The Latest Trends in PeopleSoft Technical Development: What You Need to Know in 2025

 

PeopleSoft remains a trusted ERP solution even as technology advances rapidly. In 2025, PeopleSoft is not only holding its ground but evolving with modern innovations—from cloud integrations and continuous updates to enhanced user interfaces and security practices. In this post, we’ll explore the key trends reshaping the PeopleSoft technical world and provide simple, step-by-step examples to help you get started with some of these new features.

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1. Continuous Innovation with PeopleSoft Update Manager (PUM)

Trend Overview:
Oracle has embraced a “continuous innovation” model for PeopleSoft. Instead of waiting for major upgrade cycles, customers now receive frequent, smaller updates through PeopleSoft Update Manager (PUM). This model allows you to access new features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements without undergoing a full-scale system overhaul.

Why It Matters:

• Predictability: Oracle’s rolling 10-plus years support model gives you confidence that your PeopleSoft investment is future-proof.
• Agility: Frequent updates mean you can quickly leverage improvements, such as performance optimizations and UI enhancements, to stay competitive.

Step-by-Step Example – Checking for a PUM Update:

1. Log in to Oracle’s My Oracle Support (MOS).
2. Navigate to the PeopleSoft section and click on “PUM Home.”
3. Review the latest update images and release notes.
   Tip: Look for image highlights (like PeopleSoft HCM Update Image 51) for a summary of changes.
4. Download the relevant update package and follow Oracle’s instructions to apply it using Change Assistant.

Reference:

questoraclecommunity.org

,

miproconsulting.com

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2. Enhanced PeopleTools: The 8.57 Roadmap

Trend Overview:
The latest PeopleTools version (8.57) is packed with enhancements that significantly improve user productivity and system performance. This update focuses on modernizing the interface, streamlining upgrade processes, and integrating advanced analytics.

Key Features Include:

• Customizable Homepages and Dashboards: Tailor your PeopleSoft environment to display the data you need most.
• Pivot Grids and Advanced Analytics: Integrated with tools like Kibana, these features allow you to analyze trends and monitor system health effortlessly.
• Simplified Upgrade Methodology: With automated “lift and shift” capabilities for moving environments to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, upgrading has never been easier.

Step-by-Step Example – Creating a Custom Dashboard in PeopleTools 8.57:

1. Open PeopleSoft App Designer and navigate to your Dashboard page.
2. Use the Page Composer tool to add a pivot grid component:

   /* Sample PeopleCode to initialize a pivot grid */
   Local Grid &myPivotGrid;
   &myPivotGrid = GetGrid(Page.DASHBOARD, Field.PIVOT_GRID);
   &myPivotGrid.Initialize("DataSource=EmployeeData;Dimensions=Department, Role;Measures=HeadCount");
   

3. Customize the layout using drag-and-drop tools provided by the Fluid UI.
4. Save and preview your changes to ensure the dashboard meets your reporting needs.

Reference:

questoraclecommunity.org

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3. Cloud Integration and Hybrid Deployments

Trend Overview:
With the growing need for scalability and agility, many organizations are moving toward hybrid cloud environments. PeopleSoft now supports seamless integration with Oracle Cloud and other cloud-based services.

Why It Matters:

• Scalability: Run PeopleSoft on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure to take advantage of elastic computing resources.
• Flexibility: Hybrid environments allow you to balance on-premises investments with cloud benefits.
• Enhanced Data Integration: Use integration brokers, REST APIs, and SOAP web services to connect PeopleSoft with external systems, ensuring real-time data flow and process automation.

Step-by-Step Example – Setting Up a REST API Integration:

1. In PeopleSoft App Designer, create a new Integration Broker configuration.
2. Define the REST service endpoint with the necessary URL and authentication details:

   Local string &apiURL = "https://api.yourcloudservice.com/v1/employees";
   Local SQL &sql;
   /* Prepare the API call using PeopleCode's HTTP functions (pseudo-code) */
   &response = HttpPost(&apiURL, "Content-Type=application/json", '{"emplId":"12345"}');
   

3. Parse the JSON response and map the data to PeopleSoft records.
4. Test the integration to ensure data is flowing as expected.

Reference:

blog.peoplesoftcareer.com

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4. Modern User Experience with Fluid UI

Trend Overview:
PeopleSoft’s Fluid User Interface (FUI) continues to gain popularity as organizations prioritize mobile responsiveness and modern design. Fluid UI provides a streamlined, intuitive experience that works across desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Key Enhancements:

• Responsive Design: Automatically adjusts layout based on device screen size.
• Simplified Navigation: Intuitive menus and search functions enhance user productivity.
• Customization: Business users can personalize pages without deep technical expertise.

Step-by-Step Example – Creating a Fluid Page:

1. Open PeopleSoft App Designer and select “New Fluid Page.”
2. Drag and drop pre-built components such as grids, charts, and forms onto the page canvas.
3. Configure each component using property panels. For example, to create a responsive grid:

   Local Grid &fluidGrid;
   &fluidGrid = CreateGrid();
   &fluidGrid.Style = "responsive";
   &fluidGrid.DataSource = "EmployeeRecord";
   

4. Preview the page in different device modes (desktop, tablet, mobile) to ensure proper responsiveness.
5. Deploy the page and allow end users to configure personal layouts through self-service options.

Reference:

blog.peoplesoftcareer.com

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5. Strengthening Security and Compliance

Trend Overview:
In an era of increasing cyber threats, security remains a top priority for PeopleSoft environments. Oracle continuously releases critical security patches as part of its regular update cycle, ensuring vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.

What’s New:

• Enhanced Role and Permission Management: New tools for granular control over access.
• Regular Security Patches: Automated updates reduce the risk of exploitation.
• Compliance Features: Built-in support for regulatory standards such as GDPR and HIPAA helps safeguard sensitive data.

Step-by-Step Example – Verifying Security Patch Status:

1. Log in to My Oracle Support (MOS) and navigate to the “PeopleSoft Security” section.
2. Review the list of applied patches against the latest security bulletin.
3. Run a PeopleCode script in a test environment to output current patch versions:

   Local string &patchVersion;
   &patchVersion = GetPatchVersion();
   MessageBox(0, "", 0, 0, "Current PeopleSoft Patch Version: " | &patchVersion);
   

4. Plan to apply any missing patches following Oracle’s recommended procedures.

Reference:

secpod.com

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6. Evolving Consulting and Support Services

Trend Overview:
The consulting market around PeopleSoft continues to grow. As companies adopt newer technologies and upgrade their PeopleSoft systems, there’s a rising demand for professionals skilled in PeopleSoft technical areas—ranging from Fluid UI and PeopleTools expertise to cloud integration and security compliance.

Key Points:

• Consulting Services: Providers are offering end-to-end support—from initial assessment and gap analysis to full-scale upgrades and continuous maintenance.
• Training and Certifications: Ongoing training helps professionals stay ahead of trends, making them valuable assets in the marketplace.
• Integrated Support Models: Companies are leveraging managed services to ensure their PeopleSoft environments remain optimized and secure.

Reference:

openpr.com

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Conclusion

In 2025, PeopleSoft is not a relic of the past but a continuously evolving platform that integrates modern technologies, embraces cloud strategies, and prioritizes user experience and security. Whether you’re an end user, developer, or consultant, keeping up with these trends will help you unlock new efficiencies and maintain a competitive edge.

By leveraging continuous updates via PUM, taking advantage of PeopleTools 8.57 enhancements, integrating with cloud services, and prioritizing security, you can ensure that your PeopleSoft environment remains robust, agile, and future-ready.

Stay tuned to Oracle’s official channels and community blogs for the latest updates, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the new features in your development environment.

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Advanced PeopleSoft Technical Development: Part 2

 

In the first part of this series, we covered fundamental PeopleSoft coding techniques, including looping through rowsets, SQLExec, debugging, and batch processing using Application Engine. In this second part, we’ll dive deeper into advanced PeopleSoft development concepts with more hands-on examples.

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1. Dynamic SQL in PeopleCode Using SQL Objects

Problem: Hardcoded SQL statements make maintenance difficult.

Solution: Use SQL objects for better modularity and reusability.

Steps to Implement:

1. Create an SQL Object in App Designer

   • Navigate to File → New → SQL Object
   • Name it SQL_GET_ACTIVE_EMPLOYEES
   • Add the following SQL query:

   SELECT EMPLID, EMPL_NAME FROM PS_EMPLOYEES WHERE STATUS = 'ACTIVE'
   

2. Use It in PeopleCode

   Local SQL &sql;
   Local Record &rec;
   
   &sql = CreateSQL("%SQL(SQL_GET_ACTIVE_EMPLOYEES)");
   
   While &sql.Fetch(&rec)
       MessageBox(0, "", 0, 0, "Employee: " | &rec.EMPL_NAME.Value);
   End-While;
   

✅ This allows SQL reuse without embedding queries directly into PeopleCode.

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2. Using File Layouts for CSV File Import

Problem: Manually processing CSV files is error-prone and time-consuming.

Solution: Use a File Layout to parse CSV files efficiently.

Steps to Implement:

1. Create a File Layout in App Designer

   • File → New → File Layout
   • Set File Type = CSV
   • Define fields (e.g., EMPLID, EMPL_NAME, DEPT)

2. Write PeopleCode to Read CSV File

   Local File &file;
   Local Record &rec;
   Local FileLayout &layout;
   
   &file = GetFile("C:\employee_data.csv", "R", %FilePath_Absolute);
   &layout = GetFileLayout(FileLayout.EMPLOYEE_FILE);
   
   While &file.ReadLine()
       &rec = &layout.GetRecord();
       &layout.SetRecord(&rec, &file.GetTextLine());
       MessageBox(0, "", 0, 0, "Loaded: " | &rec.EMPL_NAME.Value);
   End-While;
   
   &file.Close();
   

✅ This automates data imports and reduces human errors.

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3. Triggering Workflow Approvals in PeopleSoft

Problem: Manually handling approvals is inefficient.

Solution: Use SendWorkflowEvent() to trigger approvals dynamically.

Steps to Implement:

Local string &emplID = "12345";
Local string &workflowName = "EMP_APPROVAL";

TriggerBusinessEvent(&workflowName, &emplID);

✅ This initiates workflow approvals automatically when an event occurs.

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4. Using Rowsets for Multi-Level Data Processing

Problem: Handling hierarchical data with loops can be complex.

Solution: Use nested Rowsets for structured data processing.

Example: Fetching Employee and their associated Department Data

Local Rowset &level0, &level1;
Local number &i, &j;

&level0 = GetLevel0();

For &i = 1 To &level0.ActiveRowCount
    &level1 = &level0.GetRow(&i).GetRowset(Scroll.DEPARTMENTS);
    For &j = 1 To &level1.ActiveRowCount
        MessageBox(0, "", 0, 0, "Department: " | &level1.GetRow(&j).GetRecord(Record.DEPARTMENTS).DEPT_NAME.Value);
    End-For;
End-For;

✅ This makes processing multi-level hierarchical data easier.

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5. Sending Automated Emails from PeopleCode

Problem: Manually notifying users is inefficient.

Solution: Use SendMail() to send emails programmatically.

Example: Sending an Email Notification

Local string &to = "employee@company.com";
Local string &subject = "Your Timesheet is Approved";
Local string &body = "Dear Employee,\n\nYour timesheet has been approved successfully.";

SendMail(&to, "", "", &subject, &body, %PlainText, "", "");

✅ This improves communication efficiency in PeopleSoft workflows.

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Conclusion

By implementing these advanced PeopleSoft techniques, you can enhance automation, improve code maintainability, and streamline complex processes. Keep experimenting and refining your PeopleSoft development skills! 🚀

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Mastering PeopleSoft Technical Development: Common Challenges and Step-by-Step Solutions

 

PeopleSoft technical development can be tricky, especially for beginners or those transitioning from other ERP systems. Many developers struggle with PeopleCode, SQL, Application Engine, and debugging complex issues. In this blog, we’ll break down some of the most common challenges and provide step-by-step coding solutions in an easy-to-understand way.

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1. How to Loop Through a Rowset in PeopleCode

Problem: Many developers struggle with iterating through rowsets efficiently.

Solution: Use the GetRow and GetRecord functions.

Local Rowset &rs;
Local number &i;

&rs = GetLevel0()(1).GetRowset(Scroll.EMPLOYEES);

For &i = 1 To &rs.ActiveRowCount
    &rec = &rs.GetRow(&i).GetRecord(Record.EMPLOYEES);
    &name = &rec.GetField(Field.EMPL_NAME).Value;
    MessageBox(0, "", 0, 0, "Employee Name: " | &name);
End-For;

✅ This retrieves all rows from the EMPLOYEES rowset and prints each employee’s name.

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2. Inserting Data Using PeopleCode SQLExec

Problem: Developers often face issues inserting data dynamically.

Solution: Use SQLExec safely with bind variables.

Local string &emplID = "12345";
Local string &name = "John Doe";

SQLExec("INSERT INTO PS_EMPLOYEES (EMPLID, EMPL_NAME) VALUES (:1, :2)", &emplID, &name);

✅ This ensures safe and dynamic SQL execution while avoiding hardcoded values.

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3. How to Debug PeopleCode Efficiently

Problem: Debugging can be difficult without knowing the right tools.

Solution: Use MessageBox, WinMessage, or the PeopleCode Debugger.

MessageBox(0, "Debug Info", 0, 0, "Value of variable: " | &myVariable);

Best Practices:

• Use WinMessage() in Windows clients for immediate alerts.
• Activate PeopleCode Debugger in App Designer for step-by-step execution.

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4. Creating a Simple App Engine for Batch Processing

Problem: Developers find it hard to create a simple batch process.

Solution: Create a basic Application Engine (AE).

1. Open App Designer → File → New → Application Engine
2. Create a Section & Step
3. Insert a SQL Action with:

UPDATE PS_EMPLOYEES
SET STATUS = 'ACTIVE'
WHERE STATUS = 'INACTIVE';

4. Save & Register Process in Process Scheduler
5. Run & Monitor in Process Monitor

✅ This automates batch updates efficiently.

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5. Fetching Data Using Record Class

Problem: Many struggle with fetching data dynamically.

Solution: Use SelectByKey() for efficient retrieval.

Local Record &rec;

&rec = CreateRecord(Record.EMPLOYEES);
&rec.EMPLID.Value = "12345";
If &rec.SelectByKey() Then
    MessageBox(0, "", 0, 0, "Employee Found: " | &rec.EMPL_NAME.Value);
Else
    MessageBox(0, "", 0, 0, "Employee Not Found");
End-If;

✅ This fetches employee details based on EMPLID.

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Conclusion

Mastering PeopleSoft technical skills requires practice and understanding key areas like PeopleCode, SQL, and debugging techniques. By following these step-by-step solutions, you’ll become more confident in handling PeopleSoft development challenges. 🚀

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Importing BI Publisher Sub-template to the Main Template for Testing local environment

Recently I was working on BI publisher RTF template and I had several Sub-templates to be included into the main template. Firstly, I wanted to test these Sub-templates locally before pushing it to development environment. I tried what PeopleBooks were suggested. The PeopleBooks says;

Testing a Sub-Template in Microsoft Word

You should test your template and sub-template using Template Builder before uploading to PeopleTools to make your sub-template is accessible to your template on the file system.

Use the following syntax when importing:

<?import:file:C:///Template_Directory/subtemplate_file.rtf?>

Notice the triple slashes and the use of the actual file name instead of template ID.

When your design is complete, you can change the import statement back to make the sub-template available to the main template in PeopleTools environment.

I followed the same syntax above. However, I could not work it out as I was having these errors when I try to preview the main RTF template as a PDF. After bit of a research I found out that I need to include these custom properties in the xdo.xfg file.

<property name="xdk-secure-io-mode">false</property>
<property name="xslt-scalable">true</property>

Meaning of each property and their values as follows;

Here are some of the references I checked while figuring out this issue

• https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E41633_01/pt853pbh1/eng/pt/txml/task_DefiningSystemProperties-d67e77.html
• https://docs.oracle.com/middleware/12211/bip/BIPAD/GUID-9D988F03-8CBD-4A0C-B8DA-93986843C0B8.htm#BIPAD320
• https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E87544_01/pt856pbr1/eng/pt/txml/task_UsingRTFTemplates-997f94.html?pli=ul_d81e52_txml
• http://bipconsulting.blogspot.com/2009/11/common-header-and-footer-with-sub.html

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How to read a field from a CSV file in to a PeopleSoft record (not in order) using File Layout

If you want to read a csv file to PeopleSoft record in a sequential order you can use the following code to do that.

Local File &MYFILE;
Local Record &REC;
Local array of string &ARRAY;
Local string &STRING

&MYFILE = GetFile("c:\temp\vendor.csv", "R", %FilePath_Absolute);
&REC = CreateRecord(RECORD.MY_TEST_RECORD);
&ARRAY = CreateArrayRept("", 0);

If &MYFILE.IsOpen Then
   If &MYFILE.SetFileLayout(FILELAYOUT.MY_TEST_FILELAYOUT) Then
      While &MYFILE.ReadLine(&STRING);
         &ARRAY = Split(&STRING, ",");
         For &I = 1 To &REC.FieldCount
            &REC.GetField(&I).Value = &ARRAY[&I];
         End-For;
      /* do additional processing here for converting values */
         &REC.Insert();
      End-While;
   Else
      /* do error processing - filelayout not correct */
   End-If;
Else
   /* do error processing - file not open */
End-If;

&MYFILE.Close();

However, let's assume that you want to read a particular field or few fields from a CSV file to a PeopleSoft record. Then you can use another version of the above code. Here we can use an array object to store all the fields from the CSV and then you can use array index to find the particular field you are looking. Then, you can use SQLExec to insert or update that PS record you want.

Local File &MYFILE;
Local Record &REC;
Local array of string &ARRAY;
Local string &STRING
Local string &2ndFieldFromCSV

&MYFILE = GetFile("c:\temp\vendor.csv", "R", %FilePath_Absolute);
&REC = CreateRecord(RECORD.MY_TEST_RECORD);
&ARRAY = CreateArrayRept("", 0);

If &MYFILE.IsOpen Then
   If &MYFILE.SetFileLayout(FILELAYOUT.MY_TEST_FILELAYOUT) Then
      While &MYFILE.ReadLine(&STRING);
         &ARRAY = Split(&STRING, ",");
   /* lets assume that you want 2nd field from the csv file*/
          &2ndFieldFromCSV = &ARRAY[2];

      /* do additional processing here insert, update etc.. */
         SQLExec("UPDATE PS_MY_TABLE SET FIELD2 = &2ndFieldFromCSV WHERE PK_FIELD1 = 'SOME VALUE') ;
      End-While;
   Else
      /* do error processing - filelayout not correct */
   End-If;
Else
   /* do error processing - file not open */
End-If;

&MYFILE.Close();

Obviously, there are many ways to do the same thing in many different ways. But, leaveraging PeopleSoft File Layouts do the job will be much easier.

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Become Awsome in PeopleSoft with these PeopleSoft Books

If you want to become awesome in PeopleSoft and want to take your PeopleSoft skills to the next level grab these awesome PeopleSoft books from PeopleSoft Tutorial.
Simply follow the links below;

• PEOPLESOFT UPDATE MANAGER
• CREATE PEOPLESOFT REMOTE LAB

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How to Improve Interpersonal Skils in PeopleSoft Project Management

Whether you are a seasoned PeopleSoft Developer or Guru, or even an expert in PeopleSoft suite of technologies you have to deal with People all the time. Having good knowledge and understanding of stakeholders around you is inevitable in order to gain trust, mutual understanding and ultimately to achieve success in your PeopleSoft project. Here I'm going to list some of the most common interpersonal skills that you may need to enhance in your PeopleSoft career. This is a very short list so feel free to add any thoughts as a comment so that other visitors of this blog can get a value from it.

Interpersonal Skills in (PeopleSoft) Project Management [1]

Well developed technical, interpersonal and conceptual skills help to analyses the situation and interact appropriately.

1. Leadership

Leadership is an ability get things done through others. Respect and trust are the key elements of effective leadership. This is critical in beginning of the project which use to emphasis and communicate the vision and motivating and inspiring project participants to achieve high performance.

2. Team Building

Team building is the result of good leadership and team building is teamwork.

3. Motivation

Overall success of the project depends on the project team's commitment, which is directly related to motivation. Motivational factors in a project/team environment.

• Self-satisfaction
• Job satisfaction
• Challenging work
• A sense of accomplishment
• Achievement and growth
• Money
• Other rewards and recognition

4. Communication

Single biggest reason for project success and failure. Effective communication and Openness in communication is a gateway to teamwork and high performance. It improves relationships among team members and create mutual trust.
Effective communication involves awareness of communication style, parties, cultural issues, relationships, personalities, and overall context of the situation.
Active and Effective Listening is a big part in good communication.

5. Influencing

According to [2] influencing is the power to change or affect someone or something. In project management Influencing is important to get things done through others in positive manner.

6. Decision Making

Six-Phase Decision making model

7. Political and Cultural Awareness

8. Negotiation

A successful negotiation may include;

• Analyse the situation
• Identify Difference between wants and needs - both their and yours
• Focus on interests and issues
• Ask for high and offer low but realistic
• When you make and concession, act if you yield something
• Make both parties feel they have won, Win-Win negotiation.
• Active listening and articulating

References

[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/influence

[2]

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