How to Roll Back a Failed HDL Load Safely
Description
Learn how to safely roll back a failed HDL load in Oracle Fusion HCM. This blog explains rollback strategies, corrective approaches, common mistakes, and best practices for Fusion HCM technical consultants.
Introduction
Failures during HCM Data Loader (HDL) runs are common in Oracle Fusion HCM projects. However, HDL does not provide a one-click rollback option like traditional database transactions.
This makes it critical for Fusion HCM Technical Consultants to understand safe rollback and recovery strategies after a failed HDL load.
This blog explains:
What rollback means in HDL
Safe ways to reverse or correct failed loads
Real project scenarios and best practices
Understanding HDL Load Behaviour
Before discussing rollback, it is important to understand how HDL works.
Key Characteristics of HDL
HDL commits data object by object, not as a single transaction
Partial data may be loaded even if the job fails
Parent records may succeed while child records fail
⚠️ This is why careful rollback planning is essential.
Common HDL Failure Scenarios
Worker created but Assignment failed
Assignment loaded with wrong effective date
Duplicate records due to incorrect operation type
Invalid SourceSystemOwner or lookup values
Each scenario requires a different rollback approach.
What “Rollback” Means in HDL
In Fusion HCM HDL, rollback usually means:
Correcting incorrect data
Reversing records using effective dating
Deleting test or invalid records (when allowed)
Rollback Provided for limited objects like Element Entry.
It rarely means a full data wipe.
Safe Rollback Strategies in HDL
1️⃣ Correct-and-Reprocess (Most Recommended)
When to Use
Partial load success
Data exists but contains errors
Approach
Fix incorrect HDL data
Use MERGE operation
Re-load only failed or incorrect records
Example
Correcting assignment effective start date and reloading Assignment.dat.
2️⃣ End-Date Incorrect Records
When to Use
Data loaded with wrong effective dates
Historical correction required
Approach
End-date incorrect records
Reload correct data with new effective dates
This approach maintains audit history.
3️⃣ Delete Records (Use with Extreme Caution)
When to Use
Test data in lower environments
Duplicate or invalid records created
Approach
Use HDL DELETE operation (only where supported)
Validate object supports deletion
⚠️ Avoid DELETE in Production unless approved.
4️⃣ Full Reload After Environment Refresh
When to Use
Massive data corruption
Implementation or test environments
Approach
Refresh environment
Perform controlled Full Load
Not recommended for Production environments.
HDL Rollback Decision Flow
HDL Rollback Flow
What NOT to Do During Rollback
❌ Do not reload the same file blindly
❌ Do not switch CREATE to MERGE without analysis
❌ Do not perform Full Load for small issues
❌ Do not delete Production data casually
Best Practices for Safe HDL Rollback
Always capture Request IDs
Keep HDL files version-controlled
Use incremental loads wherever possible
Validate data using reports before and after reload
Test rollback strategy in lower PODs
Real Project Rollback Example
Scenario: Assignment load failed due to incorrect effective date
Solution:
Identify failed records from .out file
Correct effective dates
Reload Assignment.dat using MERGE
Validate using Person Management UI
Preventing Rollback Situations
Validate HDL files before load
Use smaller file batches
Perform dry-run validation in lower environments
Follow strict SourceSystemOwner governance
Conclusion
Rollback in HDL is about controlled correction, not reversal. A well-planned recovery strategy ensures data integrity while minimizing business impact.
Understanding rollback techniques is a key skill that differentiates a confident Fusion HCM Technical Consultant from an average one.
