This blog uncovers the three most common mistakes businesses make with Oracle ERP reporting, and offers simple, actionable ways to avoid or fix them for better decision-making and system performance.

Reports should be the MVPs of your Oracle ERP strategy. But too often, they end up more like benched players—underused, clunky, and misunderstood. Whether you're a finance lead trying to close faster, an ops manager lost in a sea of mismatched data, or an analyst scratching your head over report logic—Oracle reporting can work for you. But only if you avoid some very fixable pitfalls.

In this blog, we’ll spotlight the top three reporting mistakes businesses make in Oracle ERP and how you can fix them like a pro. From missing out on built-in tools to overcomplicating reports that could be as simple as “drag and drop,” we’ll break it down without boring you into a spreadsheet coma.

“Reporting is the language your data speaks. Make sure it’s not gibberish.” — Arun Mathur, Data Architect

We’ll also introduce a helpful marketplace tool that can match you with reporting experts (so you don’t have to Google “Why doesn’t my BI report work?” at 2 AM again). Let’s clear the fog and make your reports speak clearly and powerfully.

Core Content

Mistake #1: Overreliance on Custom SQL Reports

This one’s a classic. You’ve got powerful BI tools and dashboards at your fingertips, but instead, your team is buried under layers of custom SQL code that no one wants to touch—except the one guy who just quit.

How to Fix It:

• Use Oracle Transactional Business Intelligence (OTBI) for real-time, self-service analytics. It pulls data straight from the source with zero coding.
• Explore BI Publisher for formatted, pixel-perfect reporting when layout matters (e.g., invoices, financial statements).
• Simplify your reporting strategy—create reusable views and avoid complex joins unless absolutely needed.
• Train your team with Oracle’s OTBI Quick Start Guide.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Role-Based Data Security

If everyone in your org can see everything—or worse, nothing—it’s time to rethink your access control strategy. Misconfigured roles lead to “I can’t find my report” syndrome or expose sensitive info to the wrong people.

How to Fix It:

• Review and configure data security policies using Oracle’s HCM or Financials Security Console.
• Implement row-level security so users only see what they’re supposed to.
• Run security audits regularly (quarterly works great) and test each role’s report access using dummy accounts.
• Refer to this Security Best Practices Guide.

Mistake #3: Not Using Real-Time or Scheduled Reporting Wisely

You don’t need to run every report right now. Conversely, waiting until next Monday for something you need today? That’s just poor planning.

How to Fix It:

• Use Oracle Fusion’s Scheduling Engine to automate reports during off-peak hours. Saves load time and ensures you never miss your monthly close report again.
• Set up alerts and bursting logic to distribute reports automatically based on conditions (e.g., send to the CFO only if cash flow drops below X).
• Use Data Visualization tools for real-time dashboards with drill-down functionality.
• Learn from Oracle’s guide to Scheduled Processes.

Let’s Talk Numbers (and a Little Fun):

• 67% of users say reporting is their biggest pain point in Oracle ERP
• 42% still rely on spreadsheets for final reporting (even after investing in Oracle tools!)
• 3x faster report generation with OTBI compared to custom SQL reports
• 58% of report errors are due to poor role-based access
• 80% of business leaders say they'd trust Oracle reporting more—if they understood it better
• 1 angry finance lead = one too many misfired reports!

Proso: Your Reporting Wingman

Sometimes fixing your reporting setup feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube… blindfolded… with mittens on. Enter Proso—a B2B tech marketplace designed to make finding expert Oracle help as easy as ordering pizza online.

How Proso Works for You:

• Post your reporting-related challenge (e.g., “Need help with OTBI report configuration”)
• Get matched with vetted Oracle consultants who specialize in BI and analytics
• Review ratings, portfolios, and case studies—hire hourly or project-based
• Collaborate inside Proso’s integrated PM workspace—no email tennis required

💡 Real-world example? A retail company using Oracle Cloud Financials kept getting inaccurate margin reports. They posted the issue on Proso. Within 36 hours, they had a certified Oracle BI specialist auditing their entire report setup. Two days later, reports were running clean, accurate, and automated.

Proso isn’t just a platform—it’s a shortcut to expertise. You don’t have to build a reporting dream team in-house. You just need to know where to find one. And that’s right here.

Conclusion: The Future of Oracle Reporting

Oracle reporting tools are evolving fast. With AI-assisted analytics, voice-driven queries, and improved cross-module data blending, the future is all about making business intelligence actually intelligent. Oracle is investing heavily in embedded data visualization and machine learning to reduce manual report building and eliminate those sneaky “spreadsheet errors.”

Looking ahead, you can expect:

• Smarter suggestions in OTBI based on user behavior
• Natural language search (like “show me last quarter’s highest expenses by department”)
• Integrated anomaly detection, so the system flags weird trends before you do
• AI-generated visual insights that recommend the best chart or layout based on data

If you're still depending on manually exported spreadsheets or chasing team members for Excel screenshots, now’s the time to change that. Oracle ERP gives you the tools, and platforms like Proso give you the talent. You just need the initiative.

Here’s what you can do right now:

• Audit your top 5 reports—what’s manual? What breaks often?
• Identify any reports where users complain about “data not matching”
• Visit Oracle’s reporting docs to review capabilities you’re not using
• Post your first reporting project on Proso.ai and explore your options

We’ll be updating this blog regularly with new reporting best practices, feature rollouts, and Proso success stories. Bookmark it. Share it with your ops team. And remember:

A bad report isn’t just annoying—it’s a missed decision.

Make your data work smarter, not harder. See you in the next update.

‍