Oracle Demantra Interview Questions and Answers

Ready to face interview for Oracle Demantra? Do not worry, we are here to help you with job interview preparation. If you are preparing Oracle Demantra interview and not sure which questions are likely asked in interview, we suggest you to go through Wisdom Jobs interview questions and answers page to crack your job interview. Oracle Demantra is a tool to manage the demand and supply chain. It automatically maps the demand needed with the supplies available and the customer requirements. Using the tool, the service levels increases with low inventory costs. Strong technical skills are needed as there is huge competition. Below is the list of frequently asked Oracle Demantra interview questions and answers which gets you ready to face the interviews.

1) What is Oracle Demantra?

Ans:

Oracle Demantra is a demand management and supply chain management tool provided by Oracle. It helps in enabling an automated forecast process that simultaneously maps demand forecasting against factors such as supply restrictions, customer commitments and inventory counts. Implementation of Oracle Demantra has numerous benefits like higher service levels, lower inventory costs, greater customer satisfaction and lower distribution costs.

2) List out some of the Oracle Demantra Applications?

Ans:

• Predictive Trade Planning
• Demand Management
• Trade Promotion Optimization
• Deduction and Settlement Management
• Advanced Forecasting & Demand Modeling

3) Few benefits of Demantra Implementation?

Ans:

Demantra implementations results in:

• Higher service levels
• High customer satisfaction
• Cheaper inventory costs
• Lower distribution costs

4) How to Install the Demantra Base Application or Patches?

Ans:

Create a C:/Tmp folder on the machine where the setup.exe will be executed prior to the installation as this will generate a log file to this folder

Note that there will also be some ancillary logs under the following folders:

Demand Planner\Database Objects\Oracle Server (Oracle back end database)

Demand Planner\Database Objects\Microsoft SQL Server (Sql Server back end database)

5) What are the three modules that can be implemented separately?

Ans:

• Demand Management.
• Advance Forecasting and Demand Modeling(AFDM)
• Real-Time Sales and Operations Planning
  

6) Error starting the Web Server and/or deploying the Demantra WAR file?

Ans:

Review the Collaborator.log which is found under the …Collaborator\demantra\logs folder on the webserver where Demantra is running.

Also, each individual web server (ex. OAS, JRUN, Tomcat, Websphere, etc…) will have their own individual logs in various directories which can also be consulted.

The individual web server documentation should be reviewed for these log locations.

7) Errors with the Demantra Batch or Simulation Engine?

Ans:

The key engine logs are found under the root drive of the machine where the engine is launched. The folder that holds these logs usually have Engine2k somewhere in the name.

 Note that there should be at least Engine2k logs (these are the logs that show the actual splitting and forecasts that the engine does) in this folder.

However, to write the master EngineManager logs to this folder you need to go to the Engine Administrator (..Demand Planner\Analytical Engines\bin –> Settings –> Configure) and change the Engine Manager Log tab from STD to FILE.

It is NOT advised to re-register the engine after making this change

8) What happens if RVWR cannot write to disk?

Ans:

• It depends on the context where the write error occurs:
• If there’s a Guaranteed Restore Point, the database crashes to ensure the restore point guarantee is not voided.
• If there isn’t a Guaranteed Restore Point and it’s a primary database, the Flashback Mode will be automatically turned off for the database, which will continue to operate normally.
• If there isn’t a Guaranteed Restore Point and it’s a standby database, the database will hang until the cause of the write failure is fixed.

9)  Issues with EBS Integration to Demantra ?

Ans:

In general, most EBS side activities (ex. Planning Data Pull) can be logged using Note 245974.1 however, the Shipment and Bookings Collection job can have extra logging turned on by changing MSD_DEM: Debug Mode to Yes (default is No).

 Note that as the Shipment and Bookings Collection job moves to the other side of the wall from EBS side of the database to the Demantra side of the database (usually indicated by when you start seeing references to the Demantra schema or tables like t_src_items_tmpl or t_src_sales_tmpl_err) then the errors may need to be tracked using the Workflow or Active_Proc_Dyn troubleshooting sections of this note.

10) Is There A Separate Background Process For Writing Flashback Logs?

Ans:

Yes. RVWR (Recovery Writer, a.k.a Flashback Writer) was introduced in Oracle 10g to write flashback data from the Flashback Buffer in the SGA to the flashback database logs on disk.

11) Do I Need To Shutdown And Mount The Database To Turn Flashback On?

Ans:

ALTER DATABASE FLASHBACK ON is an online operation in 11g Release 2. In 10g Release 2 the database must be mounted, but not open.

Once flashback is turned on Oracle starts to save the before-images of the database blocks before they are changed. This guarantees that the database can be flashbacked to the exact point-in-time when the flashback mode was turned on.\

12) Requirements for Enabling Flashback Database ?

Ans:

The requirements for enabling Flashback Database are:

• Your database must be running in ARCHIVELOG mode, because archived logs are used in the Flashback Database operation.
• You must have a flash recovery area enabled, because flashback logs can only be stored in the flash recovery area.
• For Real Application Clusters databases, the flash recovery area must be stored in a clustered file system or in ASM.

13) Is It Possible To Specify The Size Of The Flashback Buffer In The SGA?

Ans:

Yes, but indirectly. The size of the Flashback Buffer is set to 2 * LOG_BUFFER.

For performance reasons, it’s recommended to set LOG_BUFFER to at least 8MB for

databases running in Flashback Mode.

14) How To List Restore Points In RMAN?

Ans:

In RMAN you can use the LIST RESTORE POINT [ALL|restore_point_name] command. If you use a recovery catalog you can use the view RC_RESTORE_POINT in the recovery catalog repository, or the command the V$RESTORE_POINT in the target database.

15) Can RMAN be used to backup flashback logs?

Ans:

No. Flashback Logs are not backed up. Even if the command BACKUP RECOVERY AREA is used to backup the contents of the FRA to tape only the following file types are backed up: full and incremental backup sets, control file autobackups, datafile copies, and archived redo logs.

Flashback Logs are considered to be transient files and cannot be backed up by RMAN. They are not needed for media recovery.

16) Can we state the size of the Flashback Buffer in the SGA?

Ans:

Yes, it can be done but indirectly.

The size of the Flashback Buffer = 2 * LOG_BUFFER.

Due to performance reasons, LOG_BUFFER should be set to minimum 8MB for databases running in Flashback mode.

17) Product Features Overview ?

Ans:

The Oracle Demantra applications suite contains these products:

• Oracle Demantra Demand Management
• Oracle Demantra Advanced Forecasting and Demand Modeling
• Oracle Demantra Real-time Sales and Operations Planning
• Oracle Demantra Predictive Trade Planning
• Oracle Demantra Trade Promotion Optimization
• Oracle Demantra Deductions and Settlement Management

18) What are the FEATURES AND BENEFITS of Oracle Demantra?

Ans:

• Oracle Demantra Demand Management solution lets you sense, plan for, and proactively respond to demand by sharing a one-number plan that aligns your organization across departments and users.
• Demantra Demand Management allows you to model new products based on the lifecycle of existing products, or you can model new products or versions that supersede existing products.
• Oracle Demantra Real-time Sales & Operations Planning gives planners and managers the information and planning tools they need to take command of day-to-day planning processes.
• Oracle Demantra Real-time Sales & Operations Planning provides the foundation for a responsive sales and operation planning process that enables the current and emerging best practices in adaptive demand-driven planning.
• Demantra Predictive Trade Planning gives you unparalleled accuracy and sophistication in volume forecasting, pre-event simulation, and post-event evaluation, all at account managers’ fingertips.

19) What will you do if you face any issues starting the web server or Demantra WAR file?

Ans:

We need to revisit and explore the Collaborator.log file in case of any issues. This log file is located at Collaborator demantra logs folder in the Oracle Demantra web server. Moreover, every individual web server will possess logs in different directories. These logs can also help us to dig further. These log locations will be specified in the respective web server documentation.

20) What is RMAN command?

Ans:

Establish a channel, which is a connection between RMAN and a database instance. ALLOCATE CHANNEL FOR MAINTENANCE. Allocate a channel in preparation for issuing maintenance commands such as DELETE . BACKUP. Backup database files, copies of database files, archived logs, or backup sets.

21) How can you start the errors related to the start procedure in case a message crops up with a mistake?

Ans:

If you want to view the errors in the source file, you can opt for opening the Business Modeler and then you can begin tools. From tools, you can open the procedure error log, and from there you can view the errors related to the errors in the source file.

22) Illustrate the situation when RVWR cannot imprint data on the disk?

Ans:

It is important to note that this position depends on the case where there is an occurrence of the write error. For instance, as an operator, you must note that if there is the presence of a guaranteed restore point, the database can crash to ensure that the guarantee related to restoring position is not voided. On the other hand, if there is not a guaranteed restore point and moreover it is a primary database, the mode related to flashback would automatically turn off. It would continue to be in operation in a normal manner. Additionally, there can also be a situation where there is a complete absence of guaranteed restore point, and it is a standby database, this database would create hanging problems and can be solved only when the disk writing problem can be solved.

23) Can you use RMAN to facilitate backup to the flashback logs?

Ans:

The answer is no in the context of creating a backup to the flashback logs. The flashback logs are not backed up in any case. Moreover, you should note that even if the backup area of recovery is used to backup the contents related to FRA contents, various file types are usually backed up. The incremental and full back upsets and data file copies are some files that are typically backed up by the Demantra server. On the other hand, the log files related to flashback are always considered to be files which are ever changing in nature. They cannot be backed up by RMAN. Moreover, media recovery is not needed in case of these data.

24) How can you set the ever-changing database to improve performance related to flashback performance?

Ans:

You can improve the performance of the flashback file by the usage of a fast file system. You can also speed up the production of the data by avoiding the usage of a fast file system. It also prevents operating file system caching such as ASM. One can also configure the disk spindles for the file system that would assemble the area of flash recovery.

For the production of large-sized databases, you may require multiple disk sizes so that you can support the enormous file. Moreover, this large file size can also be used to imprint the flashback logs effectively. On the other hand, to facilitate the production of large databases, you can set the parameter to buffer so that it can stay within the permissible size.

On the other hand, if you have used a storage system to hold the flash recovery that does not comprise of a non-volatile RAM, you can opt for using a RAM that can be tripped in case the file size exceeds. Moreover, this trip RAM would also allow you to make sure that the flashback logs are spread across multiple ranges of data and thereby improving its performance across various platforms.

25) How can you associate the various types of errors with the simulation engine or Demantra Batch?

Ans:

In most of the situations, the important engine logs are usually located on the root drive. The folder that comprises these woods typically have various types of error sources somewhere in the folder location. However, one should always pay close attention to the fact that there can be at least Engine 2K logs. On the other hand, if you want to write the master Engine Manager Logs one always needs to opt for the Engine Administrator, and you can also change the engine manager tab from STD to FILE. One should still note that it is not advisable to re-register the engine after facilitating this alteration. 

26) What are the issues that are related with an integration of EBS along with that of Demantra?

Ans:

It is important to note that a majority of the EBS activities can be logged in by using a specific note. However, the bookings and shipment collection tasks can have extra logging that is always turned on by altering MSD_DEM and debug mode to yes. The reservations and shipment collection assignment can continuously transform into the other side of the wall from the bottom of the EBS to the Oracle Demantra side of the database. Moreover, the errors may also need to be tracked by utilizing the workflow and the troubleshooting sections of the note.

27) Illustrate the situation when the flashback logs are deleted

Ans:

It is important to note that flashback logs are managed by the organization of Oracle. Moreover, Oracle would try to keep various Flashback logs as needed to satiate the parameter. However, if there is the presence of pressure in the Flash Recovery Area (FRA), the records related to flashback may be deleted to accommodate room for other specialized functions like archived logs and backups.

On the other hand, for instance, if the area related to fast recovery has enough space, then a log pertaining to flashback is created so that it can satiate the retention target of flashback. On the other hand, if the log files related to flashback are old enough, it is no longer needed to satisfy the retention target of flashback.

Moreover, in this case, it is worthy to note that the log file related to flashback is reused. In this context, it is also vital to mention that if the area pertaining to the fast recovery is populated, then an archived redo log may be automatically deleted by using the rapid recovery area. In this manner, the flashback log files can be quickly eliminated without removing the original data.

Moreover, you should also note that no file in the area related to the fast recovery is eligible for deletion in case you are needed to satiate a restore point in Oracle Demantra. In other words, the backup retention policy can also cause the fast recovery area so that it can fill the space completely. 

28) How can you list the restore points in RMAN?

Ans:

It is important to note that in RMAN, you can always use the list restore point command. On the other hand, if you are opting for a recovery catalog, you can use the view RC command to make sure that you can witness all the restore points at the same place in a given point of time. This would also reduce the instances of mistakes in the target database.

29) How can you witness the progress of a database operation related to flashback?

Ans:

You can always opt for witnessing the progress of a flashback database. During the operation of the database related to flashback, you can run various query commands from another session to observe the development of the flashback. Quite interestingly, the database associated with flashback has two different phases in the form of the actual flashback and the recovery related to various types of media. It usually happens afterward to bring the database to a state which is consistent. You would see the following message in the actual flashback session which would give you a bright idea about the progress of the operation related to the database. Moreover, this letter would also depict the amount of free RAM which is available at the time of the service.

30) How is the creation of new indexes of data related to sales time-consuming?

Ans:

As a part of the upgrade, there exists a script building on a new set of indexes. It is assigned to an engine profile and on each profile quantity. Quite interestingly, the creation of an index from a big data table can take an extended amount of time. However, always remember to drop or disable that trigger when the upgrade has been completed.

It is usually done in order to facilitate a more robust demand forecasting feature in the system. It is also vital to note that Demantra is mostly used for supply chain management. Hence, the creation of indexes in a shorter amount of time enables Demantra to bring more forecasts into your sales team so that you can have a clear picture about the demands of your customer in the near future.

On the other hand, the creation of new indexes would also help you to make sure that you can disable or drop that trigger when the upgrade or update has been completed. In this manner, you would always make sure that you can clearly judge the demands of your target audiences which would further boost your product development.

31) Shed light on the error associated with web server with deploying the Demantra file on the server?

Ans:

You can opt for reviewing the collaborator log file that is usually situated in the Demantra and collaborator folder. You can also locate it on the web server on which Oracle Demantra is running. You can also opt for checking each web server that would even have their logs in several directories. These can also be taken into due consideration to ensure that the process of command running is free from any underlying errors.

32) List out some of the Demantra Applications?

Ans:

• Predictive Trade Planning
• Demand Management
• Trade Promotion Optimization
• Deduction and Settlement Management
• Advanced Forecasting & Demand Modeling

33) What is the procedure to install the Demantra Base Application or Patches?

Ans:

Create a directory called C:/Temp in machine. In this location only, setup.exe will be implemented for Demantra Base Application. It will be executed prior to the generation of installation and log file in this directory.

Moreover, there will also be some additional log files under the following directories:

• Oracle back end database log files : Demand PlanneràDatabase ObjectsàOracle Server
• SQL Server back end database log files.Demand PlanneràDatabase ObjectsàMicrosoft SQL Server

34) Tell the three modules that can be implemented separately?

Ans:

• Demand Management
• Advance Forecasting and Demand Modeling(AFDM)
• Real-Time Sales and Operations Planning

35) Things to consider while upgrading to 12.2.2 for better and faster output?

Ans:

To minimize the upgrade time, we can force parallelism using a logon trigger on the server. There is a script in the upgrade process, which contains a new set of indexes, one per engine profile and on each profile quantity_form expression. Make sure to disable or drop that trigger once the upgrade has completed.

36) Trigger structure used to force parallelism?

Ans:

Below is the trigger used and tested successfully.

37) What actions can be taken if we are facing any issues with the Demantra Batch or Simulation Engine?

Ans:

If any issues with Demantra Batch or Simulation Engine, we should review Key engine logs. These logs are present in the root driver of the machine where the engine is started. The folder’s name, which is holding these logs, usually has Engine2K in it.

38) What is data load or data collect process? Where can we run them?

Ans:

Data load process is the process of populating Demantra staging properly (through SQL loader or through Collection process in case of integrated EBS-Demantra instance). Once staging tables are populated, we can run EP_LOAD_MAIN procedure in two ways.

• Manually
• Workflow for downloading data to Demantra base table.

Demantra admin users can be “dm/dm” or “sop/sop” based on the module installed.

39) Where can we see the stored procedure errors with Active_Proc_Dyn in the error message?

Ans:

Navigation for this specific error is as follows.

Business Modeler è  Tools è Procedure Error Log

This log is stored in the backend table – db_exception_log.

40) Describe any issues faced while integrating Demantra with EBS ?

Ans:

Shipment and bookings collection job moves from EBS database to demantra database. This generally can have extra logs available by turning on the profile MSD_DEM: Debug Mode to Yes (default is No).  You will start finding references to Demantra schemas or tables like t_src_sales_tmpl_err, t_src_items_tmpl etc. Errors can be tracked using Active_Proc_Dyn or through workflow.

41) If RVWR cannot write to disk, what can be the state of the database?

Ans:

If RVWR write operation fails, database state depends on the conditions of write error occurrence.

• In case of a Guaranteed Restore Point – to guard the restore point guarantee violation, database crashes itself.
• In case of a Guaranteed Restore Point and a main database – Database will continue to operate normally but the Flashback Mode will be set off automatically for it.
• In case of a Guaranteed Restore Point and a standby database – Until the resolution of write failure comes, the database will hang itself.

42) Can we back up the flashback logs using RMAN?

Ans:

No. Flashback Logs are temporary log files, which are not backed up using RMAN.

43) What is the lifetime of flashback logs?

Ans:

Flashback logs are kept until DB_FLASHBACK_RETENTION_TARGET parameter is satisfied. In case of any space issue, they may be deleted to create space for other logs or backup.

44) Specify the command used to describe restore points in RMAN?

Ans:

45) How can we see the developments of a FLASHBACK DATABASE operation?

Ans:

By querying

from another session, we can see the developments of the flashback.

46) Steps to improve Flashback performance for any database?

Ans:

• It is recommended to employ a fast file system for flash recovery area like ASM.
• Adequate disk spindles should be configured to support the disk throughput and to write the flashback logs successfully.
• If the storage system holding flashback logs is having non-volatile RAM, we should configure the file system on top of striped storage volumes. This can improve performance as flashback logs will grow across multiple spindles.
• For any large and production databases, we should set the parameter LOG_BUFFER to be a minimum of 8MB. This can assure maximum memory allocation for writing flashback database logs.

47) What privilege has been given in the Oracle database as part of Demantra installation?

Ans:

As part of the Demantra installation process, following privilege is set up in Oracle database, which is required while setting up JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Integration.

If one doesn’t want to use JD Edwards integration, this privilege can be revoked using REVOKE command.

48) What are the three modules in Oracle Demantra that can be processed in a separate manner?

Ans:

Three modules can be processed separately in Oracle Demantra. They are Real-Time Sales and Operations planning, demand modeling and advanced forecasting and demand management.

49) Illustrate the process of installing the base file of Demantra in patches?

Ans:

To install the base file of Demantra in pieces you first need to create a TMP folder on the C drive. You can opt to create a file on the machine where the setup file would be executed. It is so because it would generate a log file in this folder. Moreover, you should also note that some additional logs would also be present in various folders. For instance, the Oracle back-end database would comprise database objects and demand planner. The SQL, back end database, comprises demand objects as well as demand planner.

50) What is the place where you can run data collection processor data load?

Ans:

The Demantra staging table can be adequately populated by using a SQL Loader. However, one has to be careful in handling an integrated EBS Demantra case. Moreover, the workflow that comes from the main table has to be in sync with the Demantra base table. In this context, it is interesting to note that the Demantra admin user can be in the form of dm/dm.