Navigating the RMS UI for the First Time
Oracle RMS is a massive application with hundreds of distinct screens. In this guide, we will break down the user interface, explain how to navigate the folder menus, and show you how to perform basic query operations.
Whether you are using a legacy version of RMS (v13 or v14 built on Oracle Forms) or a modern version (v16+ or Cloud Service built on Oracle ADF), the functional flow of the application remains surprisingly consistent.
The application is far too large to have a simple "top navigation bar." Instead, it relies on a nested folder structure and dedicated search screens. Let's break down how to get around.
1. The Main Menu (Action Folder)
When you log into RMS, you are presented with a hierarchical tree menu on the left side of the screen (in ADF) or as a floating window (in older Forms versions). This is categorized by business function.
Key folders you will use constantly include:
- Foundation Data: Where you manage the Merchandise Hierarchy, Organizational Hierarchy, and VAT configurations.
- Items: The hub for creating items, modifying item attributes, and managing Item/Location ranging.
- Inventory: For managing Transfers, RTVs (Return to Vendor), and Inventory Adjustments.
- Purchasing: For creating and approving Purchase Orders.
- Finance: For viewing the Stock Ledger and Month-End Close configurations.
2. The Search / Query Pattern
RMS does not typically open directly into a data entry screen. Instead, it relies heavily on a "Search first, then Edit" pattern.
Entering Query Mode
When you open a screen (like "Item Search"), the form usually opens in Query Mode. You will know you are in query mode because the fields are blank and your cursor is waiting for input.
- Enter your criteria: For example, type a specific
Department IDor partialItem Description. You can often use%as a wildcard (e.g.,%Shirt%). - Execute the Query: Click the "Search" button (in ADF) or press
F8/ click the execute icon (in Forms). - Select a Record: The results will populate in a table below. Select the row you want to view, and click "OK" or "Edit" to proceed to the main transaction screen.
Querying without criteria
Do not execute a query with completely blank criteria on major forms like Item Master or Order Head. Doing so instructs the database to fetch millions of records, which can lock up your session or degrade database performance.
3. Form Blocks and Navigation
Once you open a specific record (like a Purchase Order), the screen is usually divided into distinct "Blocks." These map directly to the database tables we discussed in the schema overview.
- The Header Block: The top portion of the screen (Supplier, Dates, Status). This maps to
ORDHEAD. - The Detail Block: Usually a tabular grid in the middle of the screen displaying the specific items on the order. This maps to
ORDSKU. - The Location Block: A lower grid or a separate pop-up window showing which stores are receiving the items. This maps to
ORDLOC.
4. The Options Menus
RMS screens are extremely dense. To prevent clutter, many secondary functions are hidden behind an "Options" menu at the top of the form (or in a sidebar in ADF).
For example, when viewing the Item Master screen, you will not see fields for "Customs Tariffs" or "Supplier Dimensions" directly on the main page. Instead, you must click Options -> Supplier or Options -> HTS to open a dedicated sub-window.
Important Gotchas
- !
If a transaction (like a PO) is in 'Approved' status, you will find that almost every field on the screen is greyed out. You must use the Options menu to change the status back to 'Worksheet' before you can make edits.
- !
If you try to save and get a "Field must be entered" error, look closely at the status bar at the bottom of the screen. It will usually tell you exactly which field on which block is missing data.
5. Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- RMS is navigated via a hierarchical tree menu grouped by business function.
- Always use the Search/Query pattern to locate specific records before attempting to edit them. Use wildcards carefully.
- RMS screens are broken into Headers, Details, and Locations, mirroring the underlying database schema.
- Extensive use of the "Options" menu is required to access related data like Item-Supplier relationships or Order Locations.
