The JDE Connection

Ep 125 A Smidge of this, a UDO of that

In this episode, Chandra and Paul welcome Nicole Laurent from Oracle’s JD Edwards product team to discuss the roles, benefits, and guardrails around User Defined Objects (UDOs). They reflect on who should have access to create various types of UDOs, balancing empowerment with risk, highlighting where end users can safely enhance their workflows through tools like queries and watchlists, versus where advanced features like form extensions and orchestrations should remain in the hands of technical or collaborative teams. The hosts emphasize the importance of internal communication, governance, and partnership between business users and IT. 06:00 Introducing Nicole Laurent 09:48 Nicole’s thoughts on who should create UDO’s 13:00 They can’t use what they don’t know about 16:52 More Advanced UDO’s 18:58 Collaboration is key 27:48 Internal governance controls 33:12 Midwesternism of the Day

Ep 124: No Paul, No Rules, Let's Talk UDOs!

In this week's episode, Chandra flies solo, tackling a frequently debated JD Edwards topic: user access to User Defined Objects (UDOs). Reflecting on a question from the JDE 101 session at INFOCUS, Chandra breaks down which UDOs might be suitable for end users, super users, or business analysts, emphasizing the importance of security, governance, and thorough testing in lower environments before promoting advanced UDOs like orchestrations and logic extensions. 01:23 Marathons and ERP Implementations 04:05 Should all users be able to create UDO's? 09:20 Importance of testing in lower environments 10:58 Midwesternism of the Day

Ep 123 - INFOCUS Recap: From the Conference Floor to the Living Room

In this episode, fresh off INFOCUS, Chandra and Paul look back at a conference that brought plenty of energy, new faces, great conversations, and a strong reminder of what makes the JD Edwards community special. They share the sessions and customer stories that caught their attention, from AI and mobility to the very human challenge of managing change. Along the way, they dig into some of their biggest takeaways: why successful technology projects depend on bringing the right people along for the ride, why change management can’t be an afterthought, and why AI may be getting all the headlines, but it isn’t always the answer. Sometimes the smartest solution is simply choosing the right tool for the job. 03:45 Excitement and innovation in the community 07:59 Keynote customer stories were a success 11:45 Takeaways from sessions 29:10 Midwesternism of the Day

Ep 122 - Live from INFOCUS 2026 with AJ Schifano

In this episode, Chandra and Paul are live at INFOCUS 2026 and are joined by special guest AJ Schifano. As AJ enters retirement, he reflects on decades of JD Edwards innovation, community, and fun. The room debates a lighthearted yet symbolic "cut it” or “keep it" challenge about Paul ponytail, culminating in a community-driven decision and plans to donate Chandra’s hair to charity. AJ shares insights on modernization as a moving target, stories from JD Edwards history, and imparts wisdom about the value of curiosity, passion, and inclusivity in tech. 01:00 Conference feedback 02:30 Informal Cut It or Keep It Poll 04:09 AJ talks about modernization 08:22 Questions from the Crowd 25:27 Cut It or Keep It Reveal 27:55 Midwesternism of the Day

Ep 121 Ope, I still need to customize, now what

In this episode, Chandra and Paul discuss the realities of software customization within JD Edwards environments. They emphasize that while extensibility tools have reduced the need for customizations, some remain necessary for business-specific requirements. The hosts lay out best practices and key dos and don’ts for customizing software, such as following naming conventions, avoiding modifications to base objects and indices, and using customer-reserved system codes. They warn against common pitfalls that can harm performance or data integrity and suggest always adhering to published development standards. 03:52 What’s more important at INFOCUS than Paul’s hair? 09:21 Customizations are a reality 11:58 Object customization best practices 14:03 Adhere to JDE naming standards 15:33 Maintaining data integrity 18:25 Do I need a custom table for a custom application? 21:44 Design for performance when customizing 23:57 Let’s talk about the Don’t Do’s 32:26 Midwesternism of the Day Resources: JD Edwards EnterpriseOne System Extensibility Guidelines: https://www.oracle.com/webfolder/technetwork/tutorials/jdedwards/Tools/system_extensibility_guidelines/system-extensibility-guide.pdf Development Guidelines for Application Design Guide: https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/development-tools/9.2.x/eotds/index.html Form Design Aid Guide: https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/development-tools/9.2.x/eotfd/index.html Event Rules Guide: https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/development-tools/9.2.x/eotev/index.html Development Standards for Business Function Programming Guide: https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/development-tools/9.2.x/eotds/index.html

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Ep 120 – When One Automation Leads to Another with Lane Lassetter and Rajan Kaistha

In this episode, Chandra and Paul are joined by guests Lane Lassetter of Interface, Inc. and Rajan Kaistha of RST Solutions to discuss how Interface has leveraged JD Edwards and automation tools to modernize and streamline their business processes. Lane details the challenges faced with manual AP processes and how the adoption of AP automation has significantly improved efficiency and reduced manual effort. The conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to migrate archival systems, automate additional functions such as vendor onboarding and PO approvals, and address customization debt through thoughtful upgrades. 03:56 Introducing Lane and Rajan 06:50 AP Automation, PO Approvals, and Document Archival in Laserfische 12:33 Debt reduction with AP automation 15:52 Selling the business on upgrades 18:12 Challenges of Software Upgrades with Customizations 21:27 Software Upgrades and Adoption 26:52 Importance of Awareness 34:48 Midwesternism of the Day

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Ep 119 – Getting Ready for INFOCUS

Chandra and Paul team up for a walkthrough of the INFOCUS conference agenda. The episode features a rapid-fire preview of keynotes, educational sessions, hands-on workshops, SIG meetups, with plenty of tips for newcomers and regulars alike. Highlights include practical advice for navigating session choices, spotlights on hot topics like AI and automation in JD Edwards. 02:54 Midwesternism of the Day 10:00 Sunday Agenda 10:39 Monday Agenda 16:16 Tuesday Agenda 24:00 Wednesday Agenda Resources: Register for Quest INFOCUS: https://questoraclecommunity.org/events/conferences/infocus/

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Ep 118 - CSPU and 32-bit ESUs

In this episode, Chandra and Paul discuss key updates impacting JD Edwards customers, focusing on Critical Security Patch Updates (CSPUs) and the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture. The conversation explores the reasons behind the shift to monthly CSPUs, including enhanced security in light of rapid AI advancements, and clarifies how patches are delivered, their cumulative nature, and what these changes mean for customers on older releases or 32-bit systems. They provide guidance for those behind on updates, touch on the challenges and misconceptions surrounding migration to 64-bit, and stress the importance of regular maintenance and planning to stay current. 07:31 What are CSPUs? 10:27 Why are we moving to monthly CSPUs? 13:25 What if I'm several releases behind? 16:48 Are these CSPUs 32-bit and 64-bit? 18:38 BLUEPRINT4D 64-bit Announcement 23:25 Web-only ESUs are coming in 2028 26:09 64-bit Upgrades 29:52 MIdwesternism Resources: Critical Security Patch Updates: https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/ JD Edwards Attitude@Altitude: https://blogs.oracle.com/jd_edwards/oracle-critical-patch-update-july-2026-for-jd-edwards Office Hours: https://oracle.zoom.us/meeting/register/I93U-VkYQvKk4O5iumHX9g#/registration

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Ep 117 - Building Long-Term Resiliency with Cindy Edwards

Hosts Chandra and Paul, and guest Cindy Edwards wrap up a multi-part conversation on stress management, joy, and supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. The hosts reflect on practical techniques shared in previous episodes and discuss the importance of joy and laughter for longevity. Cindy introduces the "Healthy Mind Platter" as a tool for daily wellness and emphasizes the need for leaders to accommodate neurodiverse individuals just as they would those with physical disabilities. 06:41 The Healthy Mind Platter 10:45 Supporting neurodiverse individuals 13:40 Mental health awareness 18:43 Starting Strong for Dopamine Reward 21:56 Midwesternism Resources: The Healthy Mind Platter: https://drdansiegel.com/healthy-mind-platter/ Emma McAdam, Therapy in a Nutshell: https://therapyinanutshell.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyinaNutshell

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Ep 116 - Practical Tools for Managing Stress with Cindy Edwards

In this episode, Chandra and Paul continue their discussion with Cindy Edwards focused on practical stress management techniques, particularly how individuals can regulate and process stress in real time. Cindy explains concepts like the "window of tolerance" or the "goldilocks of the brain" and brain networks involved in stress response, outlining actionable steps such as "name it to tame it," conducting body scans, reframing stressful situations, and the importance of movement and controlled breathing. The conversation highlights challenges faced by both neurotypical and neurodiverse brains in managing stress, emphasizes the role of self-awareness, and encourages the use of breaks and physical activity to restore balance. 04:05 Understanding the "Window of Tolerance" or "Goldilocks of the Brain" 08:46 Switching between brain networks 10:52 Understanding the brain's body budget 15:22 Five key things to do in the middle of stress 26:56 Importance of Acknowledging Emotions 30:45 Midwesternism Resources: Cindy Edwards - To Find Your Fit and https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyedwards/ Psychology References: Dan Siegel - https://drdansiegel.com/ Book references: Caroline Williams – Move - https://www.carolinewilliams.net/move

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Ep 115 - Understanding Stress with Cindy Edwards

In this episode, Chandra and Paul welcome Cindy Edwards, owner of Find Your Fit, LLC, coach, trainer and speaker, to delve into the science of stress management and resiliency, especially as it applies to the fast-paced, ever-changing world of technology. Cindy breaks down applied neuroscience in an accessible way, explaining how our sensory systems and neurochemistry, especially the delicate balance of dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, the so-called "Goldilocks" zone, shape our responses to stress and boredom alike. The trio discusses practical strategies for recognizing stress signals, the crucial role of sleep in mental and physical recovery, and the surprising power of laughter and human connection as natural buffers against anxiety. 08:30 Introducing Cindy Edwards 13:44 What is Stress? 18:04 Understanding stress and boredom 22:41 Midwesternism Resources: Cindy Edwards - To Find Your Fit and https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyedwards/ Books: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, PhD

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Ep 114 - Test Automation with Andrew Schenone

Chandra, Paul, and Andrew discuss the ongoing challenges and strategies around automating JD Edwards testing, focusing on the use of Orchestrator for developing and maintaining test scripts. They examine the complexities of managing consistent test data, the influence of lean principles on process standardization, and the trade-offs between centralized and decentralized ERP environments. The conversation highlights the importance of building sustainable and maintainable upgrade and integration processes while navigating organizational change and business evolution. 02:10 Shout out to all fire fighters and Goldie the Fire Goat 03:50 Update on Chandra’s July 4th marathon 10:02 Best practice 14:09 Automating using Orchestrator 19:23 Challenges with automated test scripts 21:52 Lean manufacturing practices discussed 29:17 Centralizing JD Edwards implementations 32:24 Midwesternism Resources Goldie the Fire Goat - https://www.facebook.com/GoldieTheFireGoat/ Goldie Merch - https://fireandstitchco.com/collections/goldie-wildland-goat Working with Orchestration Assertions - https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/cross-product/9.2/eotos/working-with-orchestration-assertions-release-9-2-5.html Assertion Framework: Using Orchestrator as a Test Framework - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtkWhuOZ7Ms https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/cross-product/9.2/tutorial_orc_assertion_framework/

Ep 113 - Building a Sustainable Upgrade Strategy with Andrew Schenone

Paul and Chandra were joined by guest Andrew Schenone, Director of Business Systems at MacLean-Fogg, to discuss MacLean-Fogg's approach to staying code current with JD Edwards, highlighting their commitment to minimizing customizations, standardizing test scripts, and streamlining upgrade processes. One concept discussed was the evolution from lengthy, disorganized upgrades to a structured methodology involving standardized testing and comprehensive documentation. They also discussed the benefits of a stable internal team with deep business knowledge. 06:40 Introducing Andrew Schenone 09:10 Their JDE Implementation Journey 10:05 Standardized test scripts and minimizing base modifications 12:22 Determining critical test scripts 18:44 Midwesternism

Ep 112 - Paul Goes Down Under

In this episode, Chandra and Paul discuss Paul’s recent travels to Australia and New Zealand for an ANZ roadshow, where he engaged with JD Edwards customers and partners about modernization, SAAS, and customer successes. They explore the challenges many JD Edwards customers face worldwide, particularly the struggle to shift from infrequent, large upgrade cycles to a more agile, iterative approach with continuous adoption and improvement. 03:35 ANZ Roadshow Overview 06:39 Similar customer problems 16:35 Paul’s tips for adjusting to time differences 22:18 Feeling at home with JD friends 27:01 Midwesternism

Ep 111 - Getting Geeky with It...Logs

In this episode, Chandra welcomes Clayton Seeley as a special guest to cohost to dive deeper into JD Edwards logs and developer tools. The conversation highlights key features introduced with release 9.2.9, such as enabling users to turn on their own debug logs, and the integration of the Performance Workbench tool into Server Manager, allowing for advanced log file analysis directly within the interface. They discuss the importance of user-specific logging, the new developer access levels being planned for Server Manager, and how these updates empower developers and business analysts without risking system integrity. 02:36 Enabling debug for your own user logging 07:27 Performance Workbench Tool 15:33 Future server manager development plans 21:31 Midwesternism

Ep 110 - Emerging Leaders Program

In this episode, hosts Chandra and Paul welcome Ken Piddington and Dee Muir to discuss the Quest Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), a development initiative designed to cultivate leadership skills within the Quest Oracle community. Ken, who created and leads the program, emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership development and describes how the program’s combination of core leadership competencies, mentorship, and real-world application helps participants grow both personally and professionally. Dee and Chandra, both past participants, share how the experience fostered self-awareness, intentionality in decision-making, and meaningful industry connections. The group highlights the program’s personalized approach—including tailored mentoring and regular check-ins—and its lasting impact on both individuals and their organizations, encouraging current and future leaders to take advantage of this opportunity before the upcoming cohort's registration deadline. 04:57 Introducing Ken Piddington and Dee Muir 05:00 The Why behind the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) 10:28 How did Dee feel she grew through the ELP? 12:44 Balancing technology and mindfulness 15:09 Valuable leadership program insights 17:32 Intentionality in the program 23:49 Manager and mentor check-ins 25:15 Investing in personal and employee development 29:16 Midwesternism of the Day Resources: Emerging Leaders Program: https://questoraclecommunity.org/quest-emerging-leaders-program/

Ep 109 – Log Reading 101 – What are logs?

In this episode, Chandra and Paul dive into the topic of logging and troubleshooting in JD Edwards EnterpriseOne. They discuss the critical role various logs play in diagnosing system issues, explaining the types of logs commonly used, why support always asks for them, and the challenges of capturing them correctly. They share practical advice for enabling debug logs, highlight common mistakes, and outline how logs help support teams trace issues that are otherwise difficult to reproduce. 04:10 Understanding and using EnterpriseOne logs 08:03 Why capturing logs matters? 11:50 What are the various logs? 18:08 Common Troubleshooting Scenarios 24:12 Common Logging Mistakes 27:35 Midwesternism of the Day Resources: https://support.oracle.com/support/?anchorId=&kmContentId=1060095&page=sptemplate&sptemplate=km-article

Ep 108 – What Exactly is Web Runtime?

In this episode, hosts Chandra and Paul discuss the concept of "web runtime" in the JD Edwards ecosystem, breaking down its role as the engine behind the web client and explaining how it manages application execution, personalization, extensibility, and various user interactions. Paul provides technical insights into how web runtime differs from middleware or abstraction layers and highlights the interconnected nature of different product teams and components within JD Edwards, especially as they relate to new initiatives like the Redwood UI refresh. 05:16 What exactly is web runtime? 09:22 Understanding web runtime with extensibility 11:15 Is it Middleware? 13:40 Troubleshooting issues gets complicated 17:20 Redwood Adoption Impacts 20:01 Midwesternism

Ep 107 - From BP4D to Bangalore

In this episode, hosts Chandra and Paul welcome back Shruti, Srihari, and Rohini to share their experiences attending the BLUEPRINT4D conference in Dallas. The guests discuss the warmth and support they received from the JDE community, the energizing effect of meeting customers and partners in person, and highlight key takeaways such as the community’s openness, the importance of SIG meetings, and the practical adoption of new features like sustainability frameworks, reverse shipment confirmation, orchestrations, and integration capabilities. They emphasize how the in-person experience deepened their understanding of customer needs, particularly around ERP modernization, data integration, and AI, and express gratitude for the opportunity to connect with the community and bring back valuable insights to their teams. 05:00 Better Indian Food in Dallas 06:37 Thanking the Team and The Podcast 08:18 Shruti’s conference experience 11:15 Srihari’s conference experience 19:34 Rohini’s conference experience 23:53 Sharing conference experiences with team 31:05 Paul’s appreciation of his Teams Conference Participation 32:44 Midwesternism

Ep 106 – BP4D Recap

In this episode, Chandra and Paul recap their experiences and highlights from the recent BLUEPRINT4D conference. They discuss the vibrant energy of the JDE community, including team recaps, customer and partner interactions, and the value of sharing learnings across global teams. Keynotes featuring innovative AI applications and modernization themes are highlighted, along with memorable moments such as the popular swag (notably the bright green cowboy hats and JDE bling) and community engagement events. They also reflect on significant announcements like the transition to Redwood user experience and the end of 32-bit ESUs, emphasizing the importance of keeping systems current. They cover Chandra’s conference experience, including her role as member of the Quest Board of Directors. 01:50 Internal Recap to the Development Organization 05:42 Keynote Recap 08:27 Week's theme of AI modernization 11:13 The 80’s called and want’s their icons back 14:07 Chandra's conference experience 20:20 Appreciating Quest volunteer contributions 23:38 Customer meetings and Cloud discussions 27:03 Midwesternism of the Day