The PeopleSoft Tipster Blog

I’m Randy Groncki and this is how I work February 24, 2021

Posted by Duncan in PeopleTools.
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Next up in the ‘how I work‘ series is one of the newer batch of PeopleSoft bloggers – Randy Groncki. Randy is the brains behind the PeopleTools Tech Tips blog. It’s a more recent blog – starting in 2020 – however Randy has been working with PeopleSoft since 1996, including a stint working for PeopleSoft itself.

Name: Randy Groncki

Occupation: Independent PeopleSoft Technical Consultant
Location: Northern Virginia, USA
Current computer(s):

• Dell XPS 8930 Desktop (Work/Personal Machine)
• MSI GS60 Laptop (Host PeopleSoft PUM environments)
• Lenovo P50 Laptop (Primary client machine)
• …  and several others around the house.   They’re like stray cats.  I’m not sure if I own all of them or where some of them came from, but they’re here.

Current mobile devices:

• iPhone 6s (The museum wants it back)
• iPad Air 2
• Apple Watch

I work: Pragmatically.

What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?

• Chrome: Because…  yeah.
• LastPass: The number and complexity of passwords both work and personal make a password manager essential.  I don’t know most of my actual passwords.
• NotePad++: A decent text editor for a coder.   It’s just there, open, every day, all day long.
• PeopleTools App Designer:  I like a lot of 80s music and movies too.
• SQLDeveloper:  Essential tool if working on an Oracle database.   No, SQLPlus will not do just as well.  SQLDeveloper has improved a lot over the past few years.  TOAD is nice, but most enterprises I’ve worked don’t license it. 
• Excel:  The unsung hero of anyone doing work on a computer.  This is Batman’s Utility Belt.   He may ditch the Batmobile or Bat Plane, but that utility goes everywhere.
• QuickBooks/Quicken: As an independent consultant, I must stay on top of my finances. 

Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without?
My Logitech K850 keyboard and M720 mouse. I have three computers at my office that I constantly switch between, all day long.   This one keyboard and mouse allows me to easily control them all wirelessly.  I don’t want a clunky KVM switch on my desk with the mass of messy cables.

What’s your workspace like?
Comfortable. I’ve been working from home at least a few days a week for several years before COVID.  We have a main floor room setup as an office for both me and my wife. I think long hours working from home is worth a modest investment in my workspace to keep productive and healthy.   My home office is usually better outfitted than the client sites.

My setup:

• 34” (86.5 cm) Ultrawide Monitor (1440, not 1080)
• Office grade corner desk
• Secret Labs Titan chair

What do you listen to while you work?
Nothing.  I have a difficult time tuning out music while I work.  I think I use the same part of my brain for coding and music.   To me, it feels like trying to engage in two different conversations simultaneously.  Ironically, I can easily tune out other people’s activities and conversations. Yes, I can listen to music while I drive. 

What PeopleSoft-related productivity apps do you use?
App Designer, SQLDeveloper & Datamover.

Remote Desktop – I think this deserves an honourable mention in our current way of working.   It’s rare anymore that I install PeopleTools on my local machine for a client.   Having a remote desktop on the client’s servers keeps all the data at the client.  Since client data is no longer on my machine, there is much less data risk should my laptop be lost, stolen, or compromised: It’s just a gateway

Do you have a 2-line tip that some others might not know?
I want to have an amazing code snipped that only Dave Duffield and I know, newly shared with everyone.   The reality is that I’m an “in the trenches every day” PeopleSoft tech, not that guy spending all my time on R&D and new, cutting edge technology.

Having said that, my “GoTo” table for field reference in SQL is PSRECFIELDDB.  This PeopleTools table has all the record fields broke out of the many layers of sub-records on PSRecDefn

SELECT FIELDNAME FROM PSRECFIELDDB
 WHERE RECNAME = '[RECNAME]'
 ORDER BY FIELDNUM;

It’s brilliant that someone in PeopleTools figured out we need an absolute reference for every table instead of resolving sub-records in sub-records every time we need to reference the actual table.

What SQL/Code do you find yourself writing most often?

EFFDT & EFFSEQ Sub-Selects.    I think newer PeopleTools coders should learn by coding these out every time, not cut and pasting from a code snippet or PSQuery.   These have to be second nature, not lookup or reference.

MessageBox(..) for coding diagnostics

What would be the one item you’d add to PeopleSoft if you could?
I would like a better code editor…   Somehow in a viable way.

I’m writing this as of 8.58.   Just about any other modern IDE has many practical productivity tools such as code folding, snippets, code completion and parameter hints.  I want these in my App Designer too.

The PeopleTools managers have made the valid point that resources spent on improving the editor starves development of other technology keeping PeopleTools current and useful in our quickly changing world.   But… how long do we kick this can down the road?

What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?
I think I’m really good at knowing that I’m not better at things than everyone else.  I received a great education early in life that however good you think you are at something, there is someone out there that is much better.  The Army is happy to remind you of this as many times as you need it.

Having said that, I think I’m a good generalist and understanding that few things are things in themselves, but systems of other things.   When I start understanding the pieces, the bigger picture gets much clearer. 

My grandfather was amazing in that he seemed to be able to build/fix anything.   This guy would rebuild car engines, diagnose electronics with an oscilloscope and then go to work as handling finances for the county.  I hope I got some of his “figure it out-ed-ness”, the broad ability to understand many different ideas.   One of the things I’m proud of is my garage workshop… because he had one.   His vice is on my workbench. In modern “IT Speak” I’m a “Short/Fat” or “T” shaped tech, not a “Tall Skinny” expert.

How do you keep yourself healthy and happy?
First priority is my family and my home.  Time available after that is learning new things, reading Sci-Fi/Fantasy books and watching good movies and shows.

Of course, Computers and Technology has always been a passion and hobby of mine so I’m constantly playing with something new.

I have made a concerted effort to get/stay healthy during COVID.   I try to do a workout most days of the week and feel guilty if I miss it.   However, my workouts are geared more to staying healthy, mobile and capable.   The “Brawny Beach Body” is just not happening. Sometimes, when I get very decadent, I pull up an episode of “Time Team” and play archaeologist for an hour.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
From Life: You Never Know What Someone Is Going Through, So Be Kind

From the Army: Find something to do or someone else will find something to do for you.

How has your work-life changed due to the pandemic?

I’ve been working from home for about a year now.  I’m glad I learned to work from home before COVID happened, because it’s now very important.  I will not work in my pyjamas all day long.  I will shower and dress every morning.  It puts me in a work mindset.  I never know when a video meeting is coming or who else is going to be on it.

I do notice that I seem to work more now since work is just in the other room.   Since no one is at the office, I can get pinged and be on the system in a minute or two most times.

How do you think covid will change the future workplace?

I think more of us will work from home more often.  Business are finding out that we have been able to keep productive and supportive even though we aren’t physically at the office.  They are re-evaluating the amount of expensive office space that they really need and who really needs to be there all the time. 

I think people will choose to live where it’s nice rather than close to work.   People will invest in good internet connections and decent home office setups.

I think people are finding out that laptops are great to keep mobile, but there is only so much you can productively do for so long on a 13” screen. I think we are also realizing there are times it truly helps to be in the same room communicating with someone in person, not via Slack, Text or Video.  There is a needed place for in person collaboration.

I’m Rob Swailes and this is how I work February 16, 2021

Posted by Duncan in PeopleTools.
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It’s long overdue to run a fresh batch of profiles in the ‘how I work‘ series and I’m delighted one of Version 1’s newest PeopleSoft Techs – Rob Swailes – has agreed to be profiled. This is especially good timing as Rob is speaking at the PeopleSoft Innovation Summit that’s running Weds and Thurs this week. Here’s a link to his session and to register if you’ve not already signed up.

Name: Rob Swailes

Occupation: PeopleSoft Lead Technical Consultant at Version 1
Location: York, UK
Current computer: HP EliteBook 840 G5 (Work, underpowered laptop), MSi GS63VR 7RG with 32GB (For the real work!)
Current mobile devices: Samsung Galaxy S9+
I work: Because I need to, although I enjoy what I do and work can even be fun sometimes. I am a creative person at heart and therefore I am under no illusion that if life allowed it, I would be exploring new ideas and innovations rather than building new pages and App Engines. I wouldn’t leave the PeopleSoft arena as I have loads of cool ideas that I just can’t find the time to build.

What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?

• Beyond Compare – What else is there when you are finding those old SQR customisations.
• Oracle Virtualbox – Such a great way to get your own PS environment on my laptop ( I know I should be using cloud!).
• Postman – Brilliant tool for those who wish to experiment in the world of APIs.
• Notepad++ – Because I still code my Java old school.

Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without?
Last year I bought a Snapmaker V2.0 all in one 3D printer, laser engraver and CNC. I have to say it is amazing. As a Yorkshireman, (who are known for being tight with their money), I love being able to say, “We don’t need to buy that, I’ll just print one!”. My brain conveniently forgets the initial cost of the printer.

What’s your workspace like?
For 19 years it was mostly at client sites, away from home, but after joining Version 1 the emphasis was a lot more on working remotely from home. Then Covid 19 hit and now I spend most of my life in my office. I tend to have any number of laptops on the desk at one time, with my own, work and usually a client all in use. Add to that the kids’ gadgets constantly being charged and I would say my office gets a little cluttered.

I do have an alternative as just before the pandemic broke out, I built a shed and I spent many weekends fully insulating, carpeting and installing a full off-grid solar generation and heating. So, like all men of a certain age, when life seem a little hectic I can retire to the sanctuary of my shed.

What do you listen to while you work?
I’ve always been a huge fan of R.E.M, growing up with amazing albums such as Out of Time and Automatic for the People. But I am fairly fluid with my listening habits, finding something to suit the way I am feeling each day.

What PeopleSoft-related productivity apps do you use?
I am fairly standard when it comes to PeopleSoft development, but I do think that the browser debuggers are vastly overlooked. I do a lot of coding in Javascript and CSS so the debuggers are really useful, but if you want to just find what that field is on a PeopleSoft page, it’s quicker to use the browser element selection than opening the page in App Designer. I like building out PeopleSoft with APIs so Postman is invaluable. I spent a lot of time connecting PeopleSoft to the OCI APIs and Postman was indispensable there as that is a particularly complex authentication requirement.

Do you have a 2-line tip that some others might not know?

For those that like me use Javascript with their PeopleCode, a great way to communicate from Javascript to PeopleSoft is to use IScripts like a function. Call the IScript from Javascript, then get the IScript to send back the information from PeopleSoft in the Response object. Also the Javascript Fetch function should be your mainstay for calling APIs, it’s an elegant implementation.

fetch(logoutIscriptUrl)
    .then(response =>.text())
    .then(data => { window.top.location = data});

What SQL/Code do you find yourself writing most often?
I’m a developer, so let’s be honest, the most often written code is:

Messagebox(0,””,0,0,”Where is my mistake “| &Here);

What would be the one item you’d add to PeopleSoft if you could?
It’s a little bit strange but I wanted to talk to PeopleSoft, so I have actually implemented this. Hopefully I can show it one day.

What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?
I am a keen gardener (but no Alan Titchmarsh) and in the summer months we grow a lot of our own produce. It’s a great way to get your mind off work and you get to appreciate the results of your hard work. I’m a firm believer that there is nothing that we cannot do if we set our minds to it and so I always try to do everything myself, be it felling trees or building raised beds.

How do you keep yourself healthy and happy?
My kids keep me fairly active, certainly my son has me playing football on a regular basis. Since the lockdown here in the UK, our garden is more mud than lawn due to the constant pounding of football boots. I mentioned gardening already and building my shed, so anything practical where you get an actual physical result is always satisfying for a coder who builds intangible things all week long.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I was a keen sprinter at Secondary school and my chemistry teacher, Mr Adams told me, “When things get too much, get out and run. It’s the best way to clear your head”. Who would have known that years later Forrest Gump would get the same advice! I still use the advice today, although I’m a little slower.

I’m Kyle Benson and this is how I work July 12, 2019

Posted by Duncan in PeopleTools.
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I’ve not blogged on this site for a while so it takes a special post to break the hiatus. I’m delighted to finally be able to share the “How I Work” entry for Kyle Benson, one half of the all-conquering PSAdmin.io duo. Kyle and Dan are super-busy, splitting their time between PeopleSoft consulting and the PSAdmin.io slack community, their Podcast, their conference and their website.  I’m thrilled that he has added his profile to our ‘How I Work‘ series.

Name: Kyle Benson

Occupation: Independent PeopleSoft Consultant and Co-owner of psadmin.io
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Current computer: Dell Precision 5510
Current mobile devices: Pixel 2
I work: To keep from getting bored. I have a ton of fun solving tough problems and optimizing things.

What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?

• Beyond Compare
• Virtual Desktops
• Phire
• psadmin-plus
• My own .bash_profile

Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without?
Saying I “can’t live without” this is overstating it, but I love my home automation gadgets. I have been slowly adding more and more to my home. Lately my pace has slowed down so my family can keep up with my craziness. I’m currently using a SmartThing Gen. 1 HUB and I’m liking the ecosystem.  That reminds me, time to upgrade!

What’s your workspace like?
I split time between client sites and my home office. I like to use a standing desk and keep it rather tidy. I love my ultrawide monitor and have a “studio” step for creating psadmin.io content.

What do you listen to while you work?
I love to put on mellow, ambient, downtempo style music. I often listen to the same playlist on repeat for months. Something about the relaxing, repetitive sounds helps get me in “flow” faster. The artist Blackmill really started me down this road. The current playlists I’m listening to on Spotify are ‘Atmospheric Calm’ and ‘Soundscapes For Gaming’.

What PeopleSoft-related productivity apps do you use?
I love Phire for development and git for DPK/admin scripts. Having the history and flexibility to migrate is so nice. Using psadmin-plus helps a lot, too!

Do you have a 2-line tip that some others might not know?
Make sure you are using aliases so you aren’t wasting time typing! Here is a short list of aliases I use often, mostly related to changing directories.

• cddpk
  • Change to the DPK base directory
• cdcfg
  • When using multiple $PS_CFG_HOMEs on a server, change to the config homes base directory
• cdweb $domain_name
  • Change to the PORTAL.war directory of a domain
• pupapp $environment
  • Run puppet apply for an $environment (ie. production)

What SQL/Code do you find yourself writing most often?
Currently I’ve found myself living in the browser development tools. I’ve been exploring some of the new JavaScript that Fluid and Unified Navigation introduces. I do a lot of debugging, playing in console, etc to find out how some of these features work. This is all pretty complex stuff and you can really get lost down the rabbit hole.

What would be the one item you’d add to PeopleSoft if you could?
Current CPU archives in DPK.

What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?
I love riddles and puzzles. I’ve been really into escape rooms this past year, too.

How do you keep yourself healthy and happy?
Getting outside with the family year round is key. Living in a place like Minnesota, you learn a lack of vitamin D and cabin fever is no joke. Walking, hiking, biking in the summer. Biking and cross country skiing in the winter. Also, the family heads up to the North Shore of Lake Superior every few months. These weekend getaways are always a great recharge.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.