Search Results wf_item_types_tl




The WF_ITEM_TYPES_TL table in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) versions 12.1.1 and 12.2.2 is a critical component of the Oracle Workflow module, which facilitates business process automation and task routing. This table stores translated descriptions and display names for workflow item types, enabling multilingual support within the Workflow Builder and runtime environments. Below is a detailed analysis of its structure, purpose, and functional significance.

Table Structure and Columns

The WF_ITEM_TYPES_TL table is a child table of WF_ITEM_TYPES_B, containing language-specific translations for workflow item type metadata. Key columns include:
  • ITEM_TYPE: The internal name of the workflow item type (foreign key to WF_ITEM_TYPES_B.NAME).
  • LANGUAGE: The language code (e.g., 'US' for English) for the translated text.
  • SOURCE_LANG: The source language of the original record.
  • DISPLAY_NAME: The translated label displayed in the Workflow Builder UI.
  • DESCRIPTION: A detailed description of the item type in the specified language.
  • PROTECT_LEVEL and CUSTOM_LEVEL: Control customization and security levels, inherited from the base table.

Functional Role

WF_ITEM_TYPES_TL supports globalization by:
  • Enabling UI localization for workflow definitions, allowing users to interact with workflows in their preferred language.
  • Storing translated metadata for predefined (e.g., 'FND', 'PO') and custom item types.
  • Facilitating runtime display of workflow notifications and monitors in multiple languages.

Integration with Workflow Engine

The table is referenced during:
  • Workflow Design: The Workflow Builder uses DISPLAY_NAME and DESCRIPTION to render item types in the UI.
  • Runtime Execution: The Workflow Engine retrieves translations for notifications and user-facing messages based on the session language.
  • Seed Data: Oracle-provided item types (e.g., 'FND Concurrent Request') include preloaded translations in this table.

Technical Considerations

  • Indexing: The primary key (ITEM_TYPE, LANGUAGE) ensures efficient lookup during runtime.
  • Multi-Org Behavior: In EBS 12.2.2, the table is multi-org enabled but shares data across operating units.
  • Upgrades/Migrations: Custom translations must be preserved during upgrades using AD Merge Patch utilities.

Customization and Extensions

Developers can:
  • Add translations for custom item types via WF_ITEM_TYPES_PKG APIs.
  • Leverage the table to extend language support for industry-specific workflows.
  • Query the table to audit translation coverage using NVL(SOURCE_LANG, LANGUAGE) filters.

Performance Implications

Excessive joins with this table in PL/SQL logic may impact performance. Best practices include:
  • Using deterministic functions to cache translations.
  • Limiting columns selected in queries (DISPLAY_NAME only vs. full row).

Conclusion

The WF_ITEM_TYPES_TL table is foundational for Oracle Workflow's multilingual capabilities in EBS 12.x. Its design ensures seamless localization of process definitions while maintaining integrity with the base metadata. Administrators should monitor translation completeness, especially for custom workflows deployed in global implementations.