Integration between outlook and PeopleSoft enables to schedule meetings and appointments and keeps reminding of upcoming absence events. Requesting for absence through Microsoft outlook is a new feature introduced in PeopleSoft 9.2.
Without logging in to PeopleSoft system, through outlook leave can be submitted and it will be updated in PeopleSoft following approval process and all other validations.
There is a bi-directional integration between PeopleSoft and outlook e.g. If a leave is requested through outlook then it will be updated in PeopleSoft database and vice versa. Leave applied in PeopleSoft will be updated in outlook if configured correctly.
Advantages
1. Simple and easy to configure and maintain
2. Bi-directional integration avoids duplication
Business requirement
There can be scenarios where employee has to request for leave without connecting to PeopleSoft system, such times outlook integration will play a major role. Manager view his reportees absence request history submitted through outlook in Manager Self Service. Absence request through outlook will follow same approval process as that submitted through employee Self Service.
Configuring Outlook and PeopleSoft
There are some simple configuration steps required to integrate outlook with PeopleSoft.
1. Desktop Integration Setup
2. Absence Management Setup
3. Microsoft Outlook Setup
1.Desktop Integration Setup
A. Desktop integration specific role’EODI_RemoteUser’ should be given to employee.
Navigation :- Peopletools> Security > User Profiles > User Profiles
B. Desktop Integration service operations should be Active.
PeopleTools > Integration Broker> Integration Setup > Service Operations
Search for service operations that begin with ‘EODI’.
All 26 search items should be ‘Active’.
Ensure that it is ‘Active’ in Handlers and Routings tab also.
C. Check the Allow Untrusted Certificate check box
Enterprise Components > Desktop Integration > System Setup
2. Absence Management Setup
Navigation - Set Up HCM > Product Related > Global Payroll & Absence Mgmt > Absence Management > Country Take
In Country Take which absence take employee can request through Outlook needs to be checked.
3. Microsoft Outlook Setup
To enable the interaction between Outlook and the PeopleSoft System, Microsoft Outlook Add-in needs to be installed. It can be downloaded from Server
PS_HOME/setup/DesktopIntegration/PeopleSoft Outlook Integration
Once this plug-in is installed a new menu item ‘PeopleSoft ’ appears on the outlook window.
Click on Settings & Options to configure User ID
Enter Server Name & SSL Port Name, PeopleSoft User ID & Password. Server Version is shown correctly and Online checkbox is checked means connection between app server and Outlook is established correctly.
Under Advanced settings Enter Server URL & Default Node.
Check the status log to ensure successful connection.
Submit absence request through Outlook
Open Outlook Calendar and Click on New Appointment. Click the Dynamic Displays button to open the PeopleSoft dynamic displays pane.
User fields added on delivered absence request page also will be populated in Outlook. Once Leave is submitted from outlook it will be non-editable and it can be viewed through Employee Self Service in PeopleSoft.
Note:- To enable bi-directional data flow first transaction has to be performed in Outlook. Later only PeopleSoft and outlook data will be synchronized.
Limitations
- Outlook integration supports only Microsoft Office 2007/2010.
- Manager cannot approve leave through Microsoft outlook integration.
- Adjust balances cannot be done through outlook.
- Outlook integration doesn’t support forecasting.
- Absence data before outlook integration cannot reflect in outlook.
- Submitted/Approved leave cannot be modified through outlook.
By: Geeta S.