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The AP_HOLDS_ALL table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical repository for tracking holds placed on invoices within the Accounts Payable (AP) module. It stores comprehensive information about invoice holds, including the reason for the hold, the date it was applied, and the user who initiated it. This table is integral to the AP workflow, ensuring proper controls and compliance by preventing payments for invoices that require further review or resolution.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The AP_HOLDS_ALL table is designed with a multi-org structure, meaning it can store data across multiple operating units (OU). Key columns include:
  • HOLD_ID: Primary key, uniquely identifying each hold record.
  • INVOICE_ID: References the invoice from AP_INVOICES_ALL to which the hold applies.
  • HOLD_LOOKUP_CODE: Specifies the type of hold (e.g., "MATCH," "APPROVAL," "TAX"). This links to AP_LOOKUP_CODES where hold types are defined.
  • HOLD_REASON: Optional field for additional comments about the hold.
  • STATUS_FLAG: Indicates whether the hold is active ("A") or released ("R").
  • CREATION_DATE, CREATED_BY, LAST_UPDATE_DATE, LAST_UPDATED_BY: Standard Oracle audit columns.
  • ORG_ID: Operating unit identifier for multi-org support.

Functional Role in AP Workflow

Holds in Oracle AP serve as control mechanisms to prevent payment processing for invoices that fail validation checks or require manual intervention. Common scenarios include:
  • Matching Holds: Triggered when invoice quantities or prices do not match purchase orders or receipts.
  • Approval Holds: Applied when invoices exceed predefined approval limits.
  • Tax Holds: Activated if tax calculations are incomplete or disputed.
The AP_HOLDS_ALL table interacts with other AP tables like AP_INVOICES_ALL, AP_HOLD_RELEASE_ACTIONS, and AP_HOLD_SOURCES to enforce these controls. For example, when an invoice is matched or approved, the system updates the STATUS_FLAG to "R" (released), allowing payment processing to proceed.

Integration and Customization

The table supports integration with custom workflows and extensions. Developers can:
  • Leverage the AP_HOLDS_ALL data to build custom reports on hold trends.
  • Use APIs like AP_HOLDS_PKG to programmatically apply or release holds.
  • Extend hold functionality by adding custom lookup codes or validation logic.

Technical Considerations

In EBS 12.2.2, the table benefits from Oracle's Online Patching (ADOP) framework, ensuring holds data remains available during patching. Performance optimizations include:
  • Indexes on INVOICE_ID and HOLD_LOOKUP_CODE for faster querying.
  • Partitioning strategies for high-volume environments.

Conclusion

The AP_HOLDS_ALL table is a cornerstone of Oracle AP’s control framework, enabling organizations to enforce compliance, reduce errors, and streamline invoice processing. Its design ensures scalability, auditability, and flexibility, making it indispensable for both standard and customized AP workflows in EBS 12.1.1 and 12.2.2.