Search Results mtl_system_items_b




The MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B table is a fundamental entity in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2, serving as the primary repository for item master data within the Inventory and other supply chain modules. This table stores the core attributes of items, including descriptive, physical, and logistical characteristics, which are critical for procurement, manufacturing, order management, and inventory transactions. Below is a detailed analysis of its structure, purpose, and integration within Oracle EBS.

1. Purpose and Role

The MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B table is the backbone of item master management in Oracle EBS. It holds the base definition of all items across the organization, enabling consistent item identification and control. Each record represents a unique item in a specific organization, allowing multi-org configurations. Key functionalities supported by this table include:
  • Item Definition: Stores item codes, descriptions, and categorization (e.g., stockable, purchasable, transactable).
  • Inventory Control: Tracks attributes like unit of measure, weight, volume, and shelf life.
  • Supply Chain Integration: Links to purchasing, manufacturing, and order management modules.
  • Costing: Supports standard costing, average costing, and other valuation methods.

2. Key Columns and Structure

The table comprises over 300 columns, categorized into logical groups:
  • Primary Keys: INVENTORY_ITEM_ID (unique item identifier) and ORGANIZATION_ID (associates items to orgs).
  • Descriptive Attributes: SEGMENT1-SEGMENT20 (flexfield segments), DESCRIPTION, LONG_DESCRIPTION.
  • Physical Attributes: WEIGHT_UOM_CODE, VOLUME_UOM_CODE, UNIT_VOLUME.
  • Logistical Controls: LOT_CONTROL_CODE, SERIAL_NUMBER_CONTROL_CODE, LOCATION_CONTROL_CODE.
  • Status Flags: ENABLED_FLAG, PURCHASING_ENABLED_FLAG, INVENTORY_ASSET_FLAG.

3. Integration with Other Modules

MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B integrates with multiple Oracle EBS modules:
  • Purchasing (PO): Items flagged as PURCHASING_ENABLED_FLAG='Y' appear in requisitions and POs.
  • Order Management (OM): ORDERABLE_FLAG determines if an item is orderable.
  • Manufacturing (BOM/WIP): BOM_ENABLED_FLAG and WIP_SUPPLY_TYPE control production usage.
  • Cost Management (CST): Links to cost tables via INVENTORY_ITEM_ID.

4. Technical Considerations

  • Indexing: Key indexes include MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B_U1 (on INVENTORY_ITEM_ID, ORGANIZATION_ID) and MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B_N1 (on SEGMENT1).
  • Performance: High-volume environments may require partitioning or materialized views.
  • APIs: Use INV_ITEM_API for CRUD operations to maintain data integrity.

5. Customizations and Extensions

Organizations often extend the table via:
  • Descriptive Flexfields (DFFs): Custom attributes stored in ATTRIBUTE_CATEGORY and ATTRIBUTE1-20 columns.
  • Cross-References: MTL_ITEM_XREFS links items to external systems.

6. Data Lifecycle

Items progress through stages:
  1. Creation: Via Oracle Forms or APIs, with mandatory validations.
  2. Maintenance: Updates to status flags or attributes.
  3. Deactivation: Setting ENABLED_FLAG='N' restricts further transactions.

Conclusion

The MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B table is a cornerstone of Oracle EBS, enabling end-to-end item management. Its comprehensive design supports complex supply chain operations while allowing customization. Proper utilization ensures data consistency across modules, making it indispensable for inventory and procurement processes.