Search Results po_attribute_values




The PO_ATTRIBUTE_VALUES table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical repository for storing attribute values associated with purchase orders (POs) and related documents within the Procurement module. This table plays a pivotal role in extending the standard functionality of Oracle Purchasing by allowing organizations to capture custom or additional data points beyond the predefined fields in the base tables. Below is a detailed breakdown of its structure, purpose, and integration within Oracle EBS.

Table Overview

The PO_ATTRIBUTE_VALUES table is part of the PO schema in Oracle EBS and is designed to store user-defined or system-generated attribute values linked to purchase orders, requisitions, and other procurement documents. It enables organizations to implement custom business rules, validations, and reporting requirements without modifying core Oracle tables. The table is primarily used in conjunction with the PO_ATTRIBUTES and PO_ATTRIBUTE_CATEGORIES tables, which define the attribute names and categories, respectively.

Key Columns and Structure

The table includes the following key columns:
  • ATTRIBUTE_VALUE_ID: A unique identifier for each attribute value record.
  • ATTRIBUTE_ID: References the attribute definition in PO_ATTRIBUTES.
  • DOCUMENT_TYPE: Specifies the type of document (e.g., PO, Requisition, Release) to which the attribute applies.
  • DOCUMENT_HEADER_ID or DOCUMENT_LINE_ID: Links the attribute value to either the header or line level of the document.
  • VALUE: Stores the actual attribute value, which can be text, numbers, or dates.
  • CREATION_DATE, CREATED_BY, LAST_UPDATE_DATE, LAST_UPDATED_BY: Audit columns tracking record creation and modifications.

Functional Use Cases

  1. Custom Data Capture: Organizations can define attributes like "Project Code," "Cost Center," or "Approval Status" to align with internal processes.
  2. Integration with Other Modules: Attributes can facilitate integration with Oracle Projects, Inventory, or General Ledger by storing cross-module references.
  3. Reporting and Analytics: Custom attributes enable granular reporting in tools like Oracle BI or Discoverer.
  4. Workflow and Approvals: Attribute values can trigger workflows or approval hierarchies based on specific conditions.

Technical Considerations

  • Indexing: The table is typically indexed on DOCUMENT_TYPE, DOCUMENT_HEADER_ID, and DOCUMENT_LINE_ID for performance optimization.
  • APIs: Oracle provides PL/SQL APIs (e.g., PO_ATTRIBUTE_VALUES_PKG) to manipulate data programmatically, ensuring data integrity.
  • Flexfields Integration: While Descriptive Flexfields (DFFs) are another method for extending data, PO_ATTRIBUTE_VALUES offers a more structured approach for complex use cases.

Version-Specific Notes

In Oracle EBS 12.2.2, the table retains the same structure as in 12.1.1 but may include performance enhancements or additional hooks for cloud integration. Both versions support the table's use in Oracle's Self-Service Procurement (iProcurement) and Sourcing modules.

Conclusion

The PO_ATTRIBUTE_VALUES table is a versatile tool for extending Oracle Purchasing functionality, enabling organizations to tailor the system to their unique requirements. Its design ensures scalability and maintainability, making it a cornerstone for customizations in Oracle EBS Procurement.