Action framework is a feature which enables an end user to
invoke a variety of processes or actions from OBIEE UI. In OBIEE 11g, Action
Framework has enhanced options to integrate with external applications and the ability
to call processes or scripts seamlessly and this has been further improved in
OBIEE 12c.
There are many types of actions available which can be
classified into two types as Navigation actions and Invoke actions.
·
Navigate
actions are used to access external applications include E-Business suite, EPM
system, Siebel CRM, another report from OBIEE, etc., by passing parameters
based on the generated report data.
·
Invoke
actions are used to take actions by calling external Java processes, web
services, invoking a browser script, invoking an HTTP request, etc.,
Fig 1. Action Framework
We will discuss some of these actions in detail in the following sections.
1. Navigating to external
applications:
This simplifies the process of navigation
to external system by specifying the URL. There has been a significant
improvement in 11g from older versions, where a host name change in URL might
be required when migrating the reports across environments, by using aliases
instead of hardcoded hostnames in the action link. Also, previously the
username and password, if used as parameters in URL were visible to the users
who are invoking it. But this issue has been addressed with the introduction of
hide/visible parameters option.
2. Invoking a Java
process:
Another very interesting use of
Action framework is invoking a Java process which can be used to achieve
various functionalities.
For e.g., we had a requirement where
some of the OBIEE reports were to be delivered in a shared path. This was
achieved by developing a java process that will export the answers and FTP to
the given location. The java method can be deployed in OBIEE system itself and
re-used whenever needed through actions and it can also be scheduled through agents.
3. Invoking a web service:
Action framework is also a common
platform which can be used to invoke predefined web services and also to build web
services for specific requirements.
For e.g., Write-back is an ability to enter/update values
in backend directly from a report. By using web services, we can implement this
functionality in OBIEE.
There is also a web service called
OBIEE web services for Service oriented architecture (SOA) available, which is
used to integrate OBIEE with Oracle Fusion Middleware products. It can be used
to query the web catalog and agents without the need of having an explicit
session with OBIEE.
1. 4. Navigating to Siebel CRM/Source System:
Using action framework, the Navigate
to Siebel CRM option allows Siebel views for a particular record to be accessed
from OBIEE reports allowing a seamless integration between both the
applications.
Many Practical
Applications
Action framework serves as a common
platform for accessing java processes or web services and there are numerous
useful utilities that can be developed and utilized, such as,
·
We
can add watermarks to the OBIEE PDF exports.
·
Click
and search words easily in google from the reports.
·
Start
ODI ETL process from OBIEE through ODI web services, etc.
·
Also,
in scenarios like navigating from one report to another report where both are
built using different subject areas, action framework is a simplest way to create
navigations.
Security in Action
Framework
Since Action Framework (especially while invoking web services) can have
increased ability to modify the application and database as well, security
needs to be well defined. Both at OBIEE and database administration level,
necessary pre-cautions and best practices with respect to roles,
accesses/privileges, etc. needs to be followed.
For e.g., in OBIEE, there are
different types of privileges available which can be assigned to the users as
per the requirements and roles. Also Database admin needs to ensure any changes
to DB can be done by authorized users only.
Action Framework thus provides
comprehensive set of practical applications and thus can be used effectively
for achieving numerous business objectives and enhanced interactions with other
applications in a secured manner.
-Mohanraj
Dhamodharan