The JDE Connection

In this episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Paul and Chandra conclude their three-part conversation on requirements gathering summarizing key points from previous discussions and emphasizing the crucial role of gathering and prioritizing requirements before jumping to solutions. They discuss the benefit of admitting one's lack of knowledge and the creative potential unleashed by collaborative brainstorming sessions. Drawing from personal experiences, both hosts agree that while it is challenging to admit uncertainty, doing so fosters trust and confidence over time. They provide practical advice on balancing divergent stakeholder needs, managing limited resources, and avoiding analysis paralysis by adopting an iterative approach to requirements management, highlighting the "Just Enough Requirements Management" (JERM) concept.  02:07 Recap of Part 1 and Part 2 05:13 Different perception of stakeholders towards the project 07:32 Stakeholders with differing interests and expectations 11:10 Red line vs Yellow Line Requirements 12:59 How do you know what’s really important? 17:31 JERM – Just Enough Requirements Management  23:46 A constraint is nothing but an opportunity 21:17 A list of the “Top 10” elicitation challenges 34:32 Midwesternism of the Day  Resources: If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this episode of the JDE Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul delve into the intricacies of eliciting business requirements. The conversation is part two of a three-part series, following their live episode with Susan Moore of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). They discuss topics such as identifying appropriate stakeholders, managing ambiguous requirements, and navigating the complexities of fast-evolving project demands. The episode also highlights different project management methodologies, specifically comparing the traditional waterfall approach with agile methodologies, and providing insights into their respective advantages and challenges. The educational segment is designed to give listeners a foundational understanding of these methodologies as they relate to gathering business requirements.    04:01 Identifying and getting time with appropriate stakeholders 08:12 Getting ambiguous requirements and managing expectations 11:27 New term called “Scrumafall” 13:03 Waterfall vs Agile and where does Scrum fit 24:11 Midwesternism of the day  Resources: If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org.  

In this episode of the JDE Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul delve into the intricacies of eliciting requirements from stakeholders, a critical aspect of business analysis within the JD Edwards ecosystem. They share their experiences, including the challenges of dealing with stakeholders who may frequently change their requirements and the importance of understanding both the problem and the solution. The hosts highlight the need for engaging stakeholders effectively without dismissing their ideas outright and emphasize the significance of collaborative problem-solving to garner accurate and thorough requirements. The episode also touches on the concept of "progressive discovery," where requirements evolve, and the balance required between gathering enough information to begin implementation while avoiding the pitfalls of a 'waterfall' approach.  03:55 Don’t just provide solutions 06:29 We are problem solvers 08:04 Understanding the full requirement may lead to alternate an solution 13:08 Understanding the reason why 16:40 When stakeholders don’t know what they want 19:58 Pitfalls of the Waterfall approach  25:25 Midwesternism of the day   Resources: If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this lively episode of The JDE Connection recorded live at INFOCUS 2024, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper, along with guest Jim Callan from Oracle Support, delve into the intricate process of managing enhancement requests within JD Edwards. They outline a clear three-step process for logging enhancements. The episode also touches on distinguishing bugs from enhancements, the necessity of thorough knowledge documentation, the importance of gathering votes through the Quest Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and the pivotal role of support teams in understanding customer needs.  03:34 Three-step process  04:35 Entering an enhancement with Oracle  12:13 Entering an enhancement with Quest  14:40 Participating in SIGs and voting on enhancements  32:15 Midwesternism  Resources: JDE Edwards Bug Monitoring: https://support.oracle.com/epmos/faces/DocumentDisplay?_afrLoop=389968747554982&id=1446784.2&_adf.ctrl-state=1bsoxmi9ag_52  Quest Enhancement Tool: http://cloudnnf.questoraclecommunity.org/questenhancementtool/  

In this episode, hosts Chandra and Paul delve into the world of the Human Capital Management (HCM) module of JD Edwards EnterpriseOne. As part of their ongoing series exploring JD Edwards feature functionality, they explore HCM’s robust features aimed at streamlining HR activities. They discuss automated workflows for performance reviews, competency gap analysis, salary matrices, and integration capabilities that ensure a seamless experience with financials, payroll, time, and labor processes. 04:27 Human Resource Management  12:51 Payroll 18:19 Self Service HR 23:13 Time and Labor 27:55 Midwesternism  Resources JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Human Capital Management: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/human-capital/ If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org.  

In Episode 032 of The JDE Connection podcast, hosts Chandra and Paul join Susan A. Moore, CBAP, AAC, PMI-PBA, PMI-ACP from International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) on a crossover episode of the Business Analysis Live! podcast. They delve into the intricacies of eliciting business requirements from stakeholders, including understanding and managing stakeholder emotions, the importance of empathy, and exercising emotional intelligence in handling stakeholder frustrations. The hosts also stress the significance of present-focused requirement gathering, urging listeners to fully engage with their stakeholders to uncover their true needs without prematurely jumping to solutions. Likewise, they point out how stakeholders often present solutions rather than stating their actual requirements and the challenges it can create for business analysts when eliciting requirements effectively. Techniques such as asking detailed questions, observing workflows, and maintaining a supportive environment are recommended to understand implicit needs thoroughly. The conversation is enriched with real-world experiences, practical advice, and humorous anecdotes, making it an insightful listen for anyone involved in business analysis and enterprise software management. 00:48 Introducing the crossover episode on the Business Analyst Live! podcast  05:26 Crossover episode introductions  06:57 Senior business analyst, former accountant, technical expertise. 13:25 How Business Analysis Live! connects to The JDE Connection. 15:13 Why we say elicitation of requirements instead of gathering requirements?  19:09 Getting to the end goal? 22:06 Creating a safe space.   24:47 Emotion is a data point.  25:25 Emotional intelligence.  30:10 Trusting your instincts.  35:00 How does the business analysis job begin? 44:39 How to you handle touch/rude stakeholders? 47:23 Don’t take it personal but make it personal. 50:56 How do we translate implicit needs into explicit requirements? 58:53 How do you say ‘no’ in a nice way? Resources  Susan A. Moore, CBAP, AAC, PMI-PBA, PMI-ACP - LinkedIn International Institute of Business Analysis - https://www.iiba.org/ IIBA Podcasts  Business Analysis Live! Youtube Channel Business Analysis Live! LinkedIn If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at

In this episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul dive into the highlights of the upcoming INFOCUS Conference set for October 1-3 in Denver, Colorado, where participants can interact with JD Edwards team members across three days filled with education and networking opportunities. Key events include a roadmap session covering product strategy and AI/ML enhancements, various hands-on workshops led by Oracle as well as sessions from members of the JD Edwards community. We encourage listeners to join these insightful events, emphasizing the value of practical implementations and networking for optimizing your JD Edwards system. 00:53 A long weekend with tiaras and sashes 03:04 OCD or CDO 03:30 INFOCUS introduction 05:10 Day 1 Session Highlights 13:59 Day 2 Session Highlights 27:10 Day 3 Session Highlights 39:16 Midwesternism of the day Resources: Quest INFOCUS: https://questoraclecommunity.org/events/conferences/infocus/ If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In this episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul explore the functionalities and capabilities within the JD Edwards Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Health and Safety modules. As part of their ongoing series exploring JDE feature functionality, the provide an overview of the key components Case Management, Service Management and Health and Safety Management.  03:07 Customer Relationship Management Overview 04:13 Case Management 08:47 Service Management 13:33 Health and Safety 18:00 Midwesternism of the Day 

In this episode of the JD Edwards Connection, hosts Chandra and Paul dive into the Project Management module of JD Edwards EnterpriseOne. As part of their ongoing series exploring JDE feature functionality, they provide an overview of the key components within Project Management, including Project Costing, Advanced Job Forecasting, Contract and Service Billing, Advanced Contract Billing, Homebuilder Management, and Project Change Management. 05:28 Project Management Overview 05:45 Project Costing 09:05 Advanced Job Forecasting 12:12 Contract and Service Billing 16:50 Advanced Contract Billing 20:02 Homebuilder Management 23:50 Project Change Management 29:19 Midwesternism of the Day Resources   JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Project Management: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/project-management/  If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. 

In Episode 28 of the JDE Connection podcast, hosts Chandra and Paul conclude their conversation with Shannon Alred, ERP Special Project Manager at Brown and Root. They delve into the value of attending JD Edwards conferences, touching on networking, new possibilities, and Oracle's product roadmap. Shannon shares her experiences and tips for navigating conferences, including the importance of attending social functions, public speaking, and the power of community. The episode wraps up with discussions on staying current with JD Edwards updates and the professional growth opportunities that come from engaging with the Quest Oracle Community. The hosts also share some Midwestern charm by discussing an iconic Minneapolis staple and its origin.   01:23 Understanding JD Edwards Roadmap 05:30 How to Brown and Root stays code current 12:10 Proving personal growth opportunities  15:35 Offering an inclusive environment that encourages learning and sharing 17:34 Recapping Shannon’s great advise 18:40 Advise for first time conference goers  22:10 Midwesternism of the Day Resources  If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org. Don’t forget to register for INFOCUS 2024 in Denver - JD Edwards INFOCUS Conference - Quest Oracle Community   Matts Bar - https://mattsbar.com/ 5-8 Club - https://www.5-8club.com/   

In this episode of the JDE Connection podcast, hosts Chandra and Paul are joined by guest Shannon Alred, ERP Special Project Manager at Brown and Root, to discuss her experiences and insights from attending JD Edwards conferences. Shannon shares how her first in-person conference in Vegas, although initially daunting, proved invaluable in identifying partners, possibilities, and strategies to significantly reduce custom modifications and enhancement requests following their upgrade from 8.0 to 9.2. The conversation emphasizes the importance of attending conferences to build connections, learn problem-solving approaches, and advocating for business needs within the technology community.  01:00 A little bit about Shannon and her company  07:42 First conference, first time in Vegas  09:00 Find low hanging fruit to gain buy in on untapped technology  11:53 Using Composed Pages for efficiency  17:11 Networking and Continuous Learning  20:35 Finding Commonality Across Use Cases  25:38 Midwesternism of the Day  Resources:  Minnesota State Fair Specialty Sips: https://www.mnstatefair.org/general-info/specialty-brews-and-beverages/  If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org.  Don’t forget Early Bird Registration for INFOCUS 2024 in Denver, Colorado closes Monday, August 19th - JD Edwards INFOCUS Conference - Quest Oracle Community     

In this episode of the JD Edwards Connection podcast, hosts Chandra and Paul dive into the Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) module of JD Edwards EnterpriseOne. As part of their ongoing series exploring JDE feature functionality, they provide an overview of the key components within ALM, including Capital Asset Management, Condition Based Maintenance, Resource Assignments, Equipment Cost Analysis, Real Estate Management, Advanced Real Estate Forecasting, and Rental Management. 05:59 Asset Lifecycle Management 06:21 Capital Asset Management 10:45 Condition-Based Maintenance 14:55 Resource Assignments 19:30 Equipment Cost Analysis 23:41 Real Estate Management 27:20 Advanced Real Estate Forecasting 32:07 Rental Management  35:59 Midwesternism of the Day Resources JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Asset Lifecycle Management: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/asset-lifecycle-management/  The Mouth Trap Cheese Curds: https://www.mnstatefair.org/vendor/3645.1/  If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org.  

In the latest episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper continue their series on JD Edwards feature functionality, focusing on the order management module. They begin by highlighting the module’s capabilities in efficiently managing order complexity, minimizing entry costs, improving customer satisfaction, and ensuring order profitability. The conversation then shifts to the various sub-modules including advanced pricing, fulfillment management, customer self-service, and agreement management. 02:56 Order Management 06:33 Advanced Pricing 15:21 Fulfillment Management 19:17 Customer Self-Service 20:15 Agreement Management 21:35 Midwesternism of the day Resources JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Order Management Products: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/order-management/#rc30p5 APRE – Advanced Pricing Resolution Engine: https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/customer-relationship/9.2/eoapg/understanding-the-accelerated-pricing-resolution-engine.html If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org.  

In Episode 24, hosts Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper recast Episode 14 where they sat down with guest Ken Piddington, VP and CIO at US Silica Company to discuss Quest's upcoming emerging leaders program sponsored by Deloitte. The program is designed to develop leadership skills crucial for Oracle user professionals aiming for senior executive roles. Emphasizing community, mentorship, and diverse perspectives, it includes self-assessment, personalized mentorship, and focuses on essential competencies like networking, communication, strategic focus, and emotional intelligence. Scheduled to kick off in September, the program combines in-person and virtual sessions, and culminates with a Capstone project, aiming to foster continuous learning and leadership development. The hosts discuss the importance of effective communication, career advancement, and managing expectations, and encourage feedback from listeners for future episodes. Detailed information and registration links are provided for those interested in the program. 04:05 Opportunities for leadership growth in any role. 07:51 Building networks, learning, and evolving for success. 13:11 Program includes mentorship, networking, book club, recognition. 19:34 Assess competencies, goals, and areas for improvement. 23:29 Commit to time management, leadership support, progress updates.   24:27 Apply learnings quickly, stay focused, and succeed. 29:35 Effective communication crucial for personal and career success. 30:49 Strengthen core competencies, manage expectations effectively. Resources:  https://questoraclecommunity.org/emergingleaders  If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org 

In the latest episode of The JDE Connection, hosts Paul Houtkooper and Chandra Wobschall continue their series on JD Edwards' feature functionality, focusing on the supply management module aka procurement. They take an in-depth look at the module's capabilities, including procurement and subcontract management, buyer workspace, agreement management, supplier self-service, requisition self-service, and operational sourcing. They discuss how these features help organizations streamline their procurement processes, manage supplier relationships, and maintain end-to-end visibility throughout the supply chain. 04:30 Explanation of the Supply Management system 07:05 Procurement and subcontracts 09:08 Buyer workspace 10:02 Agreement management 12:03 Supplier self-service 12:43 Requisition self-service 13:34 Operational Sourcing 16:20 Midwesternism Resources: JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Supply Management Products: https://www.oracle.com/applications/jd-edwards-enterpriseone/supply-management/ 2024 Minnesota State Fair New Foods: https://m.startribune.com/minnesota-state-fair-new-foods-2024/600379332/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsalert&clmob=y&c=n  If you have concerns or feedback on this episode or ideas for future episodes, please contact us at thejdeconnection@questoraclecommunity.org.