Search Results fnd_help_targets




The FND_HELP_TARGETS table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) versions 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical repository table that stores metadata related to help targets within the application. This table is part of the Oracle Application Object Library (FND) and plays a pivotal role in managing context-sensitive help functionality, ensuring users can access relevant documentation or guidance directly from the application interface. Below is a detailed breakdown of its structure, purpose, and significance in Oracle EBS.

Purpose and Functionality

The FND_HELP_TARGETS table is designed to map help topics or documentation references to specific forms, functions, or application components within Oracle EBS. It acts as a bridge between the user interface and the help system, enabling context-sensitive help delivery. When a user requests help (e.g., by pressing the F1 key or clicking a help icon), the system queries this table to retrieve the appropriate help topic based on the current context (e.g., form name, function ID, or block name).

Key Columns and Structure

The table includes several columns that define the relationship between application components and their associated help content. Key columns include:

  • TARGET_ID: A unique identifier for the help target entry.
  • TARGET_TYPE: Specifies the type of target (e.g., 'FORM', 'FUNCTION', 'BLOCK').
  • TARGET_NAME: The name of the form, function, or block (e.g., 'APXINWKB' for the Invoice Workbench form).
  • HELP_TOPIC: The name or identifier of the help topic linked to the target.
  • APPLICATION_ID: The ID of the application module (e.g., AP for Payables, GL for General Ledger).
  • CREATION_DATE and LAST_UPDATE_DATE: Timestamps for record creation and modification.

Integration with Oracle EBS Help System

The FND_HELP_TARGETS table integrates with Oracle EBS's help framework, which may include Oracle Help for the Web (OHW) or other documentation systems. When a help request is triggered, the system uses the TARGET_TYPE and TARGET_NAME to locate the corresponding HELP_TOPIC, which is then rendered to the user. This ensures that help content is dynamically aligned with the user's current task or screen.

Customization and Maintenance

Administrators or developers can customize help targets by adding or modifying records in this table. For example, if a custom form is developed, a new entry can be added to FND_HELP_TARGETS to link it to a custom help topic. Maintenance typically involves using Oracle's standard APIs or direct SQL updates (with caution) to ensure data integrity.

Technical Considerations

In Oracle EBS 12.2.2, the table may be part of the online patching (ADOP) cycle, requiring synchronization between the patch and run editions. Additionally, performance optimizations, such as indexing on TARGET_NAME and APPLICATION_ID, are recommended for large deployments. The table is owned by the APPS schema and is accessible via standard SQL queries for reporting or troubleshooting.

Conclusion

The FND_HELP_TARGETS table is a foundational component of Oracle EBS's help infrastructure, ensuring users receive accurate and context-aware assistance. Its design supports extensibility, allowing organizations to tailor help content to their customizations. Proper understanding and management of this table are essential for maintaining an effective help system in Oracle EBS 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 environments.