NANDHA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

ERODE – 638052

DEPARTMENT

OF

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING

PROJECT REPORT

NM1044 - Experience Based Practical Learning –

EBPL - (Cloude foundations, Oracle Apex, GenAI,
ERP) by Oracle

REGULATION – 2021

2024 – 2025
(ODD SEMESTER)
 NANDHA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
ERODE – 638052

PROJECT REPORT

REG NO : 732122105044

Certified that this is the bonafide work done by

SOWNDARRAJAN.G of the Fifth semester ELECTRICAL AND

ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING branch during the academic year

2024 – 2025 (Odd Semester) in the NM1044 - Experience Based

Practical Learning - EBPL- (Cloude foundations , Oracle

Apex, GenAI, ERP) by Oracle Laboratory.

Staff-In-Charge Head of the Department

Submitted for the End Semester Practical Examination held on

…………………….

Internal Examiner External Examiner

 INDEX

S.NO CONTEXT PAGE NO

1. Abstract 4

2. Introduction 6

3. System Requirements 7

4. Database Design 8

5. Application Workflow and Functionalities 11

6. Rest Endpoints Design 16

7. Testing the Application Using SoapUI 17

8. Output 19

9. Conclusion 20
 APEX
Use Case: Sales Dashboard for Real-Time Performance
Monitoring
Student: Sowndarrajan G
Register number: 732122105044
Institution: Nandha College of the Technology
Department: Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Date of Submission: 05.11.2024

1.Problem Understanding and Overview

Create a real-time sales performance monitoring dashboard to provide instant insights
into sales data, enabling managers to:
1. Track sales progress against targets

2. Identify trends and anomalies

3. Make data-driven decisions 4. Improve sales team performance

Problem Summary:
Create a real-time sales performance monitoring dashboard to provide instant insights,
enabling managers to track progress, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

1. Integrating multiple sales data sources

2. Visualizing real-time data

3. Providing actionable insights

4. Ensuring data security and access control

5. Scaling for large datasets and high-frequency updates

Business Goals:
Improved Decision-Making: Provide sales leaders with real-time insights to make
informed decisions quickly, based on current data rather than outdated reports.

Increased Accountability: Track individual and team performance against sales

targets, fostering accountability and motivating team members to meet their goals.

Enhanced Forecasting: Use real-time data to refine sales forecasts, allowing for
better resource allocation and strategic planning.

Identifying Trends and Patterns: Analyze sales data to spot trends, seasonality,
or emerging opportunities, enabling proactive adjustments to sales strategies.

Performance Benchmarking: Compare performance against industry standards or

internal benchmarks to identify areas for improvement and drive competitive
advantage.

Streamlined Reporting: Automate data collection and reporting processes to

reduce administrative overhead and allow teams to focus on sales activities.

Better Customer Insights: Integrate customer data to understand buying behaviors

and preferences, helping tailor sales approaches and improve customer relationships.

Objectives:
• Real-Time Data Access
• Provide up-to-the-minute sales data for quick decision-making.
• Connect to various data sources, including Oracle databases and external APIs.

• User-Friendly Interface
• Design an intuitive interface that allows users to easily navigate through
different metrics.
• Use responsive design principles to ensure accessibility on various devices.

• Comprehensive Data Visualization

 • Implement charts, graphs, and tables to visually represent sales
metrics, such as revenue trends, sales by product, and performance by sales rep.
• Use interactive elements (e.g., drill-down capabilities) for deeper insights.

• Performance Tracking • Monitor individual and team performance against

sales targets.

• Include KPIs like conversion rates, average deal size, and customer acquisition
cost.

• Customer Insights
• Analyze customer behavior and demographics to enhance targeting strategies.
• Track new vs. returning customers to gauge retention efforts.

• Sales Forecasting
• Utilize historical data to forecast future sales trends.
• Implement predictive analytics features to anticipate market shifts.

• Integration with Existing Systems

• Seamlessly integrate with existing CRM systems or other data sources to pull
relevant sales data.
• Use web services or REST APIs to connect to third-party applications.

2. Proposed Solution:
• Data Integration and Management
• Database Connectivity: Utilize Oracle APEX to connect directly to your
Oracle database where sales data is stored.
• Data Modeling: Design a relational schema that includes tables for sales
transactions, customers, products, and sales team members.

• User Interface Design

• Dashboard Layout: Create a responsive and user-friendly dashboard layout
using APEX's drag-and-drop functionality.
 • Data Visualizations: Leverage APEX’s built-in charting tools
(bar charts, pie charts, line graphs) to visualize KPIs such as sales volume,
conversion rates, and performance against targets.

2.1 Solution Overview

1. Objective

The primary goal of the Sales Dashboard is to provide a centralized, real-time view of
sales performance metrics, enabling sales teams and management to make informed
decisions quickly and drive business growth.

2. Key Features

• Real-Time Data Updates: Continuous monitoring of sales data to provide upto-

date insights.
• Interactive Visualizations: Dynamic charts and graphs for visual
representation of key performance indicators (KPIs).
• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design that facilitates easy navigation and
data interpretation.
• Customizable Views: Ability for users to personalize their dashboard layout
and the metrics displayed based on their roles.

3. Core Components

• Data Sources: Integration with existing databases and CRM systems to pull in
sales, customer, and product data.
• KPI Tracking: Display of crucial metrics such as total sales, conversion rates,
average deal size, and team performance.
• Drill-Down Capabilities: Users can click on visual elements to explore
underlying data for deeper insights.
• Alerts and Notifications: Automated alerts for significant changes in sales
performance, enabling quick responses to emerging trends.

4. Technology Stack

• Oracle APEX: A low-code application development platform to build and

deploy the dashboard.
• Oracle Database: Backend database for secure data storage and management.
• Data Visualization Tools: Built-in charting and reporting capabilities of APEX
for graphical representation of data.
5. User Roles and Access Control

• Sales Representatives: Access to individual performance metrics and lead

management tools.
• Sales Managers: Overview of team performance, KPIs, and ability to analyze
trends and patterns.
• Executives: High-level insights into overall sales performance and strategic
indicators.

6. Implementation Plan

1. Requirements Gathering: Collaborate with stakeholders to define specific

metrics and design preferences.
2. Data Integration: Set up connections to relevant data sources and establish a
data model.
3. Dashboard Development: Build the dashboard using Oracle APEX,
incorporating feedback from initial user testing.
4. User Training: Provide training sessions to familiarize users with the
dashboard's features and functionalities.
5. Launch and Support: Deploy the dashboard and offer ongoing support and
enhancements based on user feedback.

7. Expected Benefits

• Enhanced Decision-Making: Real-time insights lead to quicker and more

effective decisions.
• Increased Accountability: Clear visibility into performance metrics fosters
accountability among sales teams.
• Improved Sales Strategies: Data-driven insights allow for the refinement of
sales tactics and better targeting of efforts.
• Streamlined Reporting: Automation reduces the time spent on manual
reporting and analysis, freeing up resources for strategic activities.

2.2 Step-by-Step Approch

Step 1: Define Objectives and Requirements

• Identify Key Stakeholders: Engage with sales managers, representatives, and

executives to gather input.
• Determine Metrics: Define which sales metrics are essential, such as total
revenue, sales growth, conversion rates, and performance by product or rep.
 • Outline User Roles: Specify different access levels for users
(e.g., admin, manager, sales rep).
Step 2: Set Up the Oracle APEX Environment

• Access Oracle APEX: Log in to your Oracle APEX environment (cloud or

onpremise).

• Create a New Workspace: Set up a workspace to organize your application

development.

Step 3: Design the Database •

Create Tables:

o Design tables to store sales data, customer information, and product

details. o Define relationships between tables (e.g., sales linked to
customers and products). • Sample Tables:
o SALES_TRANSACTIONS (transaction_id, product_id, customer_id,
sales_rep_id, amount, date)
o CUSTOMERS (customer_id, name, region, demographics) o
PRODUCTS (product_id, name, category, price)

Step 4: Develop the Application

• Create a New Application:

o Use the APEX App Builder to create a new application.
• Add Pages for Dashboard Components:
o Overview Page: Display total sales, growth trends, and KPIs. o Sales by
Rep Page: Show individual and team performance metrics.
o Product Performance Page: Visualize best-selling products and
categories.
o Customer Insights Page: Analyze new vs. returning customers and
segmentation.

Step 5: Implement Data Visualization

• Use APEX Charting Components: o Create bar charts, line graphs, and
pie charts for visual representation. o Example: Use a bar chart to show sales by
region and a line graph for sales trends over time. • Interactive Reports:
o Set up interactive reports for detailed data analysis, allowing users to
filter and sort data as needed.
Step 6: Add Interactive Features •

Dynamic Actions:

o Implement actions that update charts and reports based on user selections
(e.g., selecting a region updates related data).
• Drill-Down Capabilities:
o Allow users to click on charts to drill down into more detailed reports (e.g.,
clicking on a bar to see sales details for that region).

Step 7: Set Up User Management

• Role-Based Access Control:

o Configureuser roles to limit access to sensitive data based on user types.

• Authentication:
o Implement a login mechanism to secure the dashboard.

Step 8: Testing • User Acceptance

Testing (UAT):

o Conduct testing with key stakeholders to ensure the dashboard meets

requirements and performs as expected.
• Performance Testing:
o Test the application’s performance under different loads to ensure it can
handle real-time data updates.

Step 9: Deployment •

Publish the Application:

o Deploy the application to the production environment, making it

accessible to users.
• Monitor Usage:
o Implement analytics to track usage and performance.

Step 10: Training and Support •

User Training:

o Conduct training sessions to familiarize users with the dashboard features

and functionalities.
• Ongoing Support:
 o Establish
a support plan for troubleshooting and future
enhancements.

2.3 Data and Input Sources

1. Oracle Database:
o The primary data source for your APEX application can be an Oracle
database. You can create tables to store sales transactions, customer
information, and product details.
o Example tables might include:
 SALES_TRANSACTIONS
 CUSTOMERS
 PRODUCTS
 SALES_REPS

2. External Databases:
o Use database links to connect to external databases (e.g., SQL Server,
MySQL) if your sales data is stored outside of Oracle.

3. RESTful Web Services:

o Integrate with REST APIs to fetch real-time data from external

applications, such as CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).
o You can use the APEX_WEB_SERVICE package to make calls to these
APIs and process the returned data. 4. CSV/Excel Files:
o Import sales data from CSV or Excel files for initial loading or periodic
updates. APEX provides utilities to upload files and import data into your
tables.

5. Oracle Cloud Services:

o If you're using Oracle Cloud, you can connect to various cloud services
(e.g., Oracle Fusion Cloud) for sales data integration.

6. Analytics Platforms:
 o Integratewith analytics tools like Oracle Analytics Cloud
to leverage advanced analytics and reporting capabilities.

7. IoT Data:
o If applicable, gather data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices to monitor
sales-related metrics (e.g., stock levels, customer interactions in-store).

Input Sources 1. User

Input Forms:

o Create forms in APEX that allow users to input data directly into your
system. This could include:
 Adding new sales transactions
 Updating customer information
 Entering sales targets and goals
2. Interactive Reports:
o Use interactive reports where users can modify parameters, filter data, or
export data, allowing for flexible data manipulation.
3. Dashboard Filters:
o Implement dashboard filters that enable users to select specific time
frames, regions, or products, dynamically updating the displayed data
based on their choices.
4. Data Validation:
o Incorporate validation rules within forms to ensure that data entered by users meets
the required criteria before being saved to the database.
5. Scheduled Jobs:
o Set up scheduled jobs (using Oracle Scheduler) to periodically pull in data
from external sources or perform data refreshes.
6. Notifications and Alerts:
o Create notifications for users when certain conditions are met (e.g., low
inventory alerts) to prompt input or action.

3. Key Features of Solution

• Real-Time Data Visualization
• Dynamic Charts and Graphs: Display sales metrics using various visual
formats (bar charts, line graphs, pie charts) that automatically update with
realtime data.
• Interactive Dashboards: Allow users to interact with
visualizations, enabling them to drill down into specific data points for detailed
insights.

• Customizable Reports
• Interactive Reports: Users can filter, sort, and customize report views to focus
on specific metrics or time periods, enhancing usability.
• Export Options: Provide functionality to export data to formats like CSV or
Excel for offline analysis.

• Performance Tracking
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Show critical metrics (e.g., total sales,
growth rate, conversion rates) at a glance with visual indicators (traffic lights,
gauges).
• Comparison Metrics: Enable comparisons against targets or historical data to
gauge performance effectively.

• User-Friendly Interface
• Intuitive Navigation: Design the dashboard with a clear layout and navigation
structure to enhance user experience.
• Responsive Design: Ensure that the dashboard is accessible on various devices
(desktops, tablets, and mobile) for flexibility.

• Customer and Product Insights

• Segmentation Analysis: Analyze data by customer demographics, regions, or
product categories to identify trends and opportunities.
• Best-Selling Products: Highlight top-performing products and sales trends over
time.

• Forecasting and Trend Analysis

• Predictive Analytics: Utilize historical data to forecast future sales trends,
helping to anticipate market changes.
• Time-Series Analysis: Provide insights into sales performance over different
periods (monthly, quarterly, yearly).

• User Management and Security

• Role-Based Access Control: Implement user authentication and define access
levels to ensure sensitive data is protected.
 • Audit Trails: Maintain logs of user activities for accountability
and compliance.

• Integration Capabilities
• APIs and Web Services: Integrate with external systems (e.g., CRMs, ERP
systems) through RESTful APIs for real-time data updates.
• Database Connectivity: Easily connect to various databases for seamless data
retrieval and storage.

• Alerts and Notifications

• Automated Alerts: Set up notifications for critical thresholds (e.g., sales
targets, inventory levels) to prompt user action.
• Email Notifications: Enable automated email alerts for significant events or
changes in metrics.

• Customizable User Experience

• User Preferences: Allow users to save their preferred dashboard settings and
filters for a personalized experience.
• Themes and Branding: Customize the look and feel of the dashboard to align
with corporate branding.

4. Expected Outcomes and Benefits

4.1 Business Benefits
1. Enhanced Decision-Making o Data-Driven Insights: Provides
real-time access to critical sales data, enabling managers and teams
to make informed decisions quickly.
o Trend Analysis: Identifies trends and patterns in sales data,
helping businesses to anticipate market changes and adjust
strategies accordingly.
2. Increased Sales Performance o Performance Tracking: Allows
for monitoring individual and team performance against targets,
driving accountability and motivation.
o Goal Alignment: Helps align sales activities with business
goals through clear visibility of performance metrics.
3. Improved Efficiency o Time Savings: Automates data reporting
and visualization processes, reducing the time spent on manual
reporting. o Streamlined Operations: Facilitates easier access to
 data, allowing sales teams to focus on selling rather
than data gathering.

Better Customer Insights

o Segmentation Analysis: Enables businesses to understand customer

behavior and preferences, leading to more targeted marketing and sales
efforts.
 o
Retention Strategies: Identifies trends in customer retention and loyalty,
facilitating the development of effective retention strategies.

Increased Accountability

o Transparent Metrics: Provides clear visibility into performance metrics

for all team members, fostering a culture of accountability. o Goal
Tracking: Helps teams to track progress against individual and team
goals, ensuring that everyone is aligned.

Scalability and Flexibility

o Adaptable Solutions: Easily scale the dashboard to incorporate new data

sources, metrics, or functionalities as business needs evolve.
o Customizable User Experience: Offers personalized dashboard views
for different user roles, enhancing relevance and usability.

Cost Reduction

o Reduced Operational Costs: Minimizes the resources required for

manual reporting and data analysis, leading to lower operational costs.
o Optimized Resource Allocation: Enables better allocation of sales
resources based on performance data, enhancing overall productivity.

Faster Response Times

o Real-Time Alerts: Facilitates quick responses to critical issues (e.g., low

inventory or underperformance) through automated alerts.
o Proactive Management: Empowers management to take proactive
measures based on real-time insights rather than reactive approaches.

Competitive Advantage

o Agility in Strategy: Provides the agility to adapt sales strategies quickly

based on real-time market and performance data.
o Enhanced Customer Service: Improves customer engagement and
service through better understanding and responsiveness to customer
needs.

Data Integrity and Security

o Controlled Access: Role-based access controls ensure sensitive data is

protected, maintaining data integrity and compliance.
 o
Consistent Data Updates: Regular updates from integrated sources
ensure that all stakeholders work with the most current data.

4.2 Risk Management

• Risk Identification
• Technical Risks: Issues related to software bugs, integration problems with
external data sources, or performance bottlenecks.
• Data Quality Risks: Inaccurate or outdated data from source systems could
lead to poor decision-making.
• User Adoption Risks: Resistance to change or lack of training may result in
low user engagement with the dashboard.
• Security Risks: Potential vulnerabilities in data access or breaches of sensitive
information.
• Compliance Risks: Failure to adhere to regulatory requirements regarding data
protection and privacy.

• Risk Assessment
• Likelihood and Impact Analysis: Evaluate the probability of each identified
risk occurring and the potential impact on the project and business operations.
• Risk Matrix: Use a risk matrix to categorize risks as low, medium, or high
based on their likelihood and impact.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies • Technical Risks:

o Implement thorough testing and quality assurance (QA) processes to

identify bugs before deployment. o Plan for integration challenges by
conducting pilot tests with external data sources.
• Data Quality Risks:
o Establish data validation rules and automated data cleansing processes
to ensure data accuracy. o Regularly review and update data sources to
maintain current information.
• User Adoption Risks:
o Conduct user training sessions to ensure all stakeholders understand
how to use the dashboard effectively. o Gather feedback during
development to address user concerns and improve usability.
• Security Risks:
 o
Implement role-based access controls and regular security audits to
safeguard sensitive data. o Use encryption for data transmission and
storage to protect against breaches.

• Compliance Risks:
o Stay informed about relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and
ensure that data handling practices comply. o Document data processing
activities and establish policies for data retention and deletion.

• Risk Monitoring and Review

• Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor risks throughout the project
lifecycle and adjust strategies as needed.
• Feedback Loops: Create channels for users to report issues or concerns,
enabling proactive risk management.
• Post-Implementation Review: Conduct a review after deployment to evaluate
the effectiveness of risk management strategies and identify areas for
improvement.

• Contingency Planning
• Backup Plans: Develop contingency plans for critical risks, outlining steps to
take if a risk materializes (e.g., data recovery plans).
• Resource Allocation: Ensure that resources are available to address potential
risks quickly if they arise.

Conclusion n conclusion, developing a Sales Dashboard using Oracle APEX is a

strategic initiative that can significantly enhance an organization’s ability to monitor
sales performance, make data-driven decisions, and respond proactively to market
changes. By leveraging real-time data visualization, customizable reporting, and
userfriendly interfaces, businesses can empower their sales teams and drive greater
efficiency.

The successful implementation of such a dashboard involves careful planning and

execution across several dimensions, including:

1. Clear Objectives: Defining the goals and key metrics that align with business
strategies ensures that the dashboard serves its intended purpose.
2. Integration of Diverse Data Sources: By connecting to various internal and
external data sources, the dashboard can provide comprehensive insights,
enhancing the accuracy and relevance of the information presented.
 3. User Engagement and Training: Prioritizing user experience and providing
adequate training fosters adoption and maximizes the value derived from the
dashboard.
4. Effective Risk Management: Proactively identifying and mitigating risks
ensures the dashboard’s reliability and security, building trust among users.
5. Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and updating the dashboard
based on user feedback and evolving business needs helps maintain its
effectiveness and relevance over time.

6.Reference
• Oracle Application Express 5 for Beginners by Michael T. Barlow
• A practical guide to understanding Oracle APEX, including building
applications and dashboards.

• Oracle APEX Cookbook by Biju Thomas

• Offers numerous recipes for developing applications in APEX, including
data visualization and reporting techniques.
Sowndarrajan G

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2024 Certified Foundations Associate

November 07, 2024

This eCertificate is valid until November 07, 2026

FNDCFA
100915913OCI2024