Search Results wsh_serial_numbers




The WSH_SERIAL_NUMBERS table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical data structure within the Shipping Execution (WSH) module, primarily responsible for tracking serialized inventory items throughout the shipping and fulfillment process. This table stores detailed information about serial numbers assigned to items, enabling organizations to maintain granular control over inventory movement, traceability, and compliance with serialized item requirements. Below is a comprehensive technical overview of its structure, functionality, and integration within Oracle EBS.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The WSH_SERIAL_NUMBERS table contains the following key columns:
  • SERIAL_NUMBER_ID: Primary key identifier for each serial number record.
  • DELIVERY_DETAIL_ID: Foreign key linking to WSH_DELIVERY_DETAILS, associating serial numbers with specific delivery lines.
  • INVENTORY_ITEM_ID: References MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B to identify the item being serialized.
  • ORGANIZATION_ID: Specifies the inventory organization where the serialized item resides.
  • SERIAL_NUMBER: Stores the unique alphanumeric identifier for the item.
  • STATUS: Indicates the current status of the serialized item (e.g., "Shipped," "In Transit").
  • CREATION_DATE and LAST_UPDATE_DATE: Audit columns for tracking record changes.

Functional Role in Shipping Execution

The table plays a pivotal role in:
  1. Serialized Item Tracking: Captures serial numbers during pick release, packing, and shipping processes, ensuring end-to-end visibility.
  2. Integration with Inventory: Synchronizes with MTL_SERIAL_NUMBERS to maintain consistency between shipping and inventory records.
  3. Compliance and Reporting: Supports regulatory requirements (e.g., lot/serial traceability) by providing a historical record of serialized shipments.
  4. Reverse Logistics: Facilitates returns processing by validating serial numbers against shipped items.

Integration with Other Modules

The table interacts with:
  • Order Management (OM): Links serial numbers to sales order lines via WSH_DELIVERY_DETAILS.
  • Inventory (INV): Mirrors serial data in MTL_SERIAL_NUMBERS to reflect shipping status changes.
  • Warehouse Management (WMS): Enables serial validation during pick confirmations and load consolidations.

Technical Considerations

  • Indexing: Key columns like SERIAL_NUMBER_ID and DELIVERY_DETAIL_ID are indexed for performance.
  • Data Volume: High-transaction environments may require partitioning strategies for scalability.
  • Custom Extensions: Organizations often extend the table with descriptive flexfields (DFFs) for industry-specific attributes.

Common Use Cases

  1. Serialized Shipping Confirmations: Automatically updates serial statuses upon delivery completion.
  2. Recall Management: Identifies affected serial numbers for product recalls using historical queries.
  3. Warranty Validation: Verifies serial eligibility during service request creation.

Conclusion

The WSH_SERIAL_NUMBERS table is a foundational component of Oracle EBS's serialized inventory tracking capabilities, bridging shipping execution with broader supply chain processes. Its design ensures data integrity while supporting complex logistics scenarios, making it indispensable for industries with strict serialization requirements such as aerospace, healthcare, and high-tech manufacturing.