Search Results po_vendor_contacts

The PO_VENDOR_CONTACTS table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) versions 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical repository for storing vendor contact information within the Purchasing (PO) module. This table serves as a central hub for maintaining contact details of individuals associated with suppliers, enabling efficient communication and transactional processing in procurement operations. Below is a detailed analysis of its structure, functionality, and integration within Oracle EBS.

Table Structure and Key Columns

The PO_VENDOR_CONTACTS table contains columns that define vendor contact attributes, including:

• VENDOR_CONTACT_ID: Primary key uniquely identifying each contact record.
• VENDOR_ID: Foreign key linking to PO_VENDORS, associating the contact with a specific supplier.
• VENDOR_SITE_ID: Optional foreign key referencing PO_VENDOR_SITES_ALL to associate contacts with specific vendor locations.
• LAST_NAME, FIRST_NAME: Stores the contact person's name.
• EMAIL_ADDRESS, PHONE: Communication details for the contact.
• FAX, AREA_CODE: Additional contact metadata.
• ACTIVE_FLAG: Indicates whether the contact is active (Y/N).
• CREATION_DATE, LAST_UPDATE_DATE: Audit columns tracking record lifecycle.

Functional Role in Procurement

The table supports core purchasing processes:

1. Supplier Communication: Facilitates automated notifications (e.g., POs, RFQs) via contact details stored in the table.
2. Approval Workflows: Contacts may be designated as approvers for procurement documents.
3. Reporting: Enables vendor contact analysis through embedded relationships with other PO tables.

Integration with Oracle EBS Modules

PO_VENDOR_CONTACTS integrates with:

• AP (Accounts Payable): Contacts may be referenced for invoice-related correspondence.
• iSupplier Portal: External users access vendor data, including contacts, via this interface.
• Oracle Sourcing: Contacts participate in negotiation workflows.

Technical Considerations

• Indexes: Optimized queries typically use indexes on VENDOR_ID and VENDOR_CONTACT_ID.
• APIs: Oracle provides PL/SQL APIs (e.g., PO_VENDORS_PKG) for programmatic access.
• Security: Access is controlled via Oracle's Function Security and Data Security models.

Customization and Extensions

Common extensions include:

• Adding custom columns via Descriptive Flexfields (DFFs).
• Implementing triggers to synchronize contact data with external CRMs.
• Developing workflows leveraging contact attributes for approval routing.

Data Management Best Practices

• Regularly purge obsolete contacts using ACTIVE_FLAG as a filter.
• Leverage Oracle's Trading Community Architecture (TCA) for complex vendor hierarchies.
• Audit contact updates using LAST_UPDATE_DATE for compliance.

In summary, PO_VENDOR_CONTACTS is a foundational table in Oracle EBS Purchasing, enabling efficient vendor management and process automation. Its design reflects Oracle's modular architecture, ensuring seamless integration across financial and supply chain functions while maintaining data integrity through rigorous relational constraints.