Oracle Fusion Reporting: How to Use OTBI vs BI Publisher vs Smart View
Oracle Fusion Cloud provides multiple tools for reporting and analytics, but selecting the right one depends on what kind of data you need, how often you need it, and who needs it.
This blog post will help you understand the differences, use cases, and best practices when working with the three most common reporting tools:
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OTBI (Oracle Transactional Business Intelligence)
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BI Publisher
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Smart View for Excel
What are the tools available ?
| Tool | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| OTBI | Self-service, real-time dashboards | Business users |
| BI Publisher | Pixel-perfect, scheduled reports | IT & power users |
| Smart View | Excel-based ad hoc analysis | Finance & analysts |
1. OTBI – Oracle Transactional Business Intelligence
Best For:
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Real-time reporting directly from transactional data
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Drag-and-drop dashboards
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Functional users (e.g., HR, Finance, Procurement)
Use Cases:
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List of active employees in HR
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Open Purchase Orders by Buyer
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Payables invoices by status
How to Use:
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Navigate to Reports and Analytics > Create > Analysis.
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Select a Subject Area (e.g., “Workforce Management – Worker Assignment Real Time”).
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Drag fields into Selected Columns and apply filters.
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Save and share as dashboard or export to Excel/PDF.
Limitations:
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Cannot join across subject areas
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Complex logic is limited
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No pixel-perfect formatting
2. BI Publisher (BIP)
Best For:
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Bursting/scheduled reports
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Reports that require templates and formatting (invoices, payslips, letters)
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Extracts for integrations
Use Cases:
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Payslip generation
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Vendor remittance advice
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Custom FBDI data extract
How to Use:
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Go to Reports and Analytics > BI Publisher.
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Create Data Model: Use SQL query, Web Service, or Data Sets.
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Upload an RTF/XSL/Excel layout using MS Word Plugin.
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Link layout to data model and schedule or run manually.
Key Features:
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Supports bursting by email, FTP, printer
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Templates can be translated and customized
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Can run SQL from multiple sources
Limitations:
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Requires more technical skill
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Slower with large volumes compared to OTBI
3. Smart View for Excel
Best For:
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Excel-based analysis
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Ad hoc querying with pivoting and formulas
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Financial reporting and planning
Use Cases:
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Budget variance reports
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Profit & Loss comparison by department
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GL balances extraction
How to Use:
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Install Oracle Smart View Add-In in Excel.
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Connect to Oracle Fusion Cloud URL.
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Select cube (e.g., Financials Cloud - General Ledger).
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Drag and drop dimensions to Excel sheet.
Key Features:
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Drill-down into balances
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Supports Excel formulas, charts, macros
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Fast for finance teams familiar with Excel
Limitations:
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Needs configuration for first use
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Only works well with Essbase/cube data (not transactional)
Best Practices
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Use OTBI for dashboards, metrics, or on-screen real-time data.
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Use BI Publisher for formal reports (invoices, extracts, employee letters).
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Use Smart View for Excel-savvy teams needing deep financial analysis.