Search Results oe_hold_definitions

The OE_HOLD_DEFINITIONS table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) versions 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical repository for defining and managing order holds within the Order Management (OM) module. Holds are mechanisms used to prevent order processing—such as shipping, invoicing, or fulfillment—until specific conditions are resolved. This table stores metadata about hold types, their validation rules, and associated attributes, ensuring systematic control over order workflows.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The OE_HOLD_DEFINITIONS table comprises columns that define hold behavior and applicability:

• HOLD_ID: Primary key uniquely identifying each hold definition.
• NAME: User-friendly name of the hold (e.g., "Credit Check Hold").
• DESCRIPTION: Detailed explanation of the hold's purpose.
• TYPE_CODE: Categorizes holds as system (predefined by Oracle) or custom (user-defined).
• ACTIVE_FLAG: Indicates whether the hold is enabled (Y/N).
• RELEASE_REQUIRED_FLAG: Specifies if manual intervention is needed to release the hold (Y/N).
• AUTO_EXPIRE_FLAG: Determines if the hold expires automatically after a set duration (Y/N).
• VALIDATION_PROCEDURE: PL/SQL procedure name for custom validation logic.

Functional Role in Order Management

The table serves as the backbone for:

1. Hold Creation: Administrators define holds here, specifying conditions (e.g., "Hold if customer credit limit is exceeded").
2. Validation: During order submission, the system references OE_HOLD_DEFINITIONS to check if conditions trigger a hold.
3. Hold Application: Validated holds are logged in OE_ORDER_HOLDS, linking back to definitions via HOLD_ID.
4. Release Mechanisms: Manual or automated hold releases follow rules defined in this table.

Integration with Other Modules

Holds often interact with:

• Receivables (AR): Credit-related holds may reference AR credit check APIs.
• Inventory (INV): Stock availability holds prevent shipping if items are unavailable.
• Workflow (WF): Notifications for pending holds may route through Oracle Workflow.

Customization and Extensions

Organizations can extend functionality by:

• Adding custom validation PL/SQL procedures referenced in VALIDATION_PROCEDURE.
• Leveraging the TYPE_CODE to differentiate between business-specific hold categories.
• Using APIs like OE_HOLDS_PUB to programmatically manage holds.

Example Use Case

A "Payment Verification Hold" might be configured with:

• NAME: PAYMENT_VERIFICATION
• TYPE_CODE: CUSTOM
• VALIDATION_PROCEDURE: CUSTOM_PAYMENT_VALIDATION
• RELEASE_REQUIRED_FLAG: Y

When an order is placed, the custom procedure checks payment status; if unverified, the hold is applied, blocking shipment until AR confirms payment.

Performance Considerations

Indexes on HOLD_ID and NAME optimize lookup performance. Excessive custom validation logic may impact order submission speed, requiring tuning.

Conclusion

The OE_HOLD_DEFINITIONS table is pivotal in enforcing order control policies in Oracle EBS. Its flexible structure supports both out-of-the-box and customized hold scenarios, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. Proper configuration of this table minimizes order processing delays while maintaining auditability and governance.