Search Results fnd_form_custom_actions




The FND_FORM_CUSTOM_ACTIONS table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical repository for storing custom actions associated with Oracle Forms. These actions enable developers to extend standard Oracle Forms functionality by defining custom buttons, menus, or programmatic triggers that execute specific business logic. The table is part of the Oracle Application Object Library (FND) and plays a key role in personalizing and enhancing user interactions within the EBS environment.

Purpose and Functionality

The primary purpose of FND_FORM_CUSTOM_ACTIONS is to store metadata for user-defined actions that can be triggered from Oracle Forms. These actions are typically configured using Oracle Forms Personalization or the Application Developer responsibility. The table allows administrators and developers to:
  • Define custom buttons or menu items in Oracle Forms.
  • Associate PL/SQL procedures, Java methods, or other executable logic with these actions.
  • Control the visibility and execution of actions based on user roles or conditions.

Key Columns in FND_FORM_CUSTOM_ACTIONS

The table contains several important columns that define the behavior of custom actions:
  • ACTION_ID: A unique identifier for the custom action.
  • FORM_ID: References the Oracle Form (from FND_FORM) where the action is applied.
  • ACTION_NAME: The display name of the action (e.g., "Validate Data").
  • ACTION_TYPE: Specifies whether the action is a button, menu item, or programmatic trigger.
  • SEQUENCE: Determines the order in which actions appear in the UI.
  • ENABLED_FLAG: Controls whether the action is active (Y/N).
  • PROPERTY_NAME and PROPERTY_VALUE: Used to store additional configuration parameters.
  • CREATION_DATE, CREATED_BY, LAST_UPDATE_DATE, LAST_UPDATED_BY: Standard Oracle audit columns.

Integration with Oracle Forms Personalization

The FND_FORM_CUSTOM_ACTIONS table works in conjunction with Oracle Forms Personalization to allow non-technical users to configure custom actions without modifying the underlying form code. Administrators can use the "Personalize Form" functionality to:
  • Add new buttons or menu items to forms.
  • Define conditions under which actions are visible or executable.
  • Link actions to PL/SQL procedures stored in the database.

Technical Implementation

When a user interacts with a customized form, Oracle EBS queries the FND_FORM_CUSTOM_ACTIONS table to determine which actions should be displayed or executed. The execution logic typically involves:
  • Calling a stored PL/SQL procedure via FND_REQUEST.SUBMIT_REQUEST.
  • Invoking a Java method if the action is implemented in OA Framework.
  • Executing client-side JavaScript for simple UI manipulations.

Best Practices and Considerations

When working with FND_FORM_CUSTOM_ACTIONS, consider the following:
  • Always test custom actions in a development environment before deploying to production.
  • Document actions thoroughly in the DESCRIPTION column for maintainability.
  • Use the ENABLED_FLAG to temporarily disable problematic actions.
  • Consider performance implications when adding multiple actions to high-traffic forms.

Conclusion

The FND_FORM_CUSTOM_ACTIONS table provides a powerful mechanism for extending Oracle EBS forms functionality without modifying core application code. By leveraging this table through Forms Personalization, organizations can tailor the user experience to meet specific business requirements while maintaining upgrade compatibility. Proper use of this feature requires understanding both the technical implementation details and the business processes being automated.