Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) is a powerful tool used to move and change data efficiently, especially with Oracle databases. It follows the ELT process, first it extracts data then loads it into the target system and finally transforms it there. With ODI Studio, developers and administrators have one place to build data flows, manage environments and monitor jobs, all through an easy-to-use interface.

• The core components of ODI Studio
• The role and structure of ODI repositories
• Step-by-step instructions on how to create Master and Work repositories using ODI Studio

Oracle Data Integrator 

ODI is an ELT platform designed for:

• Data movement and transformation
• Metadata-driven development
• Seamless integration with Oracle and non-Oracle databases

Unlike traditional ETL tools, ODI pushes data transformations down to the target database using optimized SQL, improving scalability and performance.

ODI Studio Overview

ODI Studio is where

• Developers build and test mappings and procedures.
• Admins configure physical/logical architecture.
• Operators monitor and troubleshoot job executions.

Whether you’re designing data flows or managing environments, ODI Studio is the central interface.

ODI Studio is the main interface for developers, administrators, and operators. It provides four core navigators:

• Designer: Used to develop data integration logic.
  Key Components:
  Projects: Group your integration artifacts like mappings, procedures, variables, and packages.
  Mappings: Visual data flows that define how data is transformed and loaded.
  Knowledge Modules: Reusable code templates that control how data is moved and transformed.
  User Functions: Custom functions you can call within mappings.
• Security: Manage user access and roles within ODI.
  Key features:
  Define profiles and assign permissions
  Control access to objects and environments
  Audit user activity.
• Topology: This is where you define the physical and logical architecture of your ODI environment.
  Key Components:
  Data Servers: Define connections to databases, file systems, etc.
  Physical Schemas: Represent the actual schemas or folders inside a server.
  Logical Architecture: Abstract names used in mappings to decouple design from deployment.
• Operator: The Operator module is used to monitor and debug execution results.
  Key features:
  View job logs (called sessions)
  Check execution status and performance statistics.
  Inspect each step and identify errors

ODI Repositories

Repositories in ODI store metadata, configurations, and runtime data for integration projects.

Types of Repositories

1. Master Repository: The Master Repository contains global information used across all ODI projects and environments.
2. Work Repository: The Work Repository stores project-specific objects and runtime information.

This separation allows for better organization, flexibility, and security in managing integration projects.

How Repositories Work Together

• ODI Studio connects to the Master Repository, which then links to one or more Work Repositories.
• From there, it connects to one or more Work Repositories to:
• Design new integrations (in a development Work Repository)
• Execute and monitor processes (in an execution Work Repository)

Creating Repositories in ODI Studio

Creating ODI repositories is a foundational step before starting any development work. Oracle provides two ways to create repositories, using the Repository Creation Utility (RCU) or directly through ODI Studio.

Steps to Create Master Repository in ODI Studio

Prerequisites:

• Oracle Database schema created for the repository
• Database user with DBA privileges
• JDBC URL and driver ready

Steps:

1. Launch ODI Studio
2. New Gallery: Go to file > New > Create a New Master Repository

   

3. Master Repository Creation Wizard: Database connection
   Provide the database connection details, including:

• Select Technology as Oracle
• Choose appropriate JDBC driver for database
• Enter the JDBC URL for database connection
• Provide the credentials for the database such as user and password. (Before providing user credentials, create a User in database and give the necessary permission along with password)
• Enter the credentials for a database user with DBA privileges (DBA user/password)
  Test the connection and click Next.
• In the Authentication screen, select Use External Authentication, and specify these properties, then click Next
• The username and password of the ODI Supervisor that was specified during the initial Oracle Application installation.
  Click Next
• Select Internal Password storage and click Finish.

After creating Master repository, connecting to that repository

• Open the New Gallery by selecting File and then New.
• From the Items list, select Create a New ODI Repository Login.
  Click OK.
• Provide the login name, supervisor username and password

Specify the database connection (Master Repository) details:

• Provide username, password, driver name and URL used to establish the JDBC connection to the database.
• In Work Repository section, select Master Repository only. Test the connection and click ok.

Create Work Repository in ODI Studio

Steps:

• In the Topology Navigator, go to the Repositories panel.
• Right-click the Work Repositories node and select New Work Repository

• Specify the technology that will host Work Repository, JDBC Driver, JDBC URL, user and password.
  Test the connection and click Next.
• Specify the Work Repository properties such as ID, name, password and work repository type as development.
  Click Finish

Connect to Work Repository

• Log off the Work Repository.
• Open the Repository Connection Information dialog.
• In the Work Repository area, select the Work Repository option, and then select the name of the Work Repository just created.
  Click ok.

Conclusion

Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) is a robust and scalable ELT platform that excels in transforming and managing large volumes of data, particularly in Oracle-centric environments. A well-structured setup of Master and Work Repositories forms the foundation of any successful ODI implementation, enabling efficient project development and reliable execution monitoring.

By leveraging key features such as Knowledge Modules for reusable logic and a flexible topology design, developers can streamline data integration processes and ensure maintainability across environments. Organizing repositories effectively and enforcing proper security practices helps teams manage their data workflows with greater confidence, efficiency, and control.

Chandana R L