Introduction to Load Plans FAQS

1. What is a Load Plan in Oracle Data Integrator?
   A Load Plan is an executable object in Oracle Data Integrator that contains a hierarchy of steps that can be executed conditionally, in parallel, or in series.These steps can include scenarios, packages, mappings, variables, and procedures.
2. How does a Load Plan help with data integration?
   Load Plans help manage and organize the execution of multiple scenarios, making it easier to populate large data warehouses efficiently. They allow tasks to be performed in sequence or parallel, improving data throughput within a batch window.
3. What are the types of steps in a Load Plan?
   Steps in a Load Plan can include:
• Scenarios (which can be packages, mappings, variables, and procedures).
• Steps can be executed sequentially or in parallel.
• Variables can be used at different levels to control execution.
4. Can I modify a Load Plan in a production environment?
   Yes, you can modify Load Plans in production environments. Steps can be enabled or disabled depending on the current needs of the production environment. However, some design operations (like create, edit, delete) are only available in a development repository.
5. How do I handle errors in Load Plans?
   Load Plans support exception handling strategies to manage errors. If a scenario fails, exceptions can be handled in predefined ways, and the plan can be restarted from specific steps if necessary (restartability).
6. How do I execute a Load Plan?
   Load Plans can be executed in several ways:
• From the command line.
• Using Oracle Data Integrator Studio.
• Through the Oracle Data Integrator Console.
• Via a Web Service interface.
• Scheduled using the built-in or an external scheduler.
7. What is a Load Plan Instance?
   A Load Plan Instance is created when a Load Plan is executed. Each execution attempt of a Load Plan is a separate Load Plan Run, which is part of the instance.
8. Can Load Plans be exported and imported?
   Yes, Load Plans can be exported from one repository and imported into another, allowing them to be executed in different environments. Load Plans can also be versioned for better management.
9. Where can I view and manage Load Plans?
   Load Plans can be managed and viewed in the following locations:
• Designer Navigator: For creating and editing Load Plans.
• Operator Navigator: For monitoring Load Plan executions and scenarios.
• Both can be found under the "Load Plans and Scenarios" and "Load Plan Executions" sections.
10. What is the difference between a Load Plan and a scenario?
    A scenario is a single executable object (like a package, mapping, or procedure), while a Load Plan is a larger structure that can contain multiple scenarios, organized in a sequence or parallel steps. Load Plans offer greater flexibility in organizing and managing the execution flow.
11. Can Load Plans be used for scheduling?
    Yes, Load Plans can be scheduled for automatic execution using Oracle Data Integrator’s built-in scheduler or through an external scheduler.
12. Can I execute a Load Plan from an external system?
    Yes, Load Plans can be executed via a Web Service interface, making it possible to integrate execution with external systems or applications.
13. How can I manage Load Plan versions?
    Load Plans can be versioned, allowing you to track and manage different versions of a Load Plan over time. You can export and import different versions to ensure consistency across environments.
14. How can I optimize Load Plan execution?
• Use parallel execution where possible to reduce runtime.
• Organize tasks logically within the Load Plan to ensure the most efficient data throughput.
• Utilize variables and exception handling to manage dynamic scenarios and errors effectively.