Load Plan Structure FAQS

1. What is a Load Plan in Oracle Data Integrator?
   A Load Plan is an executable object in Oracle Data Integrator that defines a sequence of steps to manage the execution of scenarios, packages, and tasks in parallel or sequentially. It helps to organize complex data integration workflows, especially for large data warehouses.
2. What are the different types of steps in a Load Plan?
   The main types of steps in a Load Plan are:
• Serial Step: Executes child steps sequentially, one after another.
• Parallel Step: Executes child steps concurrently based on their priority.
• Run Scenario Step: Executes a scenario (package, procedure, etc.).
• Case Step: Conditional execution based on a variable’s value (with When and Else sub-steps).
• Exception Step: Handles steps to execute if an error occurs in the associated step.
3. What is the default root step in a Load Plan?
   The default root step in a Load Plan is a Serial Step. This step cannot be changed and serves as the entry point for organizing the execution flow.
4. Can Load Plan steps be executed in parallel?
   Yes, Load Plan steps can be executed in parallel using the Parallel Step. This allows multiple child steps to run simultaneously based on their priority.
5. Can a Load Plan contain another Load Plan?
   No, a Load Plan cannot contain another Load Plan. However, it can contain a Run Scenario Step, which can be used to trigger the execution of another Load Plan using the OdiStartLoadPlan tool.
6. What happens if a condition in a Case Step is met?
   If a condition in a When Step under a Case Step is met, the corresponding child steps (such as Serial, Parallel, or Run Scenario) will be executed. If no condition is met, the Else Step is executed.
7. Can a Run Scenario Step have child steps?
   No, a Run Scenario Step cannot have any child steps. It directly executes a specific scenario (like a package or procedure).
8. How do Exception Steps work in Load Plans?
   An Exception Step defines a group of steps to be executed when an exception occurs in the associated step in the hierarchy. It can be linked to multiple steps in the Load Plan.
9. Can a Load Plan execute multiple scenarios in parallel?
   Yes, Load Plans can execute multiple scenarios in parallel using the Parallel Step. For example, dimension tables or fact tables can be loaded simultaneously in parallel steps.
10. What is the role of the Serial Step in a Load Plan?
    The Serial Step defines the sequential execution of child steps. It ensures that each child step is executed only after the previous one has finished, making it useful for tasks that must be performed in order.
11. What is the significance of the root step in a Load Plan?
    The root step, which is a Serial Step, is mandatory and serves as the starting point for organizing and linking all other steps in the Load Plan. All execution flows begin from this root step.
12. How does the Case Step handle conditional execution?
    The Case Step allows branching in the Load Plan based on conditions. The When Step is used to specify conditions, and the Else Step is executed if no conditions are met. Only the first enabled When Step that satisfies the condition is executed.