Search Results mds




The MSC_DESIGNATORS table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) versions 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical data structure within the Oracle Advanced Supply Chain Planning (ASCP) module. It serves as a repository for storing item designator information, which is essential for demand planning, supply planning, and inventory optimization. This table plays a pivotal role in defining how items are identified and categorized across supply chain processes, enabling planners to manage complex inventory hierarchies, substitution rules, and sourcing strategies.

Key Attributes of MSC_DESIGNATORS

The MSC_DESIGNATORS table contains several key columns that define item designators and their relationships:
  • DESIGNATOR_ID: A unique identifier for each designator record.
  • DESIGNATOR_CODE: A user-defined code representing the designator (e.g., "PRIMARY," "ALTERNATE").
  • DESIGNATOR_TYPE: Specifies the type of designator, such as "ITEM," "ORGANIZATION," or "SUPPLIER."
  • INVENTORY_ITEM_ID: Links the designator to a specific item in MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B.
  • ORGANIZATION_ID: Associates the designator with an inventory organization.
  • SR_INSTANCE_ID: References the source instance in a multi-instance environment.
  • START_DATE and END_DATE: Define the validity period of the designator.
  • STATUS: Indicates whether the designator is active or inactive.

Functional Role in Oracle ASCP

The MSC_DESIGNATORS table supports multiple advanced planning functionalities:
  1. Item Substitution: Enables the definition of alternate items that can be used in place of primary items during shortages.
  2. Sourcing Rules: Facilitates the assignment of preferred suppliers or manufacturing locations for specific items.
  3. Demand Prioritization: Allows planners to categorize items based on criticality, influencing planning engine decisions.
  4. Multi-Organization Planning: Helps manage item designators across different inventory organizations in a global supply chain.

Integration with Other EBS Modules

The table integrates with several Oracle EBS modules:
  • Inventory (INV): References item master data via INVENTORY_ITEM_ID.
  • Purchasing (PO): Links to supplier information for sourcing designators.
  • Order Management (OM): Influences fulfillment prioritization based on designator attributes.
  • Manufacturing (WIP): Supports alternate component assignments in bills of materials.

Technical Considerations

When working with MSC_DESIGNATORS, implementers should note:
  • The table is primarily maintained through the Oracle ASCP user interface, though direct SQL updates may be required for mass changes.
  • Designators must be properly synchronized with the MSC snapshots for accurate planning results.
  • Performance tuning may be necessary for implementations with large volumes of designator records.
  • Custom extensions should preserve referential integrity with related MSC tables like MSC_ITEMS and MSC_SUPPLIES.

Upgrade Implications

Between EBS 12.1.1 and 12.2.2, the MSC_DESIGNATORS table structure remained largely consistent, though underlying architectural changes in the ASCP engine may affect designator processing performance and scalability. Organizations upgrading should validate designator-related customizations and integration points. In summary, the MSC_DESIGNATORS table serves as a foundational element for advanced supply chain planning in Oracle EBS, enabling sophisticated item management strategies that drive operational efficiency and responsiveness in complex manufacturing and distribution environments.