The main use case involves transforming an organization from a paper-based system to a paperless one using a workflow engine. For instance, tasks like submitting vacation requests or business trip forms can be converted into workflows using tools like Oracle Visual Builder and Oracle PCS. Users would fill out forms, which are then processed sequentially. Once a request is submitted, it's sent to the line manager for approval. If approved, relevant data is updated in the backend systems.
Helps to transform an organization from a paper-based system to a paperless one using a workflow engine
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The tool's most valuable feature is knowing the KPIs and SLAs. This means you can see who's responsible for approving or rejecting requests. You'll know which employees are slow to take action, so you can see who's being lazy. You get a report at the month's or year's end to see how active employees are and if they support the system. This helps make things faster and easier for everyone. Tracking activity is the main point, so you can see how employees use the system.
We rely on it as the backbone of our processes. It allows us to create self-service requirements, processes, and applications. Integrating the tool with other applications was very easy. They provide REST services, making integration straightforward. Additionally, they offer documentation in the cloud, which makes the integration process even easier. It regularly updates and enhances its services every quarter, which has benefitted us greatly.
It's easy for a beginner to work with the solution for the first time. Oracle provides materials and live labs that make learning and getting started with the platform easy.
What needs improvement?
The tool was perfect on-prem, but issues cropped up when it transitioned to the cloud. Some features, such as event listeners, have been suspended or deprecated, causing inconvenience for users who relied on them for sending tasks via WhatsApp or SMS.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the tool's stability a ten out of ten for both the on-premises and cloud versions. Overall, it has maintained a one hundred percent stability rate.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
In our organization, the same older developers are using it. They must understand and know how to work with Oracle Visual Builder, Oracle Integration Cloud, and Oracle PCS. These tools are considered a package, and developers should be proficient in using all three, interacting with databases, creating queries, and developing REST services based on the tables.
How are customer service and support?
I've contacted the support team multiple times. The response time varies depending on the complexity of the issue. When creating a ticket with Oracle, you select the severity of the issue. If it's complex, they respond immediately; otherwise, it may take a few days. However, they always ensure the issues are resolved and provide ongoing support until everything is fixed.
How was the initial setup?
The installation, setup, and deployment process were straightforward. They involved just a few clicks. You select the desired configuration, and the environment is ready within a few minutes. Deployment is also simple—you publish and activate your application, and it's live within minutes.
What was our ROI?
The product is worth its money.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
You select your message pack from multiple options, and your payment is based on your actual usage. This means you don't have to buy a bundle upfront; instead, you pay according to your consumption, including the number of messages sent
What other advice do I have?
If you're using the tool for the first time, my advice would be to familiarize yourself with the concept of BPMN. Understanding BPMN will enable you to develop your business processes. Ensure you understand all the components, such as gateways, human tasks, events, timers, and sub-processes. Once you grasp the concept of BPMN, you'll find it much easier to develop applications.
I rate the product a ten out of ten.
