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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 DayStay Informed with JD Edwards (Doc ID 2848328.2)JD Edwards: Help Yourself to a Faster Resolution (Doc ID 1074255.2)LearnJDE | JD Edwards Resource LibraryJDEListMy Oracle Support

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 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 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, 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 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!

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!

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.

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.

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.