Search Results mtl_lot_numbers




The MTL_LOT_NUMBERS table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical inventory management table that stores detailed information about lot-controlled items. As part of the Oracle Inventory module, this table plays a fundamental role in tracking and managing lot numbers assigned to items, enabling organizations to maintain traceability, compliance, and quality control across their supply chain operations.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The MTL_LOT_NUMBERS table contains the following key columns:
  • LOT_NUMBER: Primary identifier for the lot (varchar2, 80 chars)
  • INVENTORY_ITEM_ID: Foreign key to MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS
  • ORGANIZATION_ID: Owning inventory organization
  • DESCRIPTION: Optional lot description (varchar2, 240 chars)
  • EXPIRATION_DATE: Shelf life expiration date
  • RETEST_DATE: Date when quality retesting is required
  • ORIGINATION_DATE: Date when lot was created
  • STATUS_ID: Current status (active, inactive, etc.)
  • PARENT_LOT_NUMBER: For hierarchical lot structures
  • ATTRIBUTE_CATEGORY/1-15: Flexfield attributes

Functional Usage

The table supports several critical business processes:
  1. Lot Traceability: Maintains complete history of lot-controlled items from receipt through consumption
  2. Quality Management: Stores quality-related dates and attributes for compliance with FDA, GMP, and other regulations
  3. Shelf Life Management: Tracks expiration dates for perishable goods
  4. Serial-Lot Control: Integrates with serial number tracking when both controls are enabled

Integration Points

The table integrates with multiple EBS modules:
  • Purchasing: Lot information captured during receipt processing
  • Order Management: Lot assignments during shipping
  • Manufacturing: Lot consumption in production
  • Cost Management: Lot-specific cost calculations

Technical Considerations

Key technical aspects include:
  • Indexed on LOT_NUMBER, INVENTORY_ITEM_ID, and ORGANIZATION_ID for performance
  • Maintained through the Lot Master form (INVLOTMN)
  • Subject to the same security rules as inventory organizations
  • Audit columns (CREATION_DATE, LAST_UPDATE_DATE) track changes

Customization and Extensions

Common extension patterns include:
  • Adding custom attributes through descriptive flexfields
  • Creating triggers for complex validation rules
  • Developing custom reports using the lot data
  • Integrating with external quality systems

Version-Specific Notes

Between 12.1.1 and 12.2.2, the table structure remained largely consistent, with minor enhancements in:
  • Improved lot merge functionality in 12.2
  • Enhanced lot status controls
  • Better integration with Oracle's Advanced Supply Chain Planning
The MTL_LOT_NUMBERS table remains a cornerstone of Oracle's inventory control system, particularly for industries requiring strict lot traceability such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and high-tech manufacturing.