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The MTL_SERIAL_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 serialized items. Serialized items are uniquely identifiable through serial numbers, enabling precise tracking throughout their lifecycle—from receipt to consumption or disposal. This table is part of the Oracle Inventory module and integrates with other key modules such as Order Management, Purchasing, and Manufacturing.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The MTL_SERIAL_NUMBERS table contains columns that capture essential attributes of serialized items:
  • SERIAL_NUMBER: The unique identifier for the item.
  • INVENTORY_ITEM_ID: Links to MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B to identify the item.
  • ORGANIZATION_ID: Specifies the inventory organization where the item is stored.
  • CURRENT_STATUS: Indicates the item's status (e.g., 1 for "In Inventory," 3 for "Shipped").
  • CURRENT_ORGANIZATION_ID: Tracks the current organization holding the item.
  • CURRENT_SUBINVENTORY: Identifies the subinventory location.
  • CURRENT_LOCATOR_ID: Points to the specific locator within the subinventory.
  • LOT_NUMBER: Optional field for items also tracked by lot.
  • ATTRIBUTE_CATEGORY and ATTRIBUTE_n: Capture flexfield data for custom attributes.
  • CREATION_DATE, LAST_UPDATE_DATE: Audit columns for tracking record changes.

Functional Role in Oracle EBS

The table supports core inventory processes:
  • Receiving: Serial numbers are assigned during receipt from suppliers or internal transfers.
  • Inventory Transactions: Movements (issues, transfers, adjustments) update the CURRENT_STATUS and location fields.
  • Order Fulfillment: Serial numbers are associated with sales orders and updated to "Shipped" upon delivery.
  • Warranty and Maintenance: Serial tracking enables service history and warranty validation.

Integration with Other Modules

The table interacts with:
  • Order Management (OM): Via SO_SERIAL_NUMBERS for sales order allocations.
  • Purchasing (PO): Through RCV_TRANSACTIONS for receipt serialization.
  • Work in Process (WIP): Tracks serialized components in manufacturing.

Technical Considerations

  • Indexes: Key indexes include MTL_SERIAL_NUMBERS_U1 (unique on SERIAL_NUMBER, INVENTORY_ITEM_ID, ORGANIZATION_ID) and MTL_SERIAL_NUMBERS_N1 (on CURRENT_STATUS).
  • Performance: Large datasets may require partitioning or purging strategies for archived serials.
  • APIs: Oracle provides INV_SERIAL_NUMBER_PUB for programmatic access to ensure data integrity.

Customization and Extensions

Custom reports or integrations often leverage this table for:
  • Serial number validation workflows.
  • Asset tracking extensions beyond standard Oracle functionality.
  • Regulatory compliance reporting (e.g., FDA, aerospace).
In summary, the MTL_SERIAL_NUMBERS table is foundational for serialized inventory management in Oracle EBS, enabling granular tracking, regulatory compliance, and integration across supply chain processes. Proper understanding of its structure and relationships is essential for effective implementation and customization.