Search Results inv.mtl_parameters




The INV.MTL_PARAMETERS table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) versions 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 serves as a critical repository for inventory organization-level parameters, defining the operational behavior and default settings for inventory management. This table stores configuration details that govern how inventory transactions, costing, and other inventory-related processes are executed within each organization. Below is a detailed analysis of its structure, key columns, and functional significance in Oracle EBS.

Structure and Key Columns

The MTL_PARAMETERS table contains organization-specific inventory parameters, with each record representing a unique inventory organization. Key columns include:
  • ORGANIZATION_ID: Primary key, linking to HR_ALL_ORGANIZATION_UNITS to identify the inventory organization.
  • MASTER_ORGANIZATION_ID: References the master inventory organization in a multi-org setup.
  • DEFAULT_COST_TYPE_ID: Specifies the default cost type (e.g., Frozen, Average) for inventory valuation.
  • DEFAULT_ALTERNATE_COST_TYPE: Defines an alternate cost type for reporting or analysis.
  • LOT_NUMBER_UNIQUENESS: Controls whether lot numbers must be unique across organizations or within a single organization.
  • SERIAL_NUMBER_TYPE: Determines if serial numbers are predefined or generated dynamically.
  • LOCATOR_CONTROL: Enforces locator control (None, Prespecified, Dynamic Entry) for inventory tracking.
  • REQUIRE_LOCATOR_ORG: Indicates whether locators are mandatory for transactions.
  • ALLOW_NEGATIVE_BALANCES: Permits or restricts negative inventory balances.
  • DEFAULT_INCLUDE_IN_SHIPPING_DOCS: Sets default inclusion of items in shipping documents.

Functional Significance

  1. Inventory Control: Parameters like LOCATOR_CONTROL and REQUIRE_LOCATOR_ORG enforce granular tracking of stock movements, ensuring compliance with warehouse management policies.
  2. Costing and Valuation: The DEFAULT_COST_TYPE_ID and DEFAULT_ALTERNATE_COST_TYPE columns influence how costs are calculated and reported, impacting financial integration with modules like Cost Management and General Ledger.
  3. Lot/Serial Management: Settings such as LOT_NUMBER_UNIQUENESS and SERIAL_NUMBER_TYPE dictate traceability requirements, critical for industries with regulatory compliance needs (e.g., pharmaceuticals).
  4. Transaction Behavior: Flags like ALLOW_NEGATIVE_BALANCES determine whether backorders or overshipments are permitted, affecting order fulfillment workflows.
  5. Integration with Other Modules: Parameters align inventory processes with Purchasing, Order Management, and Manufacturing, ensuring consistency in multi-module operations.

Technical Considerations

  • Multi-Org Architecture: The ORGANIZATION_ID column supports Oracle's multi-org structure, enabling segregated data per legal entity or operating unit.
  • Seed Data: Initial configuration is populated during EBS installation, with values modifiable via the "Inventory Organization Parameters" form (Navigation: Inventory > Setup > Organizations > Parameters).
  • Performance Impact: Frequent updates to this table may require revalidation of cached parameters in the application tier.

Conclusion

The INV.MTL_PARAMETERS table is foundational to Oracle Inventory's configuration, acting as a central control point for organizational-level inventory rules. Its settings cascade across transactional and reporting processes, making it indispensable for system administrators and functional consultants. Understanding its columns and their implications ensures optimal setup aligned with business requirements, particularly in complex deployments involving multi-org hierarchies or regulated industries.