Search Results mtl_object_genealogy

The MTL_OBJECT_GENEALOGY table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical data structure within the Inventory module, designed to track hierarchical relationships between inventory items, particularly for serial-controlled and lot-controlled items. This table plays a pivotal role in managing parent-child relationships, genealogy tracking, and traceability across manufacturing, maintenance, and supply chain processes. Below is a detailed summary of its purpose, structure, and functional significance in Oracle EBS.

Purpose and Functional Context

The MTL_OBJECT_GENEALOGY table is primarily used to maintain lineage and dependency relationships between inventory objects (e.g., serial numbers, lots, or assemblies). It enables organizations to trace the origin, composition, and usage history of items, which is essential for compliance (e.g., FDA, ISO), recall management, and quality control. Key use cases include:

• Bill of Materials (BOM) Tracking: Records parent-child relationships in assembled items.
• Serial/Lot Genealogy: Tracks the movement and transformation of serialized or lot-controlled items across transactions (e.g., repairs, splits, merges).
• Recall Management: Identifies affected items downstream or upstream in the supply chain.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The table's schema includes columns that define relationships, transaction details, and object attributes. Notable columns include:

• GENEALOGY_ID: Primary key, uniquely identifying each relationship record.
• OBJECT_TYPE: Specifies the type of inventory object (e.g., 1 for serial, 2 for lot).
• PARENT_OBJECT_ID and PARENT_OBJECT_TYPE: Reference the parent item's ID and type.
• CHILD_OBJECT_ID and CHILD_OBJECT_TYPE: Reference the child item's ID and type.
• TRANSACTION_ID: Links to MTL_MATERIAL_TRANSACTIONS to identify the transaction creating the relationship.
• START_DATE and END_DATE: Define the validity period of the relationship.
• RELATIONSHIP_TYPE: Indicates the nature of the relationship (e.g., "component of," "replaced by").

Integration with Oracle EBS Modules

The table interacts with several EBS modules:

• Inventory: Tracks item movements and transformations via transactions.
• Manufacturing: Records BOM hierarchies and assembly/disassembly processes.
• Maintenance (e.g., MRO): Manages part replacements and repairs.
• Quality: Supports defect tracing and root cause analysis.

Technical Considerations

• Performance: Large-scale genealogy tracking may require indexing strategies (e.g., on OBJECT_ID or TRANSACTION_ID) to optimize queries.
• Data Integrity: Relationships are enforced via foreign keys to tables like MTL_SERIAL_NUMBERS and MTL_LOT_NUMBERS.
• Custom Extensions: Organizations often extend the table with custom columns (e.g., for regulatory attributes) via descriptive flexfields.

Example Use Case

A pharmaceutical company uses MTL_OBJECT_GENEALOGY to trace raw material lots (PARENT_OBJECT_ID) to finished goods (CHILD_OBJECT_ID). If a quality issue arises, a recursive query identifies all affected batches, enabling targeted recalls.

Conclusion

The MTL_OBJECT_GENEALOGY table is a foundational component of Oracle EBS's traceability framework, enabling end-to-end visibility into item relationships. Its design supports complex supply chain scenarios while adhering to regulatory requirements. Proper utilization of this table enhances operational transparency, compliance, and risk mitigation in manufacturing and inventory-intensive environments.