Search Results sys.




The SYS._DBA_APPLY_TABLE_COLUMNS view in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical data dictionary object that provides metadata about columns involved in Oracle Streams Apply processes. This view is part of Oracle's advanced replication and data movement infrastructure, which facilitates real-time data synchronization across distributed databases. Below is a detailed analysis of its structure, purpose, and relevance in Oracle EBS environments.

1. Overview and Purpose

The _DBA_APPLY_TABLE_COLUMNS view (prefixed with an underscore, indicating it is an internal/base view) exposes column-level details for tables registered with Oracle Streams Apply processes. It is primarily used by DBAs and integration specialists to:
  • Monitor column-level transformations or rules applied during replication.
  • Troubleshoot data inconsistencies in distributed EBS deployments.
  • Validate replication configurations for critical tables like GL_JE_HEADERS or PO_HEADERS_ALL.

2. Key Columns and Metadata

The view contains columns such as:
  • APPLY_NAME: Identifies the Apply process (e.g., STRMADMIN_APPLY).
  • TABLE_OWNER and TABLE_NAME: Schema and table name (e.g., APPS.AR_CUSTOMERS).
  • COLUMN_NAME and COLUMN_TYPE: Details about replicated columns.
  • COLUMN_POSITION: Ordinal position in the table.
  • INCLUDE_TAGGED_LCR: Indicates if the column is included in LCR (Logical Change Record) processing.

3. Oracle EBS Integration

In EBS 12.1.1/12.2.2, this view supports:
  • Multi-Org Configurations: Tracks column-level replication for ORG_ID-specific data segregation.
  • Cross-Module Sync: Ensures consistency for shared columns (e.g., INVENTORY_ITEM_ID between OM and INV modules).
  • Patch Automation: Helps validate column-level changes during ADOP cycles.

4. Performance and Security Considerations

  • Query Impact: Direct queries may affect performance in large EBS instances; filter by APPLY_NAME or TABLE_OWNER.
  • Access Control: Requires SELECT_CATALOG_ROLE or explicit grants due to its SYS-owned nature.
  • Data Volume: In EBS, the view may reference thousands of columns across 15,000+ tables.

5. Practical Use Cases

  1. Replication Validation: 
    SELECT column_name FROM SYS._DBA_APPLY_TABLE_COLUMNS 
WHERE table_name='RA_CUSTOMERS' AND apply_name='EBS_APPLY';
  2. Conflict Resolution: Identify columns with transformation rules during HQ-to-subsidiary sync.
  3. Upgrade Prep: Compare column sets pre- and post-EBS upgrade to detect missing columns.

6. Limitations and Alternatives

  • For user-friendly access, use the public synonym DBA_APPLY_TABLE_COLUMNS when available.
  • In EBS 12.2.2, Oracle recommends using GoldenGate over Streams for new implementations.
  • Does not show historical changes; supplement with DBA_APPLY_PARAMETERS for temporal analysis.

Conclusion

The SYS._DBA_APPLY_TABLE_COLUMNS view is an essential tool for managing complex replication scenarios in Oracle EBS environments. While its direct usage is typically limited to DBAs, understanding its structure helps troubleshoot integration issues, particularly in multi-instance deployments. For modern EBS implementations, consider complementing it with Oracle GoldenGate monitoring views for comprehensive data movement tracking.