PeopleTools is
- PeopleTools is Oracle’s suite of development tools for PeopleSoft applications.
- It enables the creation, customization, and management of PeopleSoft systems.
- Includes design, scripting, data management, integration, and reporting tools.
- Facilitates application development, data exchange, and enhanced user experiences.
- Supports efficient, secure, and scalable enterprise application solutions.
Brief Overview of PeopleTools
PeopleSoft Tools provides a powerful framework for building, customizing, and managing PeopleSoft applications.
Below is a detailed breakdown of its key components and features:
1. Development Environment
PeopleSoft offers a comprehensive development platform that allows organizations to design, customize, and deploy PeopleSoft applications effectively.
- Developers can create tailored applications to meet business-specific requirements.
- Supports end-to-end development, including design, testing, and deployment.
Example: This environment allows Businesses to customize modules like Payroll, Time Tracking, or Financials.
2. PeopleCode
PeopleCode is the primary programming language in PeopleTools. It is an object-oriented, event-driven language designed for building and customizing PeopleSoft applications.
- Object-Oriented Features: Supports classes, objects, and inheritance to structure code effectively.
- Event-Driven: Code executes in response to specific user or system events, such as field changes, saves, or button clicks.
- Integration: PeopleCode integrates with other PeopleSoft components, databases, and tools.
Use Case Example: A developer can use PeopleCode to automate business rules, such as validating employee data during onboarding or calculating overtime pay.
3. Application Designer
Application Designer is PeopleSoft’s central Integrated Development Environment (IDE). It allows developers to design, modify, and maintain applications.
- Key Functions:
- Develop and customize pages, components, and records.
- Create database tables and views.
- Manage security definitions and workflow processes.
- Flexibility: Supports minor customizations (like adding fields to pages) and major application enhancements.
Example: HR teams can use Application Designer to add new fields to the employee profile page, such as “Skills Certification.”
4. Core Applications
PeopleSoft Tools serve as the foundation for various PeopleSoft applications across multiple business functions:
- Human Capital Management (HCM): Handles HR tasks, talent management, payroll, and workforce planning.
- Financials and Supply Chain Management (FSCM): Manages financial operations, procurement, and inventory control.
- Campus Solutions: Designed for higher education institutions to manage student lifecycle processes like admissions, enrollment, and grading.
For example, a university can use Campus Solutions for seamless student enrollment and academic planning, while businesses use HCM to manage their workforce.
5. High Abstraction Level
PeopleSoft Tools provide a high level of abstraction, enabling the development of platform-independent applications. This ensures greater portability, flexibility, and simplified deployment.
- Applications can run across various operating systems and databases without requiring significant modifications.
- This abstraction allows businesses to adapt to changing technologies while maintaining system integrity.
Why It Matters: Organizations can deploy PeopleSoft applications on-premises or in the cloud without concerns about platform compatibility.
PeopleTools Components
PeopleTools provides essential tools for developing, customizing, and managing PeopleSoft applications.
Below is a detailed overview of its key components, functionalities, and benefits.
1. Application Designer
Application Designer is the primary tool for creating and modifying PeopleSoft applications. It allows developers to define database objects, build pages, and design user interfaces.
Key Functions:
- Database Objects: Define and modify records, fields, and relationships.
- User Interface Design: Create and customize the PeopleSoft interface’s pages, components, and menus.
- Custom Development: Build new applications and enhance existing functionality.
Benefits:
- Provides a visual interface for efficient design and customization.
- Supports rapid application development and ongoing enhancements.
- Enables version control, allowing developers to track and manage changes seamlessly.
Example Use Case: HR teams may request the addition of new fields to an employee information page, which can be easily implemented using Application Designer.
2. PeopleCode
PeopleCode is the proprietary scripting language in PeopleTools. It adds logic and functionality to PeopleSoft applications and allows developers to define behavior for various application events.
Key Functions:
- Customization of Events: Attach code to field changes, button clicks, or save actions to trigger specific workflows.
- Validation: Perform data validations, ensuring only correct and consistent data is entered.
- Integration: Facilitate data exchange and communication with external systems.
Benefits:
- Enhances application functionality with custom logic and automation.
- Supports complex calculations and business rules.
- Enables seamless integration with third-party systems and services.
Example Use Case: Developers can use PeopleCode to validate input fields, such as ensuring an employee’s age is acceptable during onboarding.
3. Application Engine
Application Engine is a batch-processing tool that enables the execution of SQL-based programs for data manipulation and background processing tasks.
Key Functions:
- Batch Processing: Handles large data loads and repetitive tasks without user interaction.
- Complex Business Logic: Executes workflows and business rules outside the user interface.
- Scheduling: Allows batch jobs to run during off-peak hours to minimize system load.
Benefits:
- Enhances data processing efficiency for large-scale operations.
- Offloads resource-intensive tasks to optimize system performance.
- Supports automation for regular processes, such as payroll runs or report generation.
Example Use Case: Organizations use an Application Engine to process large payroll batches overnight to ensure system performance during business hours.
4. Integration Broker
Integration Broker facilitates communication and data exchange between PeopleSoft applications and external systems using web services and messaging protocols.
Key Functions:
- Data Exchange: Supports protocols like SOAP, REST, and XML for interoperability.
- Real-Time Integration: Allows seamless real-time communication between systems.
- Message Management: Manages inbound and outbound messages across connected systems.
Benefits:
- Simplifies data integration processes with third-party applications.
- Enables real-time communication for time-sensitive data transfers.
- Ensures interoperability between PeopleSoft and enterprise systems.
Example Use Case: Integration Broker can connect PeopleSoft HCM to an external recruitment platform to sync candidate information.
5. Data Mover
Data Mover is a utility for importing, exporting, and migrating PeopleSoft data between development, testing, and production environments.
Key Functions:
- Data Migration: Moves large datasets or database objects efficiently.
- Backup and Recovery: Facilitates database backups for disaster recovery.
- Environment Transfers: Ensures consistent data across different PeopleSoft environments.
Benefits:
- Simplifies data migration during system upgrades or deployments.
- Supports large-scale data transfers quickly and efficiently.
- Maintains data integrity across environments.
An Example Use Case is when a developer uses Data Mover to move updated configuration tables from a test environment to production.
6. PeopleSoft Query
PeopleSoft Query is a user-friendly tool for extracting data from PeopleSoft applications. Its graphical interface allows users to build SQL queries.
Key Functions:
- Custom Reporting: Generate reports without writing SQL code.
- Data Filtering: Use prompts and filters to refine query results.
- Graphical Interface: Drag-and-drop features make it accessible for non-technical users.
Benefits:
- Empowers non-technical users to access and analyze data.
- Provides timely data insights for informed decision-making.
- Reduces dependency on IT teams for report generation.
Example Use Case: HR managers can use PeopleSoft Query to pull a list of employees due for performance reviews.
7. BI Publisher
BI Publisher (formerly XML Publisher) is an advanced reporting tool integrated with PeopleTools that designs and delivers complex reports and documents.
Key Functions:
- Report Design: Customize report layouts using Word, Excel, or PDF templates.
- Data Integration: Populate reports with data pulled from PeopleSoft applications.
- Output Formats: Supports multiple formats, including PDF, Excel, HTML, and CSV.
Benefits:
- Provides advanced reporting capabilities with professional document formatting.
- Allows for report customization without modifying application logic.
- Supports multi-format output for flexibility in report delivery.
An example use case is when finance teams can generate detailed financial statements in PDF format with customized headers, tables, and charts.
Real-life use case for PeopleTools
PeopleTools is crucial for deploying applications. It provides the infrastructure for running PeopleSoft applications on various platforms and databases.
With PeopleTools, developers can create platform-independent applications that run on various operating systems and databases without requiring any modifications.
Here are some key use cases for PeopleTools, detailing when and how they should be used:
Application Development and Customization
- When to Use: Creating new PeopleSoft applications or customizing existing ones to meet specific business needs.
- How: Use the Application Designer component to design and modify database tables, pages, and user interfaces, ensuring applications align with unique organizational processes and workflows.
Business Logic Implementation
- When to Use: When you need to enforce business rules, conduct validations, or automate processes within PeopleSoft applications.
- How: Utilize PeopleCode to embed custom logic into application events, enabling dynamic responses to user actions and data changes, thereby enhancing application functionality and user experience.
Batch Processing and Data Manipulation
- When to Use: For processing large volumes of data or executing tasks requiring complex calculations or updates outside normal transaction processing.
- How: Employ the Application Engine to develop and run high-performance batch programs that efficiently process data in the background, minimizing impact on system performance and user experience.
Integration with External Systems
- When to Use: When exchanging data or functionality between PeopleSoft applications and other enterprise systems, such as ERP, CRM, or third-party web services.
- How: Leverage the Integration Broker to facilitate seamless data exchange and interoperability through industry-standard protocols like REST, SOAP, and XML, enabling a unified IT ecosystem.
Data Migration and Management
- When to Use: Moving data between environments (e.g., development, testing, production) or performing data backups and restorations.
- How: Use the Data Mover utility to efficiently export and import database objects and data, ensuring data integrity and consistency across different PeopleSoft instances.
Reporting and Analytics
- When to Use: When generating reports or extracting insights from PeopleSoft applications to support decision-making processes.
- How: Utilize PeopleSoft Query for ad-hoc reporting and BI Publisher to design sophisticated report layouts that can be dynamically filled with PeopleSoft data, catering to various organizational informational needs.
User Interface Customization
- When to Use: When adapting PeopleSoft applications to enhance usability and accessibility or to provide a responsive design for mobile and tablet devices.
- How: Use PeopleTools’ Fluid User Interface capabilities to create modern, user-friendly interfaces that automatically adjust to different screen sizes and device types, improving user engagement and productivity.
Peoplesoft Tools vs Peoplesoft
Their respective functions characterize the distinction between PeopleSoft and PeopleTools:
PeopleSoft:
- A suite of Applications: Includes HRMS, FMS, SCM, CRM, and EPM.
- Purpose: Designed to manage various organizational operations like human resources, finance, and supply chain.
PeopleTools:
- Development Tools: A set of tools and technologies for application development.
- Functionality: Used for building, customizing, and deploying PeopleSoft applications.
- Includes: Development environment, PeopleCode programming language, and application designer.
In essence, PeopleSoft is the suite of software solutions for organizational management, while PeopleTools are the tools used to develop and manage those solutions.
The Primary Language and Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Used in PeopleTools
PeopleTools leverages PeopleCode as its primary programming language and Application Designer as the central Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Together, they provide a robust framework for building and customizing PeopleSoft applications.
1. PeopleCode – The Primary Programming Language
PeopleCode is a proprietary, object-oriented, and event-driven programming language used in PeopleTools. It is specifically designed to customize, automate, and enhance PeopleSoft applications.
Key Features of PeopleCode:
- Event-driven logic involves code execution for specific system or user events, such as field changes, saves, or button clicks.
- Object-Oriented Design: Supports objects, classes, and inheritance, allowing developers to structure code efficiently.
- Simplified Integration: Facilitates data exchange with external systems and services via APIs and messaging tools.
- Ease of Use: Designed to be approachable for developers and technically inclined business users.
Where PeopleCode is Used:
- Field-level validations (e.g., ensuring an input meets a specific format).
- Automating workflows and approvals.
- Customizing the behavior of pages, components, and records.
- Integrating data with third-party systems or other PeopleSoft modules.
Example Use Case: A developer can use PeopleCode to check whether a new hire’s start date falls within a valid range and provide an error message if it doesn’t.
2. Application Designer – The Primary IDE
Application Designer is the central Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for building and modifying PeopleSoft applications. It provides a graphical interface to simplify development tasks and allows developers to design both application logic and user interfaces.
Core Functions of Application Designer:
- Field Definition: Create and define fields that hold specific data (e.g., employee ID, course name).
- Record Definition: Build database records by selecting and organizing fields.
- Page Definition: Design the user interface by placing fields, buttons, and labels on a visual canvas.
- Component Definition: Group related pages into components for streamlined navigation and data interaction.
- PeopleCode Integration: Attach PeopleCode to fields, records, or components to define behavior and business logic.
Benefits of PeopleCode and Application Designer
| Aspect | PeopleCode | Application Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Adds logic, automation, and customization to apps. | Provides a platform for designing and modifying apps. |
| Ease of Use | Object-oriented and event-driven for flexibility. | Graphical, user-friendly interface for development. |
| Customization | Allows advanced workflows and complex validations. | Enables quick design of fields, pages, and components. |
| Integration | Seamlessly connects with external systems. | Integrates PeopleCode for enhanced app functionality. |
Core Applications of PeopleTools
List and Brief Explanation of Core Vendor-Developed PeopleTools Applications
PeopleTools provides the foundation for several core PeopleSoft applications, including:
- Human Capital Management (HCM): This application helps organizations manage their human resources, from hiring and onboarding to payroll and benefits administration.
- Financials and Supply Chain Management (FSCM): This application supports financial and supply chain processes, including accounting, procurement, and inventory management.
- Campus Solutions (CS): This application is designed for higher education institutions and supports student enrollment, financial aid, and academic advising processes.
The High Level of Abstraction Used in PeopleTools
One of the critical features of PeopleTools is its high level of abstraction.
This means that developers can create applications without worrying about the specifics of the underlying hardware or operating system.
This makes PeopleTools applications highly portable, as they can run on various platforms without requiring modifications.
PeopleSoft Tools – How to use them
It’s important to follow best practices and efficiently use PeopleSoft Tools to develop and maintain PeopleSoft applications effectively.
Below are key recommendations for using these tools:
1. Understand the Architecture
Before starting any development, familiarize yourself with the PeopleSoft Internet Architecture (PIA).
- PIA is the framework for running PeopleSoft applications through a web browser.
- Understanding its components—the web server, application server, and database—helps with development, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
Why It Matters: Clear knowledge of PIA ensures smooth application deployment, reduces errors, and supports better system maintenance.
2. Utilize PeopleCode Effectively
Mastering PeopleCode, PeopleSoft’s scripting language, is essential for enhancing and customizing application behavior.
Best Practices:
- Write clean and modular code for better maintainability.
- Use event-driven programming to add logic only where required (e.g., FieldChange, SavePostChange).
- Test customizations thoroughly to avoid unexpected system behavior.
An Example Use Case uses PeopleCode to validate data entered on a page, such as ensuring a start date is earlier than the end date.
3. Effective Use of Application Designer
Application Designer is the central development tool for building and modifying PeopleSoft applications.
Tips for Effective Use:
- Plan out application structures before development.
- Use version control to track changes to records, pages, and components.
- Leverage project definitions to package and migrate objects seamlessly across environments.
Why It Matters: Application Designer simplifies customizations and reduces errors during development.
4. Regular Updates and Maintenance
Keeping PeopleTools up to date is critical for security, performance, and compatibility with newer technologies.
Key Steps:
- Regularly apply PeopleTools patches and updates released by Oracle.
- Test updates in a development environment before deploying to production.
- Maintain backups to prevent data loss during updates.
Benefits: Regular updates ensure system stability, introduce new features and address known vulnerabilities.
5. Performance Optimization
Regular performance optimization is essential to ensure applications run efficiently and can handle scalability.
Best Practices:
- Optimize SQL queries to improve database performance.
- Use Application Engine for batch processing instead of handling large tasks in the UI.
- Regularly analyze system logs to identify and resolve bottlenecks.
Example Use Case: Schedule resource-intensive batch jobs like payroll processing during off-peak hours to reduce system load.
The Role of Application Designer
What is an Application Designer?
Application Designer is the primary Integrated Development Environment (IDE) used to create, customize, and manage PeopleSoft applications. It provides a visual interface to design application elements such as:
- Database Objects (fields, records)
- User Interfaces (pages, components)
- Application Logic (PeopleCode)
Why It’s Important: Application Designer supports minor tweaks (e.g., adding fields) and large-scale application development.
Key Functions in Application Designer
1. Field Definition:
- Developers define the individual fields that make up a record.
- Specify properties such as field type, length, label, and whether it’s required.
Example: Adding a “Certifications” field to store additional employee qualifications.
2. Record Definition:
- Developers design records that map to database tables.
- Specify which fields appear in the record and their order.
- Records form the foundation for data storage in PeopleSoft applications.
Example: Create a record to store employee training history, including fields for course name, completion date, and status.
3. PeopleCode Integration:
- Application Designer allows developers to attach PeopleCode to fields, records, pages, or components.
- Define business rules, validations, and event-driven logic.
Example: Write PeopleCode to calculate total leave balance based on user input for leave dates.
4. Page Definition:
- Developers design the layout of pages, which act as user interfaces for data entry and display.
- Place fields, buttons, and other UI elements on the page using a drag-and-drop interface.
- Customize page properties for user experience and performance.
Example: Creating a “Performance Review” page that includes employee details, goals, and manager comments.
5. Component Definition:
- A component is a group of related pages that work together as a unit.
- Developers define components by specifying the order of pages and navigation structure.
- Components control how users access and interact with related data.
An example is creating an “Employee Profile” component that combines pages for personal details, job history, and benefits.
FAQs on PeopleTools
Q: What is PeopleTools?
A: PeopleTools is Oracle’s proprietary technology platform developers use to create, customize, and maintain PeopleSoft applications. It offers development, runtime, and integration tools to enhance the functionality of PeopleSoft systems.
Q: What are the key components of PeopleTools?
A: The key components include Application Designer, PeopleCode, Application Engine, Integration Broker, and Data Mover. These components are essential for application development, customization, integration, and data management.
Q: How does PeopleTools support mobile application development?
A: PeopleTools provides frameworks and tools for developing responsive and mobile-friendly interfaces for PeopleSoft applications, ensuring compatibility across various devices.
Q: Can PeopleTools handle JSON data?
A: PeopleTools can parse and generate JSON data, facilitating integration with web services and external applications that communicate using JSON.
Q: How does PeopleTools ensure application security?
A: PeopleTools includes security features like field-level encryption, Oracle’s Identity Management integration, and authorization mechanisms to secure application data and access.
Q: What is PeopleCode, and how is it used?
A: PeopleCode is a scripting language in PeopleTools that allows users to add custom logic to PeopleSoft applications. It is used for validations, dynamic content, and process automation.
Q: How can developers manage customizations in PeopleTools?
A: Developers can use Application Designer and other utilities in PeopleTools to manage customizations, track changes, and ensure that customizations are preserved during upgrades.
Q: What data management capabilities does PeopleTools offer?
A: PeopleTools provides data import/export utilities and data archiving tools and supports the efficient management of large data volumes.
Q: What is configurable search in PeopleTools, and how does it work?
A: Configurable search allows developers to customize search behavior in PeopleSoft applications, improving the efficiency and relevance of search results through enhanced criteria and filters.
Q: How can developers ensure their PeopleSoft applications are accessible?
A: PeopleTools supports accessible application development with guidelines and tools that comply with accessibility standards, making applications usable for people with disabilities.
Q: What are the best practices for PeopleTools development?
A: Best practices include using the latest features of PeopleTools, adhering to Oracle’s customization guidelines, effectively utilizing PeopleCode, and conducting thorough testing.
Q: Where can developers find resources and documentation for PeopleTools?
A: Oracle’s official website, along with the PeopleSoft community and forums, offers extensive documentation, tutorials, and support resources for PeopleTools.
Q: How does PeopleTools integrate with other systems?
A: PeopleTools’ Integration Broker supports various integration protocols and standards for seamless data exchange and functionality integration with external systems.
Q: Can PeopleTools applications be customized for specific industries?
A: Yes, PeopleTools enables the development of solutions tailored to specific industry needs by offering a flexible platform for customization.
Q: How does PeopleTools support reporting and analytics? A: PeopleTools includes tools like PeopleSoft Query and BI Publisher, enabling the creation, customization, and distribution of reports and analytics to aid decision-making.
Recap of the Importance and Role of PeopleTools in Application Development
In conclusion, PeopleTools is a vital part of the PeopleSoft ecosystem. It provides the underlying technology for all PeopleSoft applications, enabling developers to create, customize, and deploy applications easily.
Whether working with Human Capital Management, Financials, Supply Chain Management, or Campus Solutions, PeopleTools provides the tools and technologies you need to succeed.
