Best Practices for Oracle EBS Customization Without Risking Performance

Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) is one of the most powerful ERP systems available today – but out-of-the-box functionality doesn’t always meet every business requirement. That’s where customization comes in. However, poorly designed customizations can degrade performance, create security risks, and increase the cost and complexity of future upgrades.

As an Oracle partner, ECS shares best practices to help enterprises get the most out of Oracle EBS without risking system integrity or performance.

1. Configure Before You Customize
   Always start by exploring Oracle-native configuration tools.

• Use Descriptive and Key Flexfields
• Use Workflow Builder for process tweaks
• Apply OA Framework personalization before resorting to code

2. Use Oracle-Supported APIs and Interfaces
   Direct database manipulation is risky. Instead:

• Utilize Oracle’s open APIs
• Develop PL/SQL packages using Oracle’s standard guidelines
• Ensure all code follows the AOL (Applications Object Library) standard for easier deployment and versioning

3. Isolate Custom Code in a Custom Schema
   Never modify Oracle’s seeded objects directly. Instead:

• Create concurrent programs or custom packages
• Use user hooks or event-driven architecture (if available)
  This protects your system from upgrade-related disruptions.

4. Plan for Testing and Upgrade Readiness
   Every customization must be regression-tested.

• Build an automated testing suite for critical modules
• Revalidate customizations after every patch or upgrade
• Use tools like Oracle Application Testing Suite (OATS)

5. Documentation Is Key
   Proper documentation makes it easier to troubleshoot issues, perform audits, and onboard new developers.
   Include:

• Functional and technical specifications
• Deployment scripts
• Test case references
• Version history

Conclusion

Customizing Oracle EBS is not just about adding functionality. It’s about doing so without slowing down your system, creating technical debt, or making upgrades difficult. With a partner like ECS, you can ensure smart, scalable, and secure customizations aligned with Oracle best practices.

🔗 Learn how ECS can future-proof your Oracle EBS environment → www.techecs.com