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The PER_PHONES table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) versions 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical component of the Human Capital Management (HCM) module, specifically within the Oracle HRMS (Human Resource Management System) framework. This table stores comprehensive phone-related information for employees, contingent workers, applicants, and other person types registered in the system. Below is a detailed technical and functional breakdown of the PER_PHONES table.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The PER_PHONES table is designed to store multiple phone numbers associated with a person, categorized by phone type (e.g., work, home, mobile). Key columns include:
  • PHONE_ID: Primary key, uniquely identifying each phone record.
  • PERSON_ID: Foreign key referencing PER_ALL_PEOPLE_F, linking the phone record to a person.
  • PHONE_TYPE: Specifies the type of phone (e.g., 'W' for Work, 'H' for Home, 'M' for Mobile).
  • PHONE_NUMBER: Stores the actual phone number in a standardized or free-text format.
  • DATE_FROM and DATE_TO: Define the validity period of the phone record, supporting temporal data management.
  • PRIMARY_FLAG: Indicates if the phone number is the primary contact for the specified type.
  • COUNTRY_CODE_NUMBER: Optional field for international dialing codes.

Integration with Oracle HRMS

The PER_PHONES table integrates with core HRMS processes:
  • Person Management: Phone data is used in employee self-service (ESS), manager self-service (MSS), and HR administrative tasks.
  • Workflow Notifications: Phone numbers may trigger SMS or voice alerts via Oracle Workflow.
  • Global Payroll: Certain payroll rules may reference phone data for compliance or contact purposes.

Technical Considerations

  • Indexing: The table is indexed on PERSON_ID and PHONE_TYPE for performance optimization in queries.
  • API Usage: Oracle provides PL/SQL APIs (e.g., HR_PHONE_API) to manipulate records, ensuring data integrity.
  • Audit Trails: Changes to phone data may be logged in audit tables like PER_PHONES_F_AUDIT (if auditing is enabled).

Customization and Extensions

Organizations often extend the table's functionality by:
  • Adding custom phone types via lookup values (HR_LOOKUPS).
  • Integrating with third-party communication tools using the phone data.
  • Implementing validation rules (e.g., format checks) via database triggers.

Data Security

Access to PER_PHONES is controlled by Oracle's Data Security and VPD (Virtual Private Database) policies, ensuring role-based visibility (e.g., HR specialists vs. employees).

Upgrade Implications

Between 12.1.1 and 12.2.2, the table structure remains largely consistent, but patches or localized solutions may introduce minor changes. Always review Oracle's AD_ZD patches for table-specific updates.

Conclusion

The PER_PHONES table is a foundational element in Oracle EBS HCM, enabling flexible and scalable phone data management. Its design supports multi-national requirements, temporal tracking, and integration with broader HR processes, making it indispensable for workforce administration.