Search Results fnd_lookup_types

The FND_LOOKUP_TYPES table is a fundamental component of Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2, serving as the repository for lookup type definitions within the Applications Object Library (AOL). Lookup types are hierarchical metadata structures that define sets of static values, commonly used for validation, categorization, or dropdown lists across Oracle EBS modules. This table stores the high-level attributes of lookup types, while associated tables such as FND_LOOKUP_VALUES store the actual lookup values. Below is a detailed technical breakdown of its structure, functionality, and significance in Oracle EBS.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The FND_LOOKUP_TYPES table contains the following critical columns:

• LOOKUP_TYPE: The unique identifier for the lookup type (e.g., 'YES_NO', 'INVOICE_STATUS').
• SECURITY_GROUP_ID: Associates the lookup type with a security group for data partitioning in multi-org environments.
• VIEW_APPLICATION_ID: The application ID (from FND_APPLICATION) that owns the lookup type.
• APPLICATION_ID: The application ID where the lookup type is used (may differ from VIEW_APPLICATION_ID).
• CUSTOMIZATION_LEVEL: Indicates whether the lookup type is seeded ('S'), extensible ('E'), or user-defined ('U').
• MEANING: A descriptive name for the lookup type (e.g., 'Yes/No Indicator').
• DESCRIPTION: Detailed documentation of the lookup type's purpose.
• CREATION_DATE, CREATED_BY, LAST_UPDATE_DATE, LAST_UPDATED_BY: Standard Oracle EBS audit columns.

Functional Role in Oracle EBS

Lookup types defined in FND_LOOKUP_TYPES enable standardized value sets across modules. For example:

• Seeded lookup types like 'FND_YES_NO' provide global consistency for boolean options.
• Module-specific lookups (e.g., 'AR_INVOICE_STATUS' in Accounts Receivable) enforce domain-specific validations.

The table integrates with Oracle EBS's flexfield and profile options, allowing dynamic value control. Lookup types also support multi-language translations via the FND_LOOKUP_TYPES_TL table.

Technical Considerations

1. Indexing: The primary key (LOOKUP_TYPE, VIEW_APPLICATION_ID, SECURITY_GROUP_ID) ensures efficient access. Queries often join with FND_LOOKUP_VALUES on LOOKUP_TYPE.
2. Customization: While seeded lookup types (marked 'S') should not be modified, extensible types ('E') allow value additions via FND_LOOKUP_VALUES.
3. APIs: The FND_LOOKUP_PKG package provides programmatic access to maintain lookup types, ensuring metadata integrity.
4. Patching: During upgrades, Oracle's patch utilities preserve customizations by checking CUSTOMIZATION_LEVEL.

Integration with Other Components

The table interacts with:

• Flexfields: Value sets may reference lookup types for validation.
• Workflow: Lookup types define workflow statuses or decision points.
• Reports: Parameter lists often derive from lookup values.

Best Practices

1. Use descriptive MEANING and DESCRIPTION values for maintainability.
2. Avoid direct DML; instead, use Oracle's AOL APIs (FND_LOOKUP_PKG) to prevent corruption.
3. Leverage SECURITY_GROUP_ID for multi-org data isolation.
4. Audit custom lookup types regularly to avoid redundancy.

In summary, FND_LOOKUP_TYPES is a cornerstone of Oracle EBS's configurability, providing a structured mechanism for value standardization. Its proper use enhances system flexibility while maintaining data integrity across modules.