Lessons Learned: Navigating an Oracle E-Business Suite Upgrade

Embarking on an E-Business Suite (EBS) upgrade is no small feat, especially when dealing with a multinational client operating in diverse environments. 

At AST, we recently undertook a significant EBS upgrade project for a leading commercial client, spanning 7 countries and 2 languages. In that process, we encountered numerous challenges and learned invaluable lessons that can benefit any organization undertaking a similar endeavor. 

Here, we share some key Database Administrator (DBA) tips and tricks that played a crucial role in delivering a quality-centric upgrade for our client.

Architecture Preview:

Before diving into the upgrade, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of both the current and future EBS architecture, as well as the underlying database architecture. This sets the stage for a smooth transition.

Instance Strategy:

Developing a well-thought-out instance strategy for the project’s lifecycle ensures that every phase is effectively managed. This includes planning for testing, development, and production instances.

Comprehensive System Overview:

A thorough review of custom tops, external interfaces, Oracle Workflow Architecture, NFS mounts, and Samba configurations is crucial. Understanding these components helps in addressing potential bottlenecks and compatibility issues.

User Information and Module Preview:

Knowing the user landscape and the modules in use is vital. This includes the total number of users, concurrent users, and their geographical locations.

Backup Strategy:

Establishing a robust backup strategy before starting the upgrade iterations ensures data safety and provides a fallback in case of unforeseen issues.

Download Speed Test:

Testing download speeds in advance helps identify potential connectivity issues that could impact the efficiency of the upgrade process.

NLS and MLS Configurations:

Previewing National Language Support (NLS) and Multilingual Support (MLS) configurations on the source database is essential for a seamless transition to the new EBS version.

Password Pre-Gathering:

Collecting all source passwords beforehand, including those for default accounts, prevents complications during the upgrade.

Character Set Confirmation:

Verifying the correct character set of the source database ensures a smooth installation of 12.2 binaries.

ETCC and RapidWiz:

Running the E-Business Suite Technology Code Compliance (ETCC) tool on the Database Tier before laying out the 12.2 file system is crucial. Additionally, patching the 12.2 stage area with the latest RapidWiz version is recommended.

Global Inventory Creation:

Creating a fresh global inventory for the 12.2 installation helps avoid conflicts and ensures a clean environment.

Multitenant Architecture Considerations:

It’s important to address specific issues related to DB service name checks for multitenant architectures. If source database is a multitenant architecture with Oracle EBS Release 12.1.3, you could ignore the failure related to ‘DB service_names check’.

Security Measures:

Configuring /dev/urandom and using it during the installation and upgrade helps enhance security.

Configuring /dev/urandom and using it during the installation and upgrade proactively fixes some known 12.2 upgrade driver issues.

Bug Fixes and WebLogic Patches:

Applying all missing bug fixes on the 12.2 filesystem, including the latest WebLogic patches, is crucial for stability of Upgrade processes.

Upgrade Driver Preparation:

Running scripts like ADZDMVREFRESHNEEDED.SQL and determining parameters such as the number of workers and batch size before kicking off the 12.2 main upgrade driver is essential.

Embarking on an Oracle E-Business Suite upgrade requires meticulous planning and execution. The lessons learned from our recent project emphasize the importance of comprehensive system understanding, strategic planning, and adherence to best practices. By incorporating these DBA tips and tricks, organizations can navigate the complexities of an EBS upgrade more effectively, ensuring a successful and seamless transition to the latest version.

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About the Author

Heema is an Oracle ACE Pro working as Manager, Applications Software Technology LLC(Oracle Platinum Partner), and oversees a team of Infrastructure and Cloud Experts performing complex upgrades and migrations to various cloud flavors including but not limited to OCI, AWS, and Azure. She is a seasoned IT professional, having worked worldwide – India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, and the USA. Read more of her blogs here.

About AST

AST is an award-winning, full-service enterprise solution provider, guiding digital transformation for clients in the Government and Commercial Sectors for more than two decades. Clients look to AST for leadership and assistance in transforming their organizations via software solutions, process engineering, and change management. From cloud technology to legacy on-premises applications, AST’s services encompass all aspects of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. AST also offers flexible Managed Services, supporting the needs of over 200 customers around the globe.