Search Results fnd_flex_value_norm_hierarchy

The FND_FLEX_VALUE_NORM_HIERARCHY table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical repository for storing hierarchical relationships between flexfield values, primarily used in Key Flexfields (KFFs) such as Accounting Flexfield (GL), Item Categories, and others. This table enables structured value hierarchies, facilitating parent-child relationships that support reporting, validation, and data segmentation in Oracle Applications. Below is a detailed analysis of its structure, purpose, and usage in Oracle EBS.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The FND_FLEX_VALUE_NORM_HIERARCHY table contains the following key columns:

• FLEX_VALUE_SET_ID: Foreign key linking to FND_FLEX_VALUE_SETS, identifying the flexfield value set to which the hierarchy belongs.
• PARENT_FLEX_VALUE_ID: References the parent flex value (stored in FND_FLEX_VALUES) in the hierarchy.
• CHILD_FLEX_VALUE_ID: References the child flex value, establishing the parent-child relationship.
• RANGE_ATTRIBUTE: Indicates whether the hierarchy is defined as a range (e.g., for GL segment validation).
• HIERARCHY_ID: Unique identifier for the hierarchy record.
• CREATED_BY, CREATION_DATE, LAST_UPDATED_BY, LAST_UPDATE_DATE: Standard Oracle audit columns.

Functional Purpose

This table supports hierarchical data structures in flexfields, enabling:

• Validation: Ensures child values are valid under parent segments (e.g., validating cost centers under departments).
• Reporting: Facilitates roll-up reporting (e.g., summarizing GL account balances by parent nodes).
• Data Governance: Enforces structured data entry in forms and APIs.

Integration with Flexfield Architecture

The table works in conjunction with:

• FND_FLEX_VALUE_SETS: Defines value sets for flexfield segments.
• FND_FLEX_VALUES: Stores individual flexfield values.
• FND_FLEX_HIERARCHIES: Optional metadata for hierarchy definitions.

Technical Considerations

• Performance: Hierarchical queries (e.g., CONNECT BY in Oracle SQL) may require indexing on PARENT_FLEX_VALUE_ID and CHILD_FLEX_VALUE_ID.
• Security: Value security rules (via FND_FLEX_VALUE_RULES) may restrict hierarchy visibility.
• Upgrades: Custom hierarchies should be preserved during EBS upgrades.

Common Use Cases

1. General Ledger (GL): Hierarchies for account segments (e.g., parent "Expenses" with children like "Travel" and "Office Supplies").
2. Inventory: Category hierarchies for items (e.g., "Electronics" > "Laptops" > "Gaming Laptops").
3. Projects: Task hierarchies under project templates.

Best Practices

• Use Oracle's Flexfield Value Hierarchy form (via Application Developer responsibility) for maintenance.
• Avoid direct DML; use APIs like FND_FLEX_VAL_API for programmatic updates.
• Document custom hierarchies for auditability.

In summary, FND_FLEX_VALUE_NORM_HIERARCHY is a foundational table for hierarchical flexfield management in Oracle EBS, enabling structured data relationships critical for financial, inventory, and operational reporting. Proper configuration ensures data integrity and supports complex business rules across modules.