And just like that, fall is here and with it are the September 2025 Oracle EPM updates. No updates specifically to Planning, but several platform changes worth noting. Updates will go to test environments September 5th and prod environments September 19th. Here’s my summary.
Ability to Upgrade Environments to Essbase Version 21.7.xx
Currently, environments use Essbase version 11.1.2.4.516.xxx. Starting with this update (25.09), new environments will be created with Essbase version 21.7.xxx. This may cause compatibility issues if you have old and new environments, specifically for migration and cloning. Oracle will be migrating all environments to 21.7.xxx over the coming months, but until that happens you can request an upgrade by logging an SR.
Export and Import Prevented for Parameters Marked Secure in Other Web Service Provider Connection Types
This is extending security enhancements to Other Web Service Provider connections that are already in place for Cloud EPM connections. Parameters marked as Secure will not be exported or imported.
EPM Automate to Support Parameter File and Multi-line Command Execution
A parameter file can now be used to pass values to EPM Automate instead of passing them directly at the command prompt. You can also enable multi-line parameter input. This makes the command execution more secure, organized, and flexible.
Support of Base64-Encoded Passwords and Deprecation of Encrypted Passwords in Several REST APIs
These REST APIs now support only Base64-encoded passwords. The encrypted passwords are deprecated.
- Clone an Environment
- Copy a File Between Instances (v1)
- Copy a File Between Instances (v2)
- Copy Application Snapshot (v1)
- Copy Application Snapshot (v2)
Updates to getSubstVar EPM Automate Command and Related REST APIs
The EPM Automate command getSubstVar is now restricted to Service Administrators, it had previously been available to Power Users. This applies to the REST API as well.
Updates to simulateConcurrentUsage EPM Automate Command and REST API
Nice to see that Oracle is continuing to enhance this command. The Save Form use case can now be run without specifying the cells that need to be updated. This means you can simulate opening and saving forms without changing any cell values so that rules and rulesets on the form can be run.
Mandatory Groovy Update Scheduled for 25.11
If you haven’t heard about this yet, here’s another reminder. The Groovy engine is being updated (planned for November 2025 update) with stricter validation rules. This may cause existing Groovy rules you have created to fail. Last month, the Groovy Script Validator was released. You can use the validator to check all your Groovy rules and make corrections. I encourage you to check your Groovy rules as soon as possible so you are not impacted in November when the stricter validation rules take effect.
New Copy to SFTP and Copy From SFTP Job Types in Pipeline
Pipeline is being updated to include job types Copy to SFTP and Copy from SFTP. This will allow you to copy a file or backup snapshot to/from the current cloud environment from/to the SFTP server. You can copy any file in Oracle Fusion Cloud EPM. For example, if you export data to a file, the exported file is stored in the Outbox. You can then use Copy to SFTP job type to copy a file directly to a SFTP server where you have an account.
Improved Relevance of Insight Generation with New Dismiss Insight Options
This is a good enhancement. You need to select a reason when an Insight is dismissed, and you can optionally add a remark with details about the dismissal. The Insights job will include the number of insights generated, number of new since last run, and the number of insights excluded because they were previously dismissed. This helps make the Insights that have been generated more useful and relevant.
Improved User Interface for Forms and Dashboards with Unresolved Standard User Variables
Last month functionality was introduced to automatically set default values from dynamic and context-sensitive user variables when a form is opened and the user has not previously set their variables. Piggybacking on that enhancement, now if you have a standard user variable on your form that does not have a value set, an error message will come up when you open the form that contains a link to the User Preferences page so you can update the variable.
Enhanced XBRL Integration
Narrative Reporting is now configured to pass Report Package contents to third party XBRL service providers. This improves integration between Narrative Reporting and third party XBRL providers.
Updated Narrative Reporting Extension for Smart View
There is an updated Smart View extension for Narrative Reporting. As always, I recommend updating Smart View extensions when they are available.
IMPORTANT Actions and Considerations
There is one item to highlight from the Important Actions and Considerations section.
Cloud EPM Default Idle Session Timeout to be Changed to 30 Minutes
Starting with the November 2025 (25.11) update, Oracle will change the default Cloud EPM idle session timeout to 30 minutes instead of the current 75 minutes. This change enhances session security of Cloud EPM sessions.
While nothing specific to Planning this month, still some good updates. Check out the full document and be prepared when environments are updated.
As always, happy EPM’ng!
Random EPM Notes 
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