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The MTL_ITEM_ATTRIBUTES_SEED_INFO table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 or 12.2.2 is a critical data structure within the Inventory module that serves as a foundation for defining and managing item attributes. This table stores seed data for item attributes, which are predefined by Oracle and serve as templates for configuring item master attributes across the organization. These attributes determine how items are classified, validated, and processed throughout various Oracle EBS modules, including Inventory, Purchasing, Order Management, and Manufacturing.

Purpose and Functionality

The primary purpose of MTL_ITEM_ATTRIBUTES_SEED_INFO is to provide a standardized set of item attributes that can be leveraged during item setup. These seed attributes define the behavior and characteristics of items, such as whether an item is inventory-tracked, lot-controlled, serialized, or revision-controlled. The table acts as a reference for the MTL_ITEM_ATTRIBUTES table, where organization-specific attribute configurations are stored. By maintaining seed data separately, Oracle ensures consistency in attribute definitions while allowing flexibility for organizations to tailor attributes to their specific needs.

Key Columns and Structure

The table includes several important columns that define the attributes' properties:
  • ATTRIBUTE_NAME: The name of the attribute (e.g., "INVENTORY_ITEM_FLAG", "LOT_CONTROLLED").
  • DATATYPE: The data type of the attribute (e.g., "CHAR", "NUMBER", "DATE").
  • DESCRIPTION: A brief explanation of the attribute's purpose.
  • DEFAULT_VALUE: The default value assigned to the attribute if not explicitly set.
  • MINIMUM_VALUE and MAXIMUM_VALUE: Define valid ranges for numeric attributes.
  • REQUIRED_FLAG: Indicates whether the attribute is mandatory during item creation.
  • USER_UPDATEABLE_FLAG: Specifies if the attribute can be modified by users.

Integration with Other Tables

MTL_ITEM_ATTRIBUTES_SEED_INFO is closely linked to other Inventory tables:
  • MTL_ITEM_ATTRIBUTES: Organization-specific attribute configurations derived from seed data.
  • MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B: Stores item master records where these attributes are applied.
  • MTL_ITEM_ATTRIBUTE_VALUES: Contains actual values assigned to attributes for specific items.

Customization and Extensibility

While the table contains Oracle-seeded data, organizations can extend its functionality by:
  • Creating custom attributes in MTL_ITEM_ATTRIBUTES that reference seed definitions.
  • Modifying attribute behaviors through profile options and flexfields.
  • Using the table as a reference for developing custom item attribute validation rules.

Technical Considerations

In Oracle EBS 12.2.2, the table's structure remains largely consistent with 12.1.1, but performance optimizations in the underlying database layer may affect how queries against this table are processed. The table is typically accessed during:
  • Item master setup and maintenance.
  • Inventory organization definitions.
  • Item import processes (e.g., through Open Interface tables).

Best Practices

When working with MTL_ITEM_ATTRIBUTES_SEED_INFO, consider:
  • Never modifying Oracle-seeded records directly; instead, use the appropriate APIs.
  • Referencing this table when designing custom item attribute extensions.
  • Understanding attribute dependencies before configuring new items.
This table plays a fundamental role in ensuring item data integrity across Oracle EBS modules, serving as the blueprint for how items behave throughout the supply chain.