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The PO_USAGE_ATTRIBUTES table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 or 12.2.2 is a critical data structure that stores configuration attributes related to the usage of purchase orders (POs) within the Procurement module. This table plays a pivotal role in defining how purchase orders are utilized across different business processes, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and operational requirements. Below is a detailed analysis of its structure, purpose, and integration within Oracle EBS.

Overview and Purpose

The PO_USAGE_ATTRIBUTES table is part of the Oracle Purchasing module and serves as a repository for attributes that govern the behavior of purchase orders. These attributes determine how POs are created, approved, and processed, aligning with business rules and workflows. The table is primarily used to enforce constraints, define default values, and enable or disable specific functionalities based on the PO type or usage context.

Key Columns and Structure

The table consists of several columns, each serving a distinct purpose:
  • USAGE_ATTRIBUTE_ID: A unique identifier for each record, typically a primary key.
  • USAGE_TYPE: Specifies the context or category of the PO usage (e.g., "STANDARD," "BLANKET," "CONTRACT").
  • ATTRIBUTE_NAME: Defines the specific attribute being configured (e.g., "ALLOW_PRICE_OVERRIDE," "REQUIRE_APPROVAL").
  • ATTRIBUTE_VALUE: Stores the value assigned to the attribute (e.g., "Y" for yes, "N" for no, or a specific default value).
  • ENABLED_FLAG: Indicates whether the attribute is active ("Y") or inactive ("N").
  • CREATION_DATE and LAST_UPDATE_DATE: Audit columns tracking when the record was created or modified.

Functional Significance

The PO_USAGE_ATTRIBUTES table is instrumental in customizing procurement workflows. For example:
  • It can enforce mandatory approvals for certain PO types by setting REQUIRE_APPROVAL to "Y."
  • It may restrict price overrides for blanket agreements by configuring ALLOW_PRICE_OVERRIDE to "N."
  • It can define default accounting distributions for specific usage types.
These configurations ensure consistency and adherence to organizational policies across the procurement lifecycle.

Integration with Other Modules

The table interacts closely with other Oracle EBS modules, such as:
  • Oracle Payables: Attributes may influence invoice matching rules or payment terms.
  • Oracle Inventory: Controls whether POs can be created for inventory items or expense categories.
  • Oracle Workflow: Determines approval hierarchies based on usage attributes.

Customization and Extensibility

Organizations can extend the functionality of PO_USAGE_ATTRIBUTES by adding custom attributes or modifying existing ones through Oracle's flexfields or personalization tools. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor the procurement process to their unique requirements without modifying core application code.

Conclusion

The PO_USAGE_ATTRIBUTES table is a foundational component of Oracle EBS Procurement, enabling granular control over purchase order behavior. Its configuration directly impacts operational efficiency, compliance, and user experience. Understanding its structure and functionality is essential for system administrators, implementers, and consultants working with Oracle EBS 12.1.1 or 12.2.2.