HCM Data Loader Overview

HCM Data Loader (HDL) is a tool for bulk loading data into Oracle HCM Cloud applications. Generally, HDL is used in data conversion, frequently loads data such as data integration or maintaining existing data.

It is file base tool that support most of business objects including image and file that can used for create new record, update and delete record.

Note: Automation can be possible in HDL processes using SOAP/REST API web services. This will be a separate topic.

HCM Data Loader supports four types of keys that can be used to identify records to create and update data. This is very important to understand keys before using them in HDL.

1. Oracle Fusion Global Unique Identifier (GUID)

   Generated a unique identifier by the system across all objects for each record.

2. Oracle Fusion Surrogate ID

   Generated unique identifier by the system that is specific to the object type for each record. This is available with object types such as location_id.

3. Source Keys

   Created with a combination of SourceSystemOwner and SourceSystemID to identify a unique record. This is not available with object type.

4. User Keys

   User key is a natural key that is visible in the interface and always required while creating any record. It can have one or more attributes. It is not preferable to use while updating records, as the value of the key can be changed in the source application.

   This is available with object types such as person number.

Note: It is preferable to use source keys if possible. Effective date can be included while designing keys in HDL.

Keys can be found in the HRC_INTEGRATION_KEY_MAP table.

SELECT * FROM HRC_INTEGRATION_KEY_MAP WHERE SOURCE_SYSTEM_OWNER = 'EBSHR'

where "EBSHR" is lookup code that defined in HRC_SOURCE_SYSTEM_OWNER lookup type.

Note: Please check the next blog for a complete demonstration of HCM Data loader process with a sample data file.