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The EC.ECE_AP_CHECKS_INTERFACE table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) versions 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 serves as a critical interface table within the Accounts Payable (AP) module, specifically designed to facilitate the integration of check payment data from external systems into Oracle Payables. This table is part of the External Checks Entry (ECE) functionality, which enables organizations to import check payment information generated outside Oracle Applications, ensuring seamless reconciliation and financial reporting.

Purpose and Functionality

The primary purpose of EC.ECE_AP_CHECKS_INTERFACE is to act as a staging area for check payment data before it is validated and processed by Oracle Payables. Organizations often use third-party check printing systems or legacy applications to generate checks, and this table allows such data to be imported into Oracle EBS without manual re-entry. Key functionalities include:
  • Data Staging: Temporarily holds check payment records (e.g., check numbers, amounts, payees) until they are validated and transferred to Oracle Payables.
  • Validation: Ensures data integrity by verifying mandatory fields, cross-referencing supplier and invoice data, and checking for duplicates.
  • Error Handling: Flags records with validation errors, allowing users to correct issues before processing.

Key Columns and Structure

The table comprises columns that capture essential check payment attributes, including:
  • CHECK_ID: Unique identifier for each check record.
  • CHECK_NUMBER: The check number assigned by the external system.
  • CHECK_DATE: The date the check was issued.
  • AMOUNT: The payment amount.
  • VENDOR_ID/VENDOR_NAME: Supplier details.
  • INVOICE_NUM/INVOICE_ID: References to the paid invoices.
  • STATUS: Indicates whether the record is pending, processed, or errored.
  • BANK_ACCOUNT_ID: Links to the bank account from which the check was issued.

Integration with Oracle Payables

The data in EC.ECE_AP_CHECKS_INTERFACE is processed using concurrent programs such as Payables Open Interface Import or custom scripts. The workflow involves:
  1. Data Loading: External systems populate the table via APIs, SQL*Loader, or custom interfaces.
  2. Validation: Oracle validates records against supplier, invoice, and bank account data.
  3. Transfer: Valid records are moved to Oracle Payables tables (e.g., AP_CHECKS_ALL).
  4. Error Resolution: Invalid records remain in the interface table for correction.

Common Use Cases

  • Third-Party Check Printing: Importing check details from external check-printing software.
  • Legacy System Migration: Migrating historical check data during system upgrades.
  • Bulk Payments: Processing high-volume payments (e.g., payroll or vendor batches) from non-Oracle systems.

Best Practices

To ensure efficient operation:
  • Data Quality: Pre-validate data in the source system to minimize errors.
  • Indexing: Maintain indexes on key columns (e.g., CHECK_ID, STATUS) for performance.
  • Purge Strategy: Archive or purge processed records to avoid table bloating.
In summary, EC.ECE_AP_CHECKS_INTERFACE is a pivotal component in Oracle EBS for integrating external check payments, streamlining financial operations, and ensuring data accuracy. Its structured design and integration capabilities make it indispensable for organizations leveraging hybrid payment systems.