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The MTL_PARAMETERS table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical repository for inventory organization-specific parameters that govern the behavior of the Inventory Management module. This table stores configuration settings that define operational rules, default values, and control mechanisms for inventory transactions, costing, and other inventory-related functionalities. Below is a detailed summary of its structure, purpose, and key attributes.

Overview of MTL_PARAMETERS

The MTL_PARAMETERS table is part of the Oracle Inventory module and acts as a central control point for inventory organizations. Each record in this table corresponds to a single inventory organization, storing parameters that influence how transactions are processed, how costs are calculated, and how items are managed within that organization. The table is essential for maintaining consistency and enforcing business rules across the inventory management lifecycle.

Key Columns and Their Significance

  1. ORGANIZATION_ID: A unique identifier for the inventory organization, linking to HR_ORGANIZATION_UNITS.
  2. MASTER_ORGANIZATION_ID: Indicates the master inventory organization for shared item definitions in a multi-org setup.
  3. DEFAULT_COST_GROUP_ID: Specifies the default cost group for inventory valuation.
  4. DEFAULT_LOCATOR_CONTROL: Controls whether locators are mandatory for item transactions (e.g., Prespecified, Dynamic Entry).
  5. LOT_NUMBER_UNIQUENESS: Determines if lot numbers must be unique across organizations or only within an organization.
  6. SERIAL_NUMBER_CONTROL: Defines whether serial number tracking is enforced (e.g., No Control, At Receipt, At Sales Order Issue).
  7. ALLOW_NEGATIVE_BALANCES: Permits or restricts negative on-hand quantities for items.
  8. DEFAULT_INCLUDE_IN_SHIPPING: Sets whether items are automatically included in shipping documents.
  9. REQUIRE_LOCATOR_LOCTYPE: Enforces locator type validation during transactions.
  10. DEFAULT_GRADE_CONTROL: Manages grade control for items, if applicable.

Functional Impact

The parameters stored in MTL_PARAMETERS directly influence core inventory processes:
  • Transaction Processing: Rules like locator control and negative balance allowances dictate how transactions (receipts, issues, transfers) are executed.
  • Costing: Default cost groups and valuation methods impact inventory accounting and cost rollups.
  • Item Traceability: Serial and lot control settings ensure compliance with traceability requirements.
  • Multi-Org Operations: Master organization linkages enable shared item definitions while maintaining org-specific rules.

Integration with Other Modules

MTL_PARAMETERS interacts with several Oracle EBS modules:
  • Purchasing: Affects receipt and inspection workflows.
  • Order Management: Influences shipping and fulfillment rules.
  • Cost Management: Provides default costing structures.
  • Warehouse Management: Integrates with locator and lot/serial controls.

Technical Considerations

The table is populated during inventory organization setup via the Define Organization form. Changes to parameters may require thorough testing, as they can cascade to downstream processes. In EBS 12.2.2, additional columns may exist to support newer features like enhanced lot/serial controls or advanced warehouse management.

Conclusion

The MTL_PARAMETERS table is a foundational component of Oracle Inventory, enabling granular control over inventory operations. Its configuration is critical for aligning system behavior with organizational policies, ensuring accurate costing, and maintaining compliance with traceability standards. Proper setup and periodic review of this table are essential for optimizing inventory management in Oracle EBS.