Applying DB Patch

Since SP4, the applicaton of DB Patches has improved. Following are some features

• The PatchInstaller(dry run mode) checks if any configuraton files that are beng delivered in the Patch are modified by the Customer or not. 
• If so, it lets the Customer merge the changes and update the DB (merge run mode)   

Note: Please verify if the files have been uploaded correctly. Check the timestamp in the DB. I know of one instance when the DBA applied the Patch, the Patch number has been updated correctly but the Report libraries were not updated. It is always a good practice to ensure that the files have been uploaded correctly. If not, these problems only appear during the testing or usage when it would turn to be very costly. The Application Patch version which is stored in PS_PATCH_INFO table showed all the patches applied correctly.

Many Customers are of the view that the upgrade can be done only by the Vendor. This can also be done by a Plateau Consultant or by a DBA with guidance from LMS Consultant as the DB scripts are very straightforward to apply the Patch. Once it is done in house then the costs of further upgrades that are required in different environments can be done as and when required. This saves a lot of time, cost and helps in  planning the project better.