Troubleshooting Oracle Fusion HCM HDL Load Failures Using ESS Logs – A Step-by-Step Guide

 

Troubleshooting HDL Load Failures Using ESS Logs

Description

Learn how to troubleshoot Oracle Fusion HCM HDL load failures using ESS logs. This guide explains ESS job flow, key log files, common errors, and practical debugging techniques for Fusion HCM technical consultants.

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Introduction

HCM Data Loader (HDL) issues are common in Oracle Fusion HCM projects, especially during data migration, integrations, and post–go-live support. Most HDL failures can be diagnosed effectively by understanding ESS jobs and log files.

This blog provides a practical, step-by-step approach to troubleshooting HDL load failures using ESS logs, based on real implementation and support experience.

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Understanding the HDL ESS Job Flow

When an HDL load is submitted, Fusion HCM internally runs multiple ESS jobs. Understanding this sequence is the first step in troubleshooting.

Typical HDL Job Flow

1. Load HCM Data (Parent ESS Job)

2. Import and Load Data

3. HCM Data Loader

4. Object-specific processing jobs (Worker, Assignment, etc.)

⚠️ Even if the parent job shows Succeeded, child jobs may still have errors.

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Where to Find ESS Logs

Navigation Path

Tools → Scheduled Processes → Search → Enter Request ID

Click on the job and navigate to:

• Log Files

• Output Files

These files are the primary sources for HDL troubleshooting.

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Key HDL Log and Output Files Explained

1️⃣ .log File

• Technical execution details

• Object processing sequence

• Database-level validations

• Best for identifying root cause

2️⃣ .out File

• Business-friendly error messages

• Validation and data issues

• Often references line numbers from HDL files

3️⃣ .err File (if generated)

• Summarized critical errors

• Usually points to blocking failures

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Step-by-Step HDL Troubleshooting Approach

Step 1: Check ESS Job Status

• Identify whether failure occurred at parent or child job level

• Drill down to the lowest failed child job

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Step 2: Review the .out File First

Look for messages like:

• Record rejected

• Invalid value

• Effective date error

Example:

No Assignment record exists from 2018-10-27

This usually indicates data or effective dating issues.

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Step 3: Analyze the .log File for Root Cause

Search keywords:

• ERROR

• SEVERE

• ORA-

The .log file explains why the system rejected the record.

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Step 4: Validate HDL File Data

Check for:

• Correct object sequencing

• SourceSystemOwner consistency

• Effective start and end dates

• Operation type (CREATE vs MERGE)

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Step 5: Correct and Reload

• Fix only failed records where possible

• Use MERGE to avoid duplicates

• Re-run HDL with corrected files

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Common HDL Errors and Log Indicators

❌ Missing Assignment Record

Log Indicator:

No Assignment record exists

Fix:

• Ensure Assignment exists for the effective date

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❌ Source System Owner Errors

Log Indicator:

SourceSystemOwner is invalid

Fix:

• Validate lookup under HRC_SOURCE_SYSTEM_OWNER

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❌ Effective Date Validation Errors

Log Indicator:

Effective start date must be on or after Period of Service start date

Fix:

• Align Worker, PeriodOfService, and Assignment dates

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❌ Duplicate Records

Log Indicator:

Duplicate record found

Fix:

• Use MERGE instead of CREATE

• Verify SourceSystemId uniqueness

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Best Practices for HDL Troubleshooting

• Always start with the .out file, then deep dive into .log

• Track Request IDs for every HDL load

• Maintain a common HDL error resolution document

• Test fixes in lower environments

• Avoid Full Loads for minor corrections

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Pro Tips from Real Projects

• One ESS job can generate multiple log files—check all

• Do not trust parent job status alone

• HDL errors are mostly data-related, not system bugs

• Keep HDL files small for faster troubleshooting

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