R12.1.5 RUP5 New and Changed features

Patch 13448800 R12.HR_PF.B.delta.5 was released on June 15, 2012. For complete details around the new and changed features in this release, please see the My Oracle Support Note1456556.1 - Oracle Human Resources Management Systems Readme, HRMS Release Update Pack 5 for Release 12.1

A quick roundup of the significant changes is captured below:

1.     Core HR:

a.   Purge Security Profiles: A new concurrent program called “Purge Security Profiles” is now available to evaluate and remove (purge) security profiles that are not in use.

2.     Payroll:

a.   Quick RetroPay: Before this release, there was no way to run RetroPay for a single assignment. This release introduces a new concurrent process – Quick RetroPay, which works exactly like Enhanced RetroPay but for a single assignment.

b.   Element entries using Self-Service: A long over-due feature has been released by Oracle, which allows managers to enter, validate, and approve non-recurring payroll elements prior to processing payroll. Potentially, this could translate into significant savings by removing the need to centrally key in variable pay data (such as overtime pay) and could help in reducing data entry errors.

3.     iRecruitment:

a.   CWK job application: A new enhancement now allows contingent workers (CWKs) to search and apply for jobs using iRecruitment. They can track their job applications, interview schedules, communicate with recruiters, and receive job offers online.

4.     Learning Management:

a.   Learner Group enhancements: Learner Groups can be used to limit access to classes and allow new learners to be automatically enrolled in a mandatory class. From R12.1.5 onwards, administrators can additionally group learners using an eligibility profile, which allows a far superior flexibility in defining Learner Groups (e.g. training access can be limited by location, person type, gender, length of service, grade, etc.)

b.   Learner Notifications: Administrators can now communicate via notifications with learners enrolled for a Class (previously, this was possible through using mail client). Now, when an administrator clicks the Notify icon on the Classes page, a new Notification page appears where Administrators can select the learners to be notified, enter subject, and message. Learners can view such notifications on their learner home page.

5.     Self Service:

a.   Use of Organization Chart: Using this, Managers can view details of subordinates in the hierarchy in the form of panel cards. This view is more intuitive than current text listing of subordinates.

b.   Parallel Approvals: This AME feature allows a transaction to be routed to multiple-approvers and considers the transaction to be approved if any approver from the approval group first approves the transaction.

6.     OTL:

a.   Confirm time entry before submission: With this release, you can configure self-service time entry review page to display a check box to confirm accuracy of time entry before submission.

7.     Performance Management:

a.   Performance Management module enhancements include additional tasks to administer plans more effectively, updated options while republishing PMP and changes to enhance useability of PMP when an employee or manager is not part of the plan population.

(For the next release RUP6, see my blog here)