Search Results mtl_secondary_inventories




The MTL_SECONDARY_INVENTORIES table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 or 12.2.2 is a critical repository for managing sub-inventories within the Inventory module. It stores detailed information about secondary inventory locations, which are logical or physical subdivisions of an organization's primary inventory. These sub-inventories enable granular control over stock management, allowing businesses to segregate inventory based on criteria such as location, purpose, or stock type. Below is a detailed breakdown of its structure, functionality, and significance in Oracle EBS.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The MTL_SECONDARY_INVENTORIES table contains columns that define the attributes and behavior of sub-inventories. Key columns include:
  • SECONDARY_INVENTORY_NAME: A unique identifier for the sub-inventory.
  • ORGANIZATION_ID: Links the sub-inventory to an organization in HR_ORGANIZATION_UNITS.
  • DESCRIPTION: A user-defined description of the sub-inventory.
  • DISABLE_DATE: Indicates if the sub-inventory is inactive.
  • ASSET_INVENTORY: Flags whether items in this sub-inventory are treated as assets (capitalized).
  • INVENTORY_ATP_CODE: Controls ATP (Available-to-Promise) behavior for the sub-inventory.
  • LOCATOR_TYPE: Specifies whether locator control is enforced (e.g., predefined, dynamic, or none).
  • PICKING_ORDER: Determines the priority of this sub-inventory during picking operations.
  • RESERVABLE_TYPE: Defines if items can be reserved in this sub-inventory.

Functional Role in Inventory Management

Sub-inventories are foundational for:
  • Stock Segmentation: Enables categorization by geography, department, or stock type (e.g., raw materials, finished goods).
  • Locator Control: Integrates with MTL_ITEM_LOCATIONS to enforce precise tracking of item locations.
  • Transaction Processing: Supports movements between sub-inventories (transfers, issues, receipts) via MTL_MATERIAL_TRANSACTIONS.
  • Costing and Accounting: Tracks valuation accounts by sub-inventory for financial reporting.
  • ATP and Allocation: Influences availability checks in Order Management based on sub-inventory rules.

Integration with Other Modules

The table interacts with:
  • Order Management (OM): Sub-inventories are assigned to shipping warehouses.
  • Purchasing (PO): Defines receiving sub-inventories for inbound shipments.
  • Work in Process (WIP): Designates sub-inventories for component issue and completion.
  • Cost Management (CST): Maps sub-inventories to valuation accounts for cost rollups.

Technical Considerations

  • Indexes: Key indexes include MTL_SECONDARY_INVENTORIES_U1 (unique on ORGANIZATION_ID and SECONDARY_INVENTORY_NAME) and MTL_SECONDARY_INVENTORIES_N1 (on ORGANIZATION_ID).
  • APIs Custom integrations should use Oracle's public APIs (e.g., INV_SECONDARY_INVENTORY_PUB) to avoid direct table manipulation.
  • Data Security: Access is controlled via Oracle's Function Security and MOAC (Multi-Org Access Control).

Conclusion

The MTL_SECONDARY_INVENTORIES table is a linchpin in Oracle EBS Inventory, enabling precise control over inventory segmentation, transactions, and reporting. Its integration across modules ensures consistency in logistics, financials, and supply chain operations. Proper configuration of sub-inventories is essential for optimizing inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, and compliance with accounting standards.