Search Results mtl_item_templates




The MTL_ITEM_TEMPLATES table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical repository for defining and managing item templates, which serve as blueprints for creating items in the Inventory module. These templates standardize item attributes, ensuring consistency and efficiency in item creation while reducing manual data entry errors. Below is a detailed analysis of its structure, functionality, and integration within Oracle EBS. ### **Purpose and Functionality** The MTL_ITEM_TEMPLATES table stores predefined attribute sets that users can apply when creating new items in the INV_ITEMS_INTERFACE or through the Oracle Forms interface. Templates streamline the item setup process by auto-populating fields such as: - **Primary Attributes**: Item type, description, unit of measure, and stocking information. - **Inventory Controls**: Lot/serial control, shelf life, and revision tracking. - **Costing & Accounting**: Costing method, expense accounts, and default GL accounts. - **Purchasing & Order Management**: Lead times, sourcing rules, and category assignments. ### **Key Columns in MTL_ITEM_TEMPLATES** 1. **TEMPLATE_ID**: Primary key, uniquely identifying each template. 2. **TEMPLATE_NAME**: User-defined name for the template (e.g., "ELECTRONICS_STANDARD"). 3. **DESCRIPTION**: Optional details about the template’s purpose. 4. **ORGANIZATION_ID**: Links to HR_ORGANIZATION_UNITS to enforce org-specific templates. 5. **TEMPLATE_TYPE**: Classifies templates as "INVENTORY," "PURCHASING," or "BOM" (Bill of Materials). 6. **ENABLED_FLAG**: Determines if the template is active (Y/N). 7. **DEFAULT_TYPE**: Indicates whether the template is system-defined (S) or user-defined (U). 8. **ATTRIBUTE_CATEGORY/ATTRIBUTE_N**: Flexfields for custom attributes. ### **Integration with Oracle EBS Modules** - **Inventory Management**: Templates auto-fill item master data (MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B), reducing manual entry. - **Procurement**: Purchasing templates predefine supplier and lead time data for seamless PO creation. - **Manufacturing**: BOM templates standardize component attributes for production items. - **Cost Management**: Templates assign default cost structures (CST_ITEM_COSTS). ### **Technical Workflow** 1. **Template Creation**: Defined via Oracle Forms (Navigation: *Inventory > Setup > Items > Templates*) or APIs (INV_ITEM_TEMPLATE_PUB). 2. **Item Creation**: When a user selects a template during item setup, the system copies attributes to MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B. 3. **Validation**: Templates enforce mandatory fields (e.g., ITEM_TYPE) and validate against FND_LOOKUP_VALUES for allowed values. ### **Customization and Extensions** - **Flexfields**: Descriptive flexfields (ATTRIBUTE_CATEGORY) allow industry-specific extensions. - **APIs**: Programmatic access via PL/SQL packages (INV_ITEM_TEMPLATE_PUB) supports bulk template management. - **Profile Options**: INV: Default Item Template can enforce org-wide defaults. ### **Best Practices** 1. **Hierarchical Templates**: Use org-specific templates to override global defaults. 2. **Audit Trails**: Monitor changes via FND_AUDIT_SCHEMA to track template modifications. 3. **Performance**: Index TEMPLATE_NAME and ORGANIZATION_ID for faster queries in multi-org environments. ### **Conclusion** The MTL_ITEM_TEMPLATES table is foundational to Oracle EBS’s item lifecycle management, ensuring data integrity and operational efficiency. Its integration across modules and support for customization make it indispensable for enterprises leveraging Oracle Inventory, Procurement, and Manufacturing functionalities.