can lead to a BA role. The episode underscores the importance of attributes like curiosity, effective communication, and continuous learning, as BAs often come from diverse backgrounds including super users, those with business or programming degrees. Challenges, such as continually changing business requirements, troubleshooting with incomplete information, and the intricacies of project management, underscore the importance of skills like active listening, emotional intelligence, and maintaining a sense of humor. The hosts emphasize the value of a robust network within the JD Edwards community, and the role it plays in the success and growth of a BA. 

00:00 Chandra’s time as a contract accountant with JDE. 

03:43 Chandra’s transition from business analyst to accounting manager. 

09:14 Continuous introduction of new methods and tools. 

11:26 Transitioning from users to business analysts. 

14:48 Curiosity and willingness to learn. 

19:35 Effective communication: ask, listen, and clarify. 

20:26 Trust, verify, and actively listen for completeness. 

25:25 Assessing emotional intelligence. 

29:07 Connecting with the JD Edwards community. The importance of building relationships. 

31:47 Project management skills: organization, detail oriented, risk mitigation, and assessing ROI. 

39:17 Creatively leverage JDE toolbox to solve problems. 

44:20 Midwesternism of the day. 

46:54 Episode 3 teaser. 

Hosts Chandra and Paul start with a tribute to a valued member of the JDE Community, Andy Klee. Continuing with Andy’s passion of education, they discuss a variety of topics focused on JD Edwards (JDE) terminology and its applications, making it a valuable listen for newbies and veterans alike in the JD Edwards community. Encouraging the audience to play along with a game of Lingo Bingo, they cover terms like, Fastpath, Batch and Interactive Versions, Processing Options, Data Dictionary, Notifications and much more.  Throughout the episode, the hosts share several insights regarding topics like the importance of UDCs, the personalization capabilities with UDOs, and details on JDE releases, updates and ESUs. Finally, in an attempt to help their audience fill their bingo boards, they rattle off a series of common JDE acronyms including, SIGs, RUGs, AAI, DMAI, JSI, UOM, OGL, UPK, LMS, and MOS? If you want to deepen your understanding of JD Edwards and enjoy some laughs along the way, don’t miss this episode!

00:00  Tribute to Andy Klee 

04:00  Play JD Edwards lingo bingo, have fun! 

10:16  Use watchlist and notifications for smooth operations. 

13:58  Form control elements. 

15:01  Form types have consistent elements.  

18:18  Troubleshooting user issues with report execution details. 

23:19  Data dictionary defines and controls system attributes. 

25:09  User Defined Objects are empower JD Edwards customers. 

29:58  CNC terms, tools and concepts 

32:14  Cross reference is valuable for indentifying data usage. 

36:37  Unit of measure, the primary unit is important. 

38:30  My Oracle support provides various useful resources. 

41:44  Midwesternism of the Day! 

In this episode of JDE Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul welcome Linda Sloan-Compton, leader of the JD Edwards Business Analyst Special Interest Group (SIG). Linda, who works for Pinal County in Arizona, shares her extensive experience of 27 years in the government entity and her transition from different roles within the organization. Linda reveals the challenges of bridging the gap between the functional and technical aspects of JD Edwards, emphasizing the importance of analysts having a deep understanding of data relationships and system functionalities. The conversation reflects on the key role business analysts serve in comprehending the system and translating data to developers, underscoring the critical need for analysts to be well-versed in system tables, aliases, and prefixes for effective communication with the technical team. Linda also sheds light on the complexities involved in troubleshooting reports and understanding the interwoven nature of tables and fields within the JD Edwards system. 

00:00 Introduction Linda Sloan-Compton 

05:53 Linda’s career path. 

08:46 Knowledge garden explained. 

11:40 Balancing technical and functional expertise in finance. 

14:25 Understanding tables and relationships. 

22:51 How field meanings change based on different attributes. 

25:26 Midwesternism of the week! 

In this episode, Chandra and Paul continue their conversation with guest Linda Sloan-Compton delving into the intricacies and challenges of finding and retaining talent, particularly in the business analyst space within JD Edwards. The conversation highlights the steep learning curve experienced by individuals transitioning from functional to technical roles and the difficulties of bridging the gap, emphasizing the need for unique skills and mindset to navigate this transition. They highlight the importance of knowledge sharing and community support in facilitating this transition. They then explore various avenues for sharing expertise within the JD Edwards community, including participation in user groups like SIG’s and attending conferences. The hosts also touch on the challenges faced by business analysts in understanding complex relationships and joins within JD Edwards, pointing to the need for practical support and guidance. Overall, the episode sheds light on the evolving landscape of talent acquisition and retention within JD Edwards and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in supporting the professional development of business analysts. 

00:00 Connecting technical and functional skills. 

04:32 Educate, connect, and empower JDE users. 

07:49 Promoting knowledge sharing in the community. 

10:48 Challenges of interpreting teamwork dynamics and communication. 

13:34 Complicated government processes and communication challenges. 

17:20 Consideration of third-party reporting tools for improvement. 

23:07 Desire for Oracle support for different user roles. 

26:29 Linda describes her exceptional memory. 

28:33 Discuss bridging knowledge gaps and interest groups.  

In episode 6 of the JDE Connection podcast, hosts Paul and Chandra conclude their 3-part series with Linda Sloan-Compton, a well-respected business analyst and leader in the JD Edwards community, diving deep into the complexities and nuances of capturing and sharing knowledge within the industry. With a mix of expertise and humor, they examine the attributes of a successful business analyst, discuss the top three tools to be successful and the importance of networking through platforms like Quest. The conversation also touches on the necessity of engaging new community members and the evolving landscape of training for analysts. The episode wraps up by acknowledging the constant need for professional development and urging listeners to continue exploring resources available in the JD Edwards ecosystem. 

00:00 Thank you to Linda Sloan-Compton. 

03:40 Large language models for data capture. 

08:00 Challenges in learning JD Edwards. 

12:30 Listening, comprehension, and empathy are crucial skills. 

18:29 Top 3 tools to be successful in JD Edwards. 

22:51 Importance of Quest and SIG’s. 

28:48 Conference sessions need to cover both new and existing features. 

31:17 Realizing knowledge, sharing valuable resources through networking. 

In this episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Paul and Chandra engage in a second round of "Lingo Bingo," run through additional JD Edwards terms in hopes of covering everyone’s Bingo board. They discuss old school terms like knowledge garden, SPC code, and workflow, emphasizing their continued relevance and value. They don't stop there; the rapid-fire round continues with integration terms like REST, JSON, and SOAP, shedding light on the technical capabilities of JD Edwards. Along the way, the hosts touch on development terms such as the various design aids, table access management and shed light on their importance and impact, i.e. how not to let the chaos reign. Amidst the technical discussions, they share a playful Midwestern phrase and banter, adding a touch of humor to the episode.  

00:48 Introduction to the Episode 

01:22 The Basics  

01:45 Old School 

04:45 Tech Terms 

08:01 Integrations 

09:43 Midwesternism of the Day 

In this episode of The JDE Connection podcast, hosts Chandra and Paul interview Andrew Ostdiek, a Senior Business Analyst with J.F. Shea Company and Vice President of the JD Edwards Tech SIG. Andrew shares his experience as a business analyst, discussing his day in the life responsibilities, the importance of being empowered by his organization to serve as a change agent, and the tools he values most in helping improve the user experience for his users. He emphasizes the need for empathy and active listening in understanding the impact of technology on end users. Throughout the episode, the hosts and guest share anecdotes and insights relevant to the JD Edwards community. Per usual, the episode educates listeners on a classic piece of Midwestern culture before promising a continuation of the discussion in the next installment where they plan to focus on resources and providing tips and tricks for success in the JD Edwards space. 

00:00 Initiate Midwestern goodbye: a lengthy tradition of farewells. 

06:21 Daily responsibilities including production support and projects. 

09:06 Using new tools such as orchestrations to proactively enable change. 

12:23 Attracting new talent to the business analyst role. 

17:01 Andrew’s background as a “recovering” accountant. 

19:21 Importance of proactive problem-solving and empathizing with users. 

23:25 Creating an enterprise steering committee to educate decision makers. 

26:08 Midwesternism of the day. 

In Episode 14 of The JDE Connection, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper sit down with guest Ken Piddington, VP and CIO at US Silica Company, and an active member of the Quest Oracle Community. The focus of the discussion is the new Quest Emerging Leaders program designed to enhance the leadership skills of the next generation of leadership within the community. This program targets core competencies vital for today’s leaders, including strategic focus, communication, and understanding diverse leadership styles tailored to various situations. Ken highlights the program’s intent to forge robust networks and foster continuous personal and professional growth amid the fast-evolving technological landscape. This program is due to be announced at the upcoming BLUEPRINT 4D conference in Dallas, Texas  May 7-10, and is open to both members and non-members of the Quest community, with special discounts offered to Quest members.  

04:09 Opportunities for leadership growth in any role. 

07:50 Adapt leadership styles for various situations. 

11:08 BLUEPRINT 4D program: Announce, run, and graduate in September. 

13:01 Program includes mentorship, networking, book club, recognition. 

17:30 Assess competencies, goals, and individual needs. 

21:56 Commit to time management, leadership support, progress updates. 

24:27 BLUEPRINT 4D program announcement and informational sessions upcoming. 

28:02 Communication skills essential for career and success. 

30:30 Executive communication requires specialized development and awareness. 

Resource Links and Information 

https://questoraclecommunity.org/emergingleaders 

https://questoraclecommunity.org/events/conferences/blueprint4d/ 

BLUEPRINT 4D Sessions: 

• Emerging Leaders Development Program Information Session | Innovation Theater – Trinity Exhibit Hall | Wednesday, May 8th @ 16:45 CT 
• Emerging Leader Coffee & Connect | Bottom of steps at Quest Booth | Wednesday, May 8th @ 08:30 CT 

In Episode 24, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper recast Episode 14 where they sat down with guest Ken Piddington, VP and CIO at US Silica Company to discuss Quest's upcoming emerging leaders program sponsored by Deloitte. The program is designed to develop leadership skills crucial for Oracle user professionals aiming for senior executive roles. Emphasizing community, mentorship, and diverse perspectives, it includes self-assessment, personalized mentorship, and focuses on essential competencies like networking, communication, strategic focus, and emotional intelligence. Scheduled to kick off in September, the program combines in-person and virtual sessions, and culminates with a Capstone project, aiming to foster continuous learning and leadership development. The hosts discuss the importance of effective communication, career advancement, and managing expectations, and encourage feedback from listeners for future episodes. Detailed information and registration links are provided for those interested in the program. 

04:05 Opportunities for leadership growth in any role. 

07:51 Building networks, learning, and evolving for success. 

13:11 Program includes mentorship, networking, book club, recognition. 

19:34 Assess competencies, goals, and areas for improvement. 

23:29 Commit to time management, leadership support, progress updates.   

24:27 Apply learnings quickly, stay focused, and succeed. 

29:35 Effective communication crucial for personal and career success. 

30:49 Strengthen core competencies, manage expectations effectively. 

Resources: 

https://questoraclecommunity.org/emergingleaders 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org 

In today's episode, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper dive into the vibrant world of JD Edwards with a special conversation featuring Don Sauve, Chris Noack, Haiyan Wang, and AJ Schifano. They explore the enduring relevance of the Orchestrator, the enthusiasm around existing features like Cafe One, and strategies for transforming user excitement into actionable ideas. Our guests share their insights about attending and presenting at BLUEPRINT4D and INFOCUS conferences, emphasizing the distinct benefits of each, and how to share that knowledge with your coworkers to generate interest and excitement. Whether you're a JD Edwards veteran or new to the ecosystem, this episode is packed with tips on maximizing your experience, understanding the value of enhancements, and leveraging community connections. 

01:57 Don shares value in both BLUEPRINT4D and INFOCUS. 

03:30 AJ's draws the parallel between the conference cycle and the product development lifecycle. 

06:34 Chris reiterates differences between the conferences and emphasizes the fame that comes with presenting. 

10:05 Haiyan values showcasing new features, understanding users. 

15:57 Chandra reiterates the importance of sharing knowledge on basic capabilities. 

17:51 AJ’s two questions. 

19:51 Don talks about the intrinsic value of CafeOne. 

21:32 Don comments on how he generates excitement in his user base post conference. 

22:00 Chris comments on how he generates excitement in his user base post conference. 

23:28 Closing comments. 

30:09 Midwesternism. 

Resources: 

Register for INFOCUS: https://questoraclecommunity.org/events/conferences/infocus/ 

CafeOne: https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E84502_01/learnjde/cafeOne.html#composite-application-framework-(cafeone) 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

Chandra and Paul dive into the dynamic world of JD Edwards, highlighting their experience at the recent Blueprint event. They share insights on the high energy and engaging interactions with customers and partners, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and feedback. From discussing childhood games to delving into the evolving role of business analysts and the industry's rapid pace of change and innovation, the hosts bring a mix of humor and practical knowledge to the episode.

Listeners are treated to reflections on the JD Edwards ecosystem, Oracle's long-term commitment to on-premises products, and the ongoing developments in AI capabilities. They explore the benefits of Release 24, enhancements in design tools, and the excitement surrounding cafe one attachments. With a keen eye on upcoming events like InFocus and a humor-infused conversation on the edgy marketplace dynamics, the episode offers a blend of informative content and community camaraderie within the JD Edwards community.

00:00 Conference week was full of energy.

04:32 Sharing valuable resources and practical tips.

06:58 Lingo coverage, expanding interview opportunities, audience support.

12:15 Educate internally about JD Edwards, stay focused.

16:01 Energetic conference vibe influences product perception positively.

19:46 Allows immediate changes to applications, reports, media.

23:19 Orchestrator sessions decreasing, AI sessions rising. Trend continues.

23:57 Innovation requires practical use and real solutions.

30:14 Identifying areas for improvement and learnings shared.

31:17 Blueprint 40 - strategy, Focus - how to.

34:18 Swedish game had two versions, differing translations.

Hosts Chandra and Paul facilitate a live session at BLUEPRINT 4D, focusing on the wide array of resources available within JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, the Quest Oracle Community, Oracle, and others. They engage with the audience to encourage participation and have a robust exchange of knowledge relating to JDE’s extensive tools and functionalities. Chandra and Paul delve into specific tools and emphasize their usefulness in day-to-day troubleshooting while also discussing recent enhancements. Both hosts are keen on raising awareness about the benefits of connecting with the community through platforms like Quest and regional user groups, which are pivotal for educational growth and networking. 

05:37 Identifying and accessing features through Product Catalog. 

06:50 Accessing feature and object information through Technical Catalog. 

12:48 Staying current, implementing, and replacing customizations. 

19:30 My Oracle Support is a go-to. 

22:40 Oracle offers Technical Briefing documents. 

24:01 Oracle EnterpriseOne Implementation Guides are essential. 

27:20 Preference for data browser or SQL depends on task. 

33:14 Enhancement for User Access Tracking. 

37:26 Involvement in SIG meetings and regional events. 

38:40 Quest forums updated for better user experience. 

44:11 Alternative tools such as Object Browser. 

46:46 Midwesternism of the day. 

In this lively episode of The JDE Connection recorded live at INFOCUS 2024, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper, along with guest Jim Callan from Oracle Support, delve into the intricate process of managing enhancement requests within JD Edwards. They outline a clear three-step process for logging enhancements. The episode also touches on distinguishing bugs from enhancements, the necessity of thorough knowledge documentation, the importance of gathering votes through the Quest Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and the pivotal role of support teams in understanding customer needs. 

03:34 Three-step process 

04:35 Entering an enhancement with Oracle 

12:13 Entering an enhancement with Quest 

14:40 Participating in SIGs and voting on enhancements 

32:15 Midwesternism 

Resources: 

JDE Edwards Bug Monitoring: https://support.oracle.com/epmos/faces/DocumentDisplay?_afrLoop=389968747554982&id=1446784.2&_adf.ctrl-state=1bsoxmi9ag_52 

Quest Enhancement Tool: http://cloudnnf.questoraclecommunity.org/questenhancementtool/ 

In this episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul explore the functionalities and capabilities within the JD Edwards Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Health and Safety modules. As part of their ongoing series exploring JDE feature functionality, the provide an overview of the key components Case Management, Service Management and Health and Safety Management.  

03:07 Customer Relationship Management Overview 

04:13 Case Management 

08:47 Service Management 

13:33 Health and Safety 

18:00 Midwesternism of the Day 

Hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper delve into a dynamic conversation with Alysa Mauer, IT Business Solutions Senior Manager at MDC Holdings (Richmond American Homes). Together, they explore Alysa's extensive role, her innovative approaches to recruitment and mentorship, and her dedication to fostering long-term community engagement. Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of the business analyst role, from balancing current operations with future enhancements, to navigating the intricacies of the JD Edwards software. 

The discussion also dives into the importance of coaching, the contrast between agile and waterfall methodologies, and the critical need for effective communication and problem-solving within teams. With plenty of laughs and shared learnings, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and business. 

05:56 Change leaders, automation and building relationships. 

07:25 Empowering change and improving functionality. 

13:00 Exposing customers to possibilities encourages product feedback. 

15:06 Perspectives on AI and BA. 

18:14 Conferences offer a networking environment to explore and learn. 

20:10 Patience and building confidence with new tools. 

26:12 Consider different perspectives, provide options, explain rationale. 

26:57 Describing iterative problem-solving. 

30:31 Balancing training and experience for business roles. 

35:31 Midwesternism of the Day. 

In the latest episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Paul Houtkooper and Chandra Wobschall continue their series on JD Edwards' feature functionality, focusing on the supply management module aka procurement. They take an in-depth look at the module's capabilities, including procurement and subcontract management, buyer workspace, agreement management, supplier self-service, requisition self-service, and operational sourcing. They discuss how these features help organizations streamline their procurement processes, manage supplier relationships, and maintain end-to-end visibility throughout the supply chain. 

04:30 Explanation of the Supply Management system 

07:05 Procurement and subcontracts 

09:08 Buyer workspace 

10:02 Agreement management 

12:03 Supplier self-service 

12:43 Requisition self-service 

13:34 Operational Sourcing 

16:20 Midwesternism 

Resources: 

JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Supply Management Products: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/supply-management/ 

2024 Minnesota State Fair New Foods: https://m.startribune.com/minnesota-state-fair-new-foods-2024/600379332/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsalert&clmob=y&c=n 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this episode of the JDE Connection podcast, hosts Chandra and Paul are joined by guest Shannon Alred, ERP Special Project Manager at Brown and Root, to discuss her experiences and insights from attending JD Edwards conferences. Shannon shares how her first in-person conference in Vegas, although initially daunting, proved invaluable in identifying partners, possibilities, and strategies to significantly reduce custom modifications and enhancement requests following their upgrade from 8.0 to 9.2. The conversation emphasizes the importance of attending conferences to build connections, learn problem-solving approaches, and advocating for business needs within the technology community. 

01:00 A little bit about Shannon and her company 

07:42 First conference, first time in Vegas 

09:00 Find low hanging fruit to gain buy in on untapped technology 

11:53 Using Composed Pages for efficiency 

17:11 Networking and Continuous Learning 

20:35 Finding Commonality Across Use Cases 

25:38 Midwesternism of the Day 

Resources: 

Minnesota State Fair Specialty Sips: https://www.mnstatefair.org/general-info/specialty-brews-and-beverages/ 

If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

Don’t forget Early Bird Registration for INFOCUS 2024 in Denver, Colorado closes Monday, August 19th - JD Edwards INFOCUS Conference - Quest Oracle Community