Ep 119 – Getting Ready for INFOCUS

In this episode, Chandra and Paul focused on the challenges and risks associated with directly using SQL to update JD Edwards data, sharing real-life examples of how manual SQL entries can bypass critical business logic and lead to data integrity issues. One concept discussed was the value of new automation tools like Orchestrator and AI assistance (such as Claude code) to streamline bulk updates safely within JDE’s validations. Chandra and Paul reminded listeners about the importance of sharing enhancement ideas with Oracle after developing custom solutions, to benefit the wider community. 01:54 Just fall gracefully 07:25 Organizing the episode chaos 09:33 Chandra’s pet peeve – SQL Updates 14:30 Sharing your challenges so others can benefit 16:18 Discussing SQL and alternatives 30:52 Midwesternism

Chandra and Paul are joined by Pete Casazza from Linde Gas and Equipment and Fermin Rodriguez from SmarterCommerce for a lively discussion on transforming Linde’s retail operations with JD Edwards and SmarterCommerce solutions. The conversation focused on unique challenges in Linde’s gas and equipment distribution business and how a deep integration with JD Edwards enabled seamless point-of-sale and e-commerce experiences across hundreds of locations. The discussion explored evolving from custom-built processes to proven, out-of-the-box solutions that support both B2B and B2C needs, and highlighted the growing impact of AI in search, development, and data management.03:15 Introducing Pete Casazza and Fermin Rodriguez08:43 Retail transaction experience improvements12:41 Understanding and integrating Lindy's JDE setup16:00 A Little Collaboration Goes a Long Way19:03 Optimizing point of sale systems22:35 Impact of AI31:27 Midwesternism

In this episode, Chandra and Paul catch up after a week of customer-focused events, sharing insights from JDE user groups and recent discussions about AI, data sovereignty, and the evolving JD Edwards landscape. The conversation focused on the challenges organizations faced with AI adoption, especially around regulatory compliance and data retention, and explored how the rapid pace of technology changes impacts long-term planning and skills transfer within companies. A key theme that emerged was how new AI tools are empowering non-technical users to create dashboards and automations, fostering excitement, and accelerating digital transformation. The discussion also explored changes to the JDE forum at the upcoming BLUEPRINT4D conference. 02:10 Insights from Customers 15:16 Creating tools without coding experience 20:47 JD Edwards Forum Changes 28:56 Midwesternism of the Day

In this episode, Chandra and Paul welcome Nicole Laurent from Oracle’s JD Edwards product team to discuss the roles, benefits, and guardrails around User Defined Objects (UDOs). They reflect on who should have access to create various types of UDOs, balancing empowerment with risk, highlighting where end users can safely enhance their workflows through tools like queries and watchlists, versus where advanced features like form extensions and orchestrations should remain in the hands of technical or collaborative teams. The hosts emphasize the importance of internal communication, governance, and partnership between business users and IT.06:00 Introducing Nicole Laurent09:48 Nicole’s thoughts on who should create UDO’s13:00 They can’t use what they don’t know about16:52 More Advanced UDO’s18:58 Collaboration is key27:48 Internal governance controls33:12 Midwesternism of the Day

In this week's episode, Chandra flies solo, tackling a frequently debated JD Edwards topic: user access to User Defined Objects (UDOs). Reflecting on a question from the JDE 101 session at INFOCUS, Chandra breaks down which UDOs might be suitable for end users, super users, or business analysts, emphasizing the importance of security, governance, and thorough testing in lower environments before promoting advanced UDOs like orchestrations and logic extensions. 01:23 Marathons and ERP Implementations 04:05 Should all users be able to create UDO's? 09:20 Importance of testing in lower environments 10:58 Midwesternism of the Day

In this episode, fresh off INFOCUS, Chandra and Paul look back at a conference that brought plenty of energy, new faces, great conversations, and a strong reminder of what makes the JD Edwards community special. They share the sessions and customer stories that caught their attention, from AI and mobility to the very human challenge of managing change. Along the way, they dig into some of their biggest takeaways: why successful technology projects depend on bringing the right people along for the ride, why change management can’t be an afterthought, and why AI may be getting all the headlines, but it isn’t always the answer. Sometimes the smartest solution is simply choosing the right tool for the job.03:45 Excitement and innovation in the community07:59 Keynote customer stories were a success11:45 Takeaways from sessions29:10 Midwesternism of the Day

In this episode, Chandra and Paul are live at INFOCUS 2026 and are joined by special guest AJ Schifano. As AJ enters retirement, he reflects on decades of JD Edwards innovation, community, and fun. The room debates a lighthearted yet symbolic "cut it” or “keep it" challenge about Paul ponytail, culminating in a community-driven decision and plans to donate Chandra’s hair to charity. AJ shares insights on modernization as a moving target, stories from JD Edwards history, and imparts wisdom about the value of curiosity, passion, and inclusivity in tech. 01:00 Conference feedback 02:30 Informal Cut It or Keep It Poll 04:09 AJ talks about modernization 08:22 Questions from the Crowd 25:27 Cut It or Keep It Reveal 27:55 Midwesternism of the Day

In this episode, Chandra and Paul discuss the realities of software customization within JD Edwards environments. They emphasize that while extensibility tools have reduced the need for customizations, some remain necessary for business-specific requirements. The hosts lay out best practices and key dos and don’ts for customizing software, such as following naming conventions, avoiding modifications to base objects and indices, and using customer-reserved system codes. They warn against common pitfalls that can harm performance or data integrity and suggest always adhering to published development standards. 03:52 What’s more important at INFOCUS than Paul’s hair? 09:21 Customizations are a reality 11:58 Object customization best practices 14:03 Adhere to JDE naming standards 15:33 Maintaining data integrity 18:25 Do I need a custom table for a custom application? 21:44 Design for performance when customizing 23:57 Let’s talk about the Don’t Do’s 32:26 Midwesternism of the Day Resources: JD Edwards EnterpriseOne System Extensibility Guidelines: https://www.oracle.com/webfolder/technetwork/tutorials/jdedwards/Tools/system_extensibility_guidelines/system-extensibility-guide.pdf Development Guidelines for Application Design Guide: https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/development-tools/9.2.x/eotds/index.html Form Design Aid Guide: https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/development-tools/9.2.x/eotfd/index.html Event Rules Guide: https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/development-tools/9.2.x/eotev/index.html Development Standards for Business Function Programming Guide: https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/development-tools/9.2.x/eotds/index.html

In this episode, Chandra and Paul are joined by guests Lane Lassetter of Interface, Inc. and Rajan Kaistha of RST Solutions to discuss how Interface has leveraged JD Edwards and automation tools to modernize and streamline their business processes. Lane details the challenges faced with manual AP processes and how the adoption of AP automation has significantly improved efficiency and reduced manual effort. The conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to migrate archival systems, automate additional functions such as vendor onboarding and PO approvals, and address customization debt through thoughtful upgrades.03:56 Introducing Lane and Rajan06:50 AP Automation, PO Approvals, and Document Archival in Laserfische12:33 Debt reduction with AP automation15:52 Selling the business on upgrades18:12 Challenges of Software Upgrades with Customizations21:27 Software Upgrades and Adoption26:52 Importance of Awareness34:48 Midwesternism of the Day

Chandra and Paul team up for a walkthrough of the INFOCUS conference agenda. The episode features a rapid-fire preview of keynotes, educational sessions, hands-on workshops, SIG meetups, with plenty of tips for newcomers and regulars alike. Highlights include practical advice for navigating session choices, spotlights on hot topics like AI and automation in JD Edwards.02:54 Midwesternism of the Day10:00 Sunday Agenda10:39 Monday Agenda16:16 Tuesday Agenda24:00 Wednesday AgendaResources:Register for Quest INFOCUS: https://questoraclecommunity.org/events/conferences/infocus/