Not Able to End Date Person Contact Relationship Using HDL in Oracle Fusion HCM
Overview
While working with HCM Data Loader (HDL) in Oracle Fusion HCM, you may encounter a scenario where you try to end date a Person Contact Relationship using HDL—but the load fails or does not behave as expected.
This blog explains why end dating a Person Contact Relationship is not possible using HDL, and what the supported workaround is.
Problem Description
You are attempting to end date an existing Person Contact Relationship (such as Emergency Contact, Spouse, or Dependent) using HDL.
Despite providing correct effective dates in the HDL file, the relationship does not get end dated, or the load results in an error.
Why This Happens
Oracle Fusion HCM does not support end dating Person Contact Relationships through HDL.
This is a product limitation, not a data issue or configuration problem. The HDL framework currently allows you to:
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Create Person Contact Relationships
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Delete Person Contact Relationships
But it does not allow updating or end dating existing contact relationships.
Resolution / Supported Approach
✅ Delete the Person Contact Relationship Using HDL
Since end dating is not supported, the only available option is to delete the Person Contact Relationship using HDL.
When the contact relationship is no longer required:
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Identify the relationship record
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Use a DELETE operation in the HDL file
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Load the file using standard HDL steps
This approach fully removes the relationship from the system.
Important Notes
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HDL cannot update or end date Person Contact Relationships
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This limitation applies across all environments (DEV, TEST, PROD)
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Functional UI may still allow updates depending on the relationship type
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Always validate business impact before deleting relationships
Best Practices
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Confirm with functional teams before deleting contact relationships
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Maintain backup of original HDL files
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Test DELETE operations in lower environments
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Document deleted relationships for audit purposes
Alternative Options
If end dating is required for reporting or compliance:
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Consider managing the relationship manually through the Fusion UI (if supported)
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Evaluate custom reporting logic to handle deleted relationships
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Log the change history externally if required
Conclusion
If you are not able to end date a Person Contact Relationship using HDL, it is due to an Oracle-supported limitation. The only supported workaround is to delete the relationship using HDL.
Understanding such limitations helps avoid unnecessary troubleshooting and ensures your data loads remain compliant with Oracle Fusion HCM standards.
💬 Have you faced similar HDL limitations or different contact-related errors? Share your experience in the comments.
