Oracle is preparing a new Cloud EPM enhancement with its September 2026 update. Rolled out progressively from September 4 in test environments, followed by September 18 in production environments, this version introduces several improvements relating to artificial intelligence, dashboards, data integrations, forecasting, and application administration.
AI takes on a more structured role in Cloud EPM
The September 2026 Oracle EPM update notably introduces a new chapter dedicated to administering artificial intelligence features. Integrated into the guides for the various business processes, this new content is intended to centralize the information required to activate, configure, and administer the AI features available in Cloud EPM.
Oracle is also announcing a new program designed to support customers in implementing conversational interfaces based on AI agents. The program notably covers environments using technologies such as ChatGPT, Codex, or Claude. It also aims to identify any limitations of the REST APIs required for these use cases.
Dashboards evolve
Version 26.09 introduces the ability for each user to designate a Dashboard 2.0 as their home page. This enhancement makes it possible to go directly to the selected dashboard when logging in to the EPM environment.
Oracle is also continuing the transition to Dashboard 2.0. Several dashboards associated with the Planning modules, including Capital, Financials, Workforce, and Projects, as well as those for Sales Planning and Strategic Workforce Planning, are automatically upgraded to this new generation.
Improvements to integrations and forecasting
Data Integration’s Quick Mode is also receiving a significant enhancement. It now supports SQL for complex target mappings. This capability notably makes it possible to retain certain SQL transformation logic and calculate target values from multiple source columns.
For advanced forecasting, “fitted values” are now supported for dynamically calculated members. This enhancement complements the model explainability features and expands the possibilities for analyzing forecast results.
New tools for administration
Oracle is adding a new EPM Automate command called runApplicationDiagnostics. It generates a report designed to analyze an application’s compliance with certain design best practices, particularly with regard to metadata, forms, and rules.
User management is also evolving. The field corresponding to the first name is now optional when creating or modifying a Cloud EPM user.
The creation of FreeForm applications is also being simplified. It can now be carried out from the dedicated FreeForm option on the EPM home page, with the aim of making the process more consistent.
Performance and API optimizations
The update also brings technical improvements. In Enterprise Profitability and Cost Management, certain allocation rules can now be calculated in parallel, which may help reduce calculation times in models containing a large number of rules.
The “Get Insights” and “Get Insight Summary” REST APIs are also evolving to accept multiple name formats for insight types. This change is intended in particular to maintain compatibility with existing API use cases.
In addition, the new version of the PCM Agent now supports trace commands. Oracle specifies that the old PCM Agent is scheduled to be discontinued with the 26.10 update planned for October.
Generative AI features now require version 26.04
Finally, Oracle is reiterating an important condition concerning its generative AI features. These are now available only in Cloud EPM environments running version 26.04 or later.
This change affects several business processes, including Planning, Financial Consolidation and Close, Account Reconciliation, Enterprise Data Management, Narrative Reporting, Tax Reporting, and Enterprise Profitability and Cost Management.
With version 26.09, Oracle is therefore continuing to evolve Cloud EPM by combining expanded artificial intelligence capabilities, modernized dashboards, and technical improvements designed to simplify the platform’s administration and day-to-day use.
source: Paul Lewis, Oracle EPM Expert Consultant
