Unlock the Hidden Cloud Hack for Oracle E-Business Suite Users

Written by Duncan Casemore, Co-founder and CTO of Applaud 

The HR tech industry wants you to believe that ripping and replacing your Oracle E-Business Suite is the only way forward — but what if they're wrong?

The allure of cloud-based solutions like Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, and Oracle HCM Cloud is strong, promising innovation, scalability, and a better user experience.

However, the path to these solutions is often fraught with challenges—long implementation timelines, hefty costs, and the unsettling prospect of abandoning a system that has been the backbone of your HR operations for years.

As someone who has spent decades in the HR technology space, first as a software developer on Oracle’s own Oracle E-Business Suite HR products and now as the co-founder and CTO of Applaud, I’ve witnessed first-hand the struggles organizations face when deciding whether to "rip and replace" their existing systems or find a way to modernize them.

I'd like to share why I believe there's a better path forward—one that allows you to unlock the full potential of your current Oracle E-Business Suite investment without the upheaval of a full system replacement.

Chapters:

• The Dilemma: To move or not to move?
• The User Experience paradox
• Introducing Applaud: The best of both worlds
• A realistic path forward
• Conclusion

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The Dilemma: To Move or Not to Move

Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) has been a stalwart in HR and payroll management for decades. Its robustness, extensibility, and customization capabilities are unparalleled.

Yet, it's no secret that its user interface feels outdated compared to modern applications. This has led many organizations to consider migrating to cloud-based solutions, enticed by promises of a sleek user experience and cutting-edge features.

However, the reality of such a migration is often sobering. The process can take years, cost millions of dollars, and requires significant organizational change management.

Moreover, many companies find that the new solutions don't offer the same level of customization they enjoyed with EBS, forcing them into "vanilla" processes that don't fully meet their unique business needs.

🔍 The User Experience Paradox

One of the primary drivers for moving to a new HR system is the desire for a better user experience. Employees and managers expect intuitive, mobile-friendly interfaces that make their work lives easier. Ironically, even after investing heavily in new cloud systems, organizations often find that the user experience doesn't live up to the hype.

At Applaud, we've discovered that this dissatisfaction isn't limited to Oracle EBS users.

Customers of Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, and even Oracle HCM Cloud have come to us seeking a better user experience. It turns out that a modern UI alone isn't enough; the system must also align with the unique workflows and processes of each organization.

Introducing Applaud: The Best of Both Worlds

This is where Applaud comes in.

We've developed a user experience solution that acts as an overlay for your existing HR systems, including Oracle EBS. Our solution replaces the employee and manager self-service transactions with a beautiful, engaging, and branded modern interface.

Whether it's managing absences, updating personal information, handling approvals, or executing complex transactions like Extra Information Types (EITs) and Special Information Types (SITs), Applaud provides a seamless and intuitive experience.

Our platform integrates deeply with your existing Oracle workflows, enabling rapid deployment without disrupting your current processes. We offer powerful mobile access through web browsers and native apps for iPhone and Android, ensuring that your workforce can access HR services anytime, anywhere.

But we don't stop there. Applaud brings a host of value-added capabilities to the table:

• AI Features: Leverage artificial intelligence to automate routine tasks and provide personalized recommendations.
• Enhanced Approval Visibility: Gain better insights into approval processes with real-time tracking and notifications.
• Biometric Login: Improve security and simplify access with fingerprint and facial recognition.
• Flexible Customization: Tailor the platform to match your unique business processes without the need for extensive coding or middleware.

Why Not Leapfrog to Applaud?

If the primary goal is to enhance the user experience, why go through the pain and expense of a full system replacement?

With Applaud, you can achieve a superior user experience without sacrificing the powerful capabilities of Oracle EBS. You save millions of dollars and years of time, all while providing your employees with a platform that exceeds their expectations.

Moreover, our solution is designed with flexibility in mind. We're committed to short-term pricing models that don't lock you into long-term contracts.

This means you have the freedom to adapt your HR strategy as your business evolves, without being tied down by your technology choices.

Unrivalled Integration and Expertise

The implementation of AI assistants in HR processes brings with it significant ethical and compliance considerations, particularly around data privacy and bias.

Ignoring these can lead to severe repercussions, including legal challenges and damage to the organization's reputation.

The Future-Proof Solution

Oracle's "AppsUnlimited" program promises support for EBS through at least 2035. This gives organizations a significant runway to maximize their existing investments.

By implementing Applaud, you not only modernize your user experience today but also position yourself to take advantage of future innovations without disrupting your core HR processes.

✅A Realistic Path Forward

Every few years, organizations conduct systems reviews and flirt with the idea of adopting new technology.

The cycle is familiar: get dazzled by the latest offerings, weigh the pros and cons, and then grapple with the decision of whether to endure the significant upheaval of a system overhaul.

But what if there was a more pragmatic approach? By enhancing your existing Oracle EBS with Applaud, you can deliver immediate value to your organization.

You sidestep the risks and costs associated with a full migration while providing your employees with a user experience that rivals—and in many cases surpasses—that of leading cloud solutions.

Conclusion

The decision to overhaul your HR system isn't one to be taken lightly.

While cloud-based solutions have their merits, they aren't the only path to modernization. Applaud offers a compelling alternative that combines the robustness of Oracle EBS with a cutting-edge user experience.

Before you commit to a costly and time-consuming migration, consider whether your goals can be achieved more efficiently. With Applaud, you can transform your HR experience today, without compromising on functionality or flexibility.

Let's embark on this journey together and redefine what's possible with your existing HR infrastructure.

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About the Author

Duncan Casemore is the Co-founder and CTO of Applaud, a leading provider of HR user experience solutions. With over 20 years of experience in HR technology, Duncan is passionate about helping organizations unlock the full potential of their HR systems.