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The AP.AP_SUP_SITE_CONTACT_INT table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) versions 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 serves as an interface table within the Accounts Payable (AP) module, specifically designed to facilitate the integration of supplier site contact data from external systems into Oracle EBS. This table acts as a staging area where data is temporarily held before being validated and processed into the core Oracle tables, ensuring data integrity and consistency. Below is a detailed analysis of its purpose, structure, and functional significance in Oracle EBS implementations.

Purpose and Functional Context

The AP_SUP_SITE_CONTACT_INT table is part of Oracle's Supplier Data Exchange framework, which enables seamless data transfer between Oracle EBS and external systems, such as third-party procurement applications or legacy systems. Its primary role is to store supplier site contact information—such as names, phone numbers, email addresses, and job titles—before this data is validated and imported into the base tables like AP_SUPPLIER_SITES and AP_SUPPLIER_CONTACTS. This intermediary step ensures that only clean, accurate data enters the production environment, reducing errors and maintaining referential integrity.

Key Columns and Data Structure

The table comprises columns that map to critical supplier contact attributes, including:
  • INTERFACE_ID: A unique identifier for each record in the interface table.
  • SUPPLIER_SITE_CODE: The code identifying the supplier site associated with the contact.
  • CONTACT_NAME: The name of the contact person.
  • PHONE/EMAIL: Contact details for communication.
  • JOB_TITLE: The contact's role or position.
  • STATUS: Indicates whether the record is pending, processed, or errored.
  • ERROR_MESSAGE: Captures validation errors for troubleshooting.
Additional columns may include metadata like CREATION_DATE, LAST_UPDATE_DATE, and REQUEST_ID to track data lineage and processing timelines.

Integration and Data Flow

The typical workflow involves:
  1. Data Loading: External systems or spreadsheets populate AP_SUP_SITE_CONTACT_INT via APIs, SQL*Loader, or custom scripts.
  2. Validation: Oracle's concurrent program "Supplier Site Contact Interface" validates data against business rules (e.g., mandatory fields, valid email formats).
  3. Processing: Valid records are transferred to base tables, while errored records remain in the interface table for correction.
  4. Error Resolution: Users review ERROR_MESSAGE, correct data, and resubmit the interface.

Technical Considerations

  • Performance: Large data volumes may require indexing on INTERFACE_ID or STATUS to optimize queries.
  • Customization: Organizations often extend the table with custom columns to capture additional attributes.
  • Security: Access should be restricted to authorized users to prevent unauthorized data manipulation.

Conclusion

The AP_SUP_SITE_CONTACT_INT table is a critical component in Oracle EBS for managing supplier contact data integration. By serving as a buffer between external systems and production data, it ensures accuracy and reliability in supplier information management. Proper utilization of this table, coupled with robust validation processes, enhances operational efficiency and data quality in procure-to-pay cycles.