1. What is Matrix Manager in Oracle Cloud
Matrix manager is also known as dotted line manager. A matrix manager or dotted line manager is a manager only but of type other than line manager. Few examples are Project manager, Compensation Manager Etc. Matrix management functionality allows managers other than the worker’s line manager to view and track assignment details in a very much same way as line manager. Matrix manager concept is also extensively used in goal/performance management and compensation management. Here we will discuss general use of any matrix manager. Let’s see how matrix manager is configured in application.
2. How to configure Matrix Manager?
To configure matrix manager search for the task Manage Common Lookups. And then search the lookup type PER_SUPERVISOR_TYPE
If you have not configured any other matrix manager in your instance, you will see only one entry of Line Manager as shown in the image above.
To add a new matrix manager, click on the + button (New) available beneath section PER_SUPERVISOR_TYPE: Lookup Codes. Enter details as follows
- Lookup Code : AP_PROJECT_MGR
- Enabled : Yes
- Meaning : Project Manager
You can add more than one Matrix managers also, let’s add one more as follows
- Lookup Code : AP_COMP_MGR
- Enabled : Yes
- Meaning : Compensation Manager
Once you enter all these details click on the Save and Close button.
3. How to assign matrix manager?
To assign a matrix manager to an employee navigate to My Client Group » Person Management » Search for the employee you want to assign matrix manager (James Smith) » Click on the person name
You will be on Manage Employment page.
Click on Edit button then select Update/Correct button. If you select update you will also have to enter effective start date also.
Enter the appropriate details and click on OK button.
Now scroll below to Manager Details section.
Click on the + icon and assign matrix manager in the same way you assign line manager. Just ensure that the type is not line manager. You can select manager type Project Manager and Compensation Manager we just created.
Currently entries are as follows
- David Smith is the Line Manager of James Smith
- Rais Khan is the Project Manager of James Smith
- Robin Roberts is the Compensation Manager of James Smith
Now click on the Review button and then click on Submit button.
You may also run the process Refresh Manager Hierarchy to reflect the changes immediately. You can read this article to know how to run/schedule a process » How to Schedule a Process in Oracle Fusion?
4. Login through matrix manager to see employee?
Let’s login through Robins account (who is the compensation manager or James Smith) and navigate to My Team » My Team
You will notice that Robin doesn’t see James Smith. This is because by default only direct employees are shown under My Team.
To see the dotted subordinates, you need to click on the Show Filter link. On your left hand side you will see filter under Manager Type. Select the checkbox for Compensation Manager and you can see James Smith now.
Now if you login through Rais Khan’s account you would see James Smith only if you select the check box Project Manager.
5. Food for Thought
Default Line Manager abstract role (with data role) gives access to see all subordinates. Line manager and as well as all types of matrix manager. What if you want to have a role that only gives access to specific type of matrix manager. Let’s say we want to have a role through which a manager can see only those subordinates falling under project manager hierarchy. This is also required so that different matrix manager has access to different data of employee. To make it more clear Compensation Manager should be able to see salary of employee but project manager should not be bale to see. Similarly Project manager should be able to transfer employee from one location to another but compensation manager should not be able to do so. This is possible only if we have separate role for each matrix manager.
To know how it is done read this article » How to Create a Custom Role and Assign a Data Role?
