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The AP_SUPPLIERS table is a fundamental data structure in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) Release 12.1.1 and 12.2.2, serving as the primary repository for supplier information within the Accounts Payable (AP) module. This table stores comprehensive details about vendors, including their legal entities, payment terms, tax identifiers, and contact information, making it a critical component for procurement, invoicing, and payment processing workflows. Below is a detailed technical and functional analysis of the AP_SUPPLIERS table in Oracle EBS.

1. Table Structure and Key Columns

The AP_SUPPLIERS table consists of over 150 columns, categorized into logical segments:
  • Supplier Identification:
    • VENDOR_ID (Primary Key): Unique identifier for each supplier.
    • VENDOR_NAME: Legal name of the supplier.
    • SEGMENT1: Supplier number assigned by the system or user.
  • Contact and Address Details:
    • ADDRESS_LINE1, CITY, STATE, ZIP: Physical address fields.
    • PHONE, FAX, EMAIL: Communication details.
  • Tax and Compliance:
    • VAT_REGISTRATION_NUM: Tax registration number (e.g., VAT/GST).
    • TAX_REPORTING_NAME: Alternate name for tax reporting.
  • Payment and Financial Controls:
    • TERMS_ID: Default payment terms linked to AP_TERMS.
    • INVOICE_CURRENCY_CODE: Preferred currency for invoicing.
    • PAY_GROUP_LOOKUP_CODE: Grouping for payment processing.

2. Integration with Other Modules

The AP_SUPPLIERS table integrates with multiple Oracle EBS modules:
  • Purchasing (PO): Supplier data is shared with PO_VENDORS for procurement.
  • General Ledger (GL): Tax and payment terms influence journal entries.
  • Cash Management (CE): Bank account details (AP_BANK_ACCOUNTS) are linked via VENDOR_ID.

3. Key Functional Dependencies

  • Supplier Sites: The AP_SUPPLIER_SITES table stores location-specific details (e.g., shipping addresses) and references VENDOR_ID.
  • Invoices: AP_INVOICES uses VENDOR_ID to associate invoices with suppliers.
  • 1099 Reporting: U.S. tax compliance relies on AP_SUPPLIERS flags like TYPE_1099 and FEDERAL_REPORTABLE_FLAG.

4. Customizations and Extensions

Common extensions include:
  • Descriptive Flexfields (DFFs): Custom attributes (e.g., industry-specific codes) added to the table.
  • API Usage: The AP_SUPPLIERS_PKG PL/SQL package provides APIs for programmatic supplier management.

5. Data Security and Auditing

  • Access Control: Secured via Oracle EBS responsibilities and function exclusions.
  • Audit Columns: CREATION_DATE, CREATED_BY, LAST_UPDATE_DATE, and LAST_UPDATED_BY track changes.

6. Performance Considerations

  • Indexes on VENDOR_ID, SEGMENT1, and VENDOR_NAME optimize query performance.
  • Partitioning strategies may be applied for large-scale implementations.

Conclusion

The AP_SUPPLIERS table is a cornerstone of Oracle EBS Accounts Payable, enabling end-to-end supplier lifecycle management. Its design supports global compliance, multi-currency transactions, and seamless integration with procurement and financial systems. Understanding its structure and relationships is essential for effective configuration, reporting, and customization in Oracle EBS 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 environments.