Search Results mtl_system_items_tl

The MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_TL table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical repository for translated item descriptions and other language-specific attributes in the Inventory module. As part of the Oracle Inventory data model, it stores multilingual information for items defined in the MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B base table. This table enables organizations to maintain item master data in multiple languages, supporting global operations and compliance with regional requirements.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_TL table contains these essential columns:

• INVENTORY_ITEM_ID: Foreign key linking to MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_B, uniquely identifying the item
• ORGANIZATION_ID: Identifies the inventory organization
• LANGUAGE: Stores the language code (e.g., 'US' for English, 'DE' for German)
• DESCRIPTION: Translated item description in the specified language
• LONG_DESCRIPTION: Extended descriptive text in the target language
• SOURCE_LANG: Indicates the source language of the translation

Functional Role in Oracle EBS

This table plays several important roles:

1. Multilingual Support: Enables display of item information in user-preferred languages across forms, reports, and self-service applications
2. Global Operations: Facilitates international business by maintaining localized descriptions for items shipped across regions
3. Reporting Consistency: Ensures translated content appears correctly in localized financial and operational reports

Integration Points

MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_TL integrates with multiple EBS modules:

• Order Management: Displays translated item descriptions on sales orders
• Purchasing: Shows localized descriptions on purchase orders and requisitions
• Advanced Pricing: Supports language-specific pricing rules based on item attributes
• Global Trade Management: Provides translated descriptions for export documentation

Technical Considerations

Key technical aspects include:

• The table uses Oracle's Multi-Language Support (MLS) architecture
• Data is maintained through the Item Master form (INVITEMS) or Open Interface Tables
• Translations can be batch-loaded via APIs or the Oracle Translation Interface
• Indexes exist on INVENTORY_ITEM_ID, ORGANIZATION_ID, and LANGUAGE columns for performance

Maintenance Best Practices

For optimal performance and data integrity:

1. Use standard Oracle forms for translation maintenance whenever possible
2. Implement a translation workflow for verifying localized content
3. Schedule periodic synchronization between base and translated tables
4. Consider using Oracle's Translation Workbench for complex multilingual implementations

Customization Considerations

When extending functionality:

• Custom reports should join to both _B and _TL tables using LANGUAGE parameters
• Workflows should account for language preferences when triggering notifications
• Custom interfaces should preserve the SOURCE_LANG column when inserting translations

The MTL_SYSTEM_ITEMS_TL table exemplifies Oracle's approach to multilingual support in EBS, providing a robust framework for global item master management while maintaining tight integration with core inventory functionality.