R11i Defining Flexfields

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R11i Defining Flexfields

Student Guide

14466GC11

Production 1.1

September 2000

M012924


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Copyright Oracle Corporation, 2000. All rights reserved.

This documentation contains proprietary information of Oracle Corporation. It is provided under a licenseagreement containing restrictions on use and disclosure and is also protected by copyright law. Reverseengineering of the software is prohibited. If this documentation is delivered to a U.S. Government Agency of theDepartment of Defense, then it is delivered with Restricted Rights and the following legend is applicable:

Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions for commercial computer software

and shall be deemed to be Restricted Rights software under Federal law, as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii)of DFARS 252.227-7013, Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software (October 1988).

This material or any portion of it may not be copied in any form or by any means without the express priorwritten permission of the Education Products group of Oracle Corporation. Any other copying is a violation ofcopyright law and may result in civil and/or criminal penalties.

If this documentation is delivered to a U.S. Government Agency not within the Department of Defense, then it isdelivered with Restricted Rights, as defined in FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data-General, including Alternate III(June 1987).

The information in this document is subject to change without notice. If you find any problems in thedocumentation, please report them in writing to Worldwide Education Services, Oracle Corporation, 500 OracleParkway, Box SB-6, Redwood Shores, CA 94065. Oracle Corporation does not warrant that this document iserror-free.

Oracle and all references to Oracle Products are trademarks or registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation.

All other products or company names are used for identification purposes only, and may be trademarks of theirrespective owners.

Authors

Clara Jaeckel, Richard Sears

Technical Contributors and Reviewers

Nic Atkin, Phil Cannon, Millie Wang

This book was published using:

OracleTutor


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R11i Defining Flexfields Table of Contentsi

Table of Contents

Overview of Flexfields ...........................................................................................................1-1

Overview of Flexfields ........................................................................................................1-2Objectives ............................................................................................................................1-3

Overview .............................................................................................................................1-4Customizing Oracle Applications........................................................................................1-5Flexfield Structures and Flexfield Segments .......................................................................1-6Segment Prompts and Value Descriptions...........................................................................1-7Validating Input Using Value Sets ......................................................................................1-8Practice 1-1..........................................................................................................................1-9Key and Descriptive Flexfields............................................................................................1-12Key Flexfields......................................................................................................................1-13Intelligent Keys....................................................................................................................1-14Key Flexfield Example: Accounting Flexfield ....................................................................1-16Key Flexfield Example: Asset Category Flexfield ..............................................................1-17Oracle Applications Key Flexfields.....................................................................................1-18Descriptive Flexfields..........................................................................................................1-19

Using Reference Fields........................................................................................................1-20Using Different Contexts: Asset Category Flexfield ...........................................................1-21Oracle Applications Descriptive Flexfields (Partial) ..........................................................1-22SRS and Flexfields ..............................................................................................................1-23Benefits of Flexfields...........................................................................................................1-24Storing Flexfield Data Internally .........................................................................................1-25Practice 1-2..........................................................................................................................1-26Implementing a Flexfield Steps ..........................................................................................1-28Overview of Flexfields Summary........................................................................................1-29

Using Value Sets.....................................................................................................................2-1

Using Value Sets..................................................................................................................2-2Objectives ............................................................................................................................2-3Overview .............................................................................................................................2-4

Validating Input Using Value Sets ......................................................................................2-5Planning a Value Set............................................................................................................2-6Types of Value Sets.............................................................................................................2-7Validation Type None..........................................................................................................2-9Independent Value Sets .......................................................................................................2-10Dependent Value Sets..........................................................................................................2-11Table-Validated Value Sets .................................................................................................2-12Specialized Validation Types ..............................................................................................2-13Translatable Independent Value Sets...................................................................................2-14Translatable Dependent Value Sets .....................................................................................2-15Validation Types: Summary ................................................................................................2-16Practice 2-1..........................................................................................................................2-17Planning Value Sets.............................................................................................................2-19

Value Set Attributes.............................................................................................................2-20Planning Format Validation.................................................................................................2-21Format Types and Options...................................................................................................2-22Char and Number Format Editing........................................................................................2-23Time, Standard Date, and Standard DateTime Format Editing ........................................... 2-24Format Interaction ...............................................................................................................2-25Formatting Requirements for Translatable Value Sets ........................................................ 2-26Practice 2-2..........................................................................................................................2-27Planning Validation Strategy ...............................................................................................2-28


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R11i Defining Flexfields Table of Contentsii

Planning Value Sets and Their Values.................................................................................2-30Planning Dependent Value Sets...........................................................................................2-31Defining Value Sets.............................................................................................................2-32Predefined Value Sets..........................................................................................................2-33Using Existing Value Sets ...................................................................................................2-34Value Set Usage by Key Flexfields .....................................................................................2-35Value Set Usage by Descriptive Flexfields..........................................................................2-36Defining a New Value Set ...................................................................................................2-38

Defining a Dependent or Translatable Dependent Value Set ..............................................2-39Selecting a Value Set for Value Definition..........................................................................2-40Defining Values for a Dependent or Translatable Dependent Value Set.............................2-41Defining Values for a Value Set ..........................................................................................2-42Modifying Value Definitions...............................................................................................2-43Value Hierarchies ................................................................................................................2-44Defining Value Hierarchies and Qualifiers..........................................................................2-46Summary..............................................................................................................................2-47

Defining Key Flexfields .........................................................................................................3-1

Defining Key Flexfields.......................................................................................................3-2Objectives ............................................................................................................................3-3Overview .............................................................................................................................3-4Intelligent Keys....................................................................................................................3-5Key Flexfields Dual Purpose..............................................................................................3-6Oracle Applications Key Flexfields.....................................................................................3-7Implementing Key Flexfields ..............................................................................................3-8Key Flexfield Structures ......................................................................................................3-9Code Combinations .............................................................................................................3-10Storing Code Combinations.................................................................................................3-11Key Flexfield Application Tables........................................................................................3-12Key Flexfield Qualifiers ......................................................................................................3-14Types of Qualifiers ..............................................................................................................3-15Flexfield Qualifiers..............................................................................................................3-16Oracle Applications Key Flexfields Using Qualifiers ........................................................3-17Segment Qualifiers ..............................................................................................................3-18Other Key Flexfield Options................................................................................................3-19

Allowing Dynamic Insertion ...............................................................................................3-20Cross-Validating Values......................................................................................................3-21Using Value Set Security.....................................................................................................3-22Using Shorthand Aliases......................................................................................................3-23Planning Decisions ..............................................................................................................3-24Designing the Key Flexfield Layout....................................................................................3-26Designing Segments ............................................................................................................3-27Specifying Default Values...................................................................................................3-28Planning Key Flexfield Values............................................................................................3-30Definition Procedure............................................................................................................3-31Defining Value Sets.............................................................................................................3-32Accessing the Key Flexfield Definition...............................................................................3-33Specifying Flexfield Behavior .............................................................................................3-34

Defining Segment Attributes ...............................................................................................3-35Defining Validation and Size Attributes..............................................................................3-36Defining Flexfield Qualifiers...............................................................................................3-37Freezing and Compiling the Definition ...............................................................................3-38Defining Value Set Values ..................................................................................................3-39Defining Segment Qualifiers ...............................................................................................3-40Defining Value Hierarchies .................................................................................................3-41Account Generator...............................................................................................................3-42Practice 3-1..........................................................................................................................3-43


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R11i Defining Flexfields Table of Contentsiii

Practice 3-2..........................................................................................................................3-54Defining Key Flexfields Summary .....................................................................................3-62

Using Additional Flexfield Options......................................................................................4-1

Using Additional Flexfield Options.....................................................................................4-2Objectives ............................................................................................................................4-3Overview .............................................................................................................................4-6Cross-Validating Values......................................................................................................4-7

Cross-Validation Rule Syntax .............................................................................................4-8Data Type Specifications and Cross-Validation Rules ........................................................4-9Preparing for Cross-Validation............................................................................................4-10Defining Cross-Validation Rules.........................................................................................4-11Cross-Validation Reports.....................................................................................................4-12Comparing Cross-Validation and Security Rules ................................................................4-13Practice 4-1..........................................................................................................................4-14Using Shorthand Aliases......................................................................................................4-16Using Full and Partial Aliases .............................................................................................4-17Typical Key Flexfields Using Aliases .................................................................................4-18Defining an Alias.................................................................................................................4-19Defining an Alias Template.................................................................................................4-20Recompiling the Flexfield Definition ..................................................................................4-21Flexfields: Shorthand Entry Profile Option ......................................................................... 4-22Flexfields: Show Full Value Profile Option ........................................................................4-23Modifying Existing Alias Definitions..................................................................................4-24Practice 4-2..........................................................................................................................4-25Securing Value Set Access ..................................................................................................4-27Security and Value Sets .......................................................................................................4-28Constructing Security Rules ................................................................................................4-29Specifying Acceptable Values.............................................................................................4-30Using Multiple Clauses........................................................................................................4-31Rules with Overlapping Values...........................................................................................4-32Rules Without Overlapping Values .....................................................................................4-33Implementing Flexfield Security .........................................................................................4-34Enabling Security for a Value Set........................................................................................4-35Enabling Security for a Segment .........................................................................................4-36

Enabling Security for a Program Parameter ........................................................................ 4-38Defining Security Rules.......................................................................................................4-39Assigning Security Rules.....................................................................................................4-40Practice 4-3..........................................................................................................................4-42Summary..............................................................................................................................4-45

Defining Descriptive Flexfields .............................................................................................5-1

Defining Descriptive Flexfields...........................................................................................5-2Objectives ............................................................................................................................5-3Overview .............................................................................................................................5-4Planning a Descriptive Flexfield..........................................................................................5-5Using Descriptive Flexfields ...............................................................................................5-7Typical Descriptive Flexfield Information ..........................................................................5-8Some Oracle Applications Descriptive Flexfields ...............................................................5-9Identifying a Descriptive Flexfield ......................................................................................5-10Determining the Descriptive Flexfield Name ......................................................................5-11Determining Available Resources .......................................................................................5-13Planning Questions ..............................................................................................................5-14Identifying Your Information ..............................................................................................5-15Grouping Information By Usage .........................................................................................5-16Isolate Common Information...............................................................................................5-17Determine Different Contexts..............................................................................................5-18


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Descriptive Flexfield Components ......................................................................................5-19Global Segments..................................................................................................................5-20Context-Sensitive Segments ................................................................................................5-21Distinguishing Between Contexts........................................................................................5-22Reference and Context Fields..............................................................................................5-23Using Reference Fields........................................................................................................5-24Identifying Referenceable Columns ....................................................................................5-25Using Context Fields ...........................................................................................................5-26

Planning Flexfields: Global Segments Only........................................................................5-27Planning Flexfields: Context Segments Only .....................................................................5-28Planning Flexfields: Global and Context Fields ..................................................................5-29Specifying the Flexfield Attributes......................................................................................5-30Specifying the Context Field Information ...........................................................................5-31Specifying the Segment Attributes ......................................................................................5-32Storing Descriptive Flexfield Segments ..............................................................................5-33Descriptive Flexfield Application Tables ............................................................................5-34Specifying the Segment Detail Attributes............................................................................5-35Specifying Default Values...................................................................................................5-38Defining a Descriptive Flexfield..........................................................................................5-40Defining Value Sets.............................................................................................................5-41Locating the Flexfield Definition.........................................................................................5-42

Defining the Flexfield Header Attributes.............................................................................5-43Defining Segment Attributes ...............................................................................................5-44Specifying Validation and Field Sizes.................................................................................5-45Freezing and Compiling the Definition ...............................................................................5-46Defining Context Field Information ....................................................................................5-47Defining Context-Sensitive Segments .................................................................................5-48Defining Values for a Value Set ..........................................................................................5-49Practice 5-1..........................................................................................................................5-50Practice 5-2..........................................................................................................................5-58Practice 5-3..........................................................................................................................5-63Practice 5-4..........................................................................................................................5-70Summary..............................................................................................................................5-77

Using Advanced Validation Capabilities .............................................................................6-1

Using Advanced Validation Capabilities.............................................................................6-2Objectives ............................................................................................................................6-3Overview .............................................................................................................................6-4Advanced Validation Options..............................................................................................6-5Table-Validated Value Sets .................................................................................................6-6Defining a Table-Validated Value Set.................................................................................6-7Restricting Values Retrieved from a Table..........................................................................6-8Limitations on Using SQL WHERE Clauses ......................................................................6-9Using Multiple Tables for Validation..................................................................................6-10Practice 6-1..........................................................................................................................6-11Other Advanced Validation Options....................................................................................6-14Using $PROFILES$ ............................................................................................................6-15Using :block.field ................................................................................................................6-16

Using $FLEX$.....................................................................................................................6-17Cascading Dependencies Using $FLEX$............................................................................6-18Practice 6-2..........................................................................................................................6-19Using Special Value Sets.....................................................................................................6-26Using Pair Value Sets ..........................................................................................................6-27Summary..............................................................................................................................6-28


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R11i Defining Flexfields Table of Contentsv

Preface

Profile

Before You Begin This Course

Before you begin this course, you should have the following qualifications:

Thorough knowledge of the Oracle Application you will beimplementing or supporting

Working experience with navigating Oracle Applications forms andwindows

Prerequisites

R11i Navigating Oracle Applications

How This Course Is Organized

R11i Defining Flexfieldsis an instructor-led course featuring lecture and hands-onexercises. Online demonstrations and written practice sessions reinforce theconcepts and skills introduced.


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R11i Defining Flexfields Table of Contentsvi

Related Publications

Oracle Publications

Title Part Number

Oracle Applications Flexfields Guide A75393-01

Additional Publications

System release bulletins

Installation and users guides

read.me files

Oracle Magazine


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R11i Defining Flexfields Table of Contentsvii

Typographic Conventions

Typographic Conventions in Text

Convention Element Example

Bold italic Glossary term (if there is a glossary)

The algorithminserts the new key.

Caps andlowercase

Buttons,check boxes,triggers,windows

Click the Executable button.Select the Cant Delete Card check box.Assign a When-Validate-Item trigger to theORD block.Open the Master Schedule window.

Courier new,

case sensitive(default islowercase)

Code output,

directory names,filenames,passwords,pathnames,URLs,user input,usernames

Code output: debug.set (I, 300);

Directory: bin(DOS), $FMHOME(UNIX)Filename: Locate the init.orafile.

Password: User tigeras your password.

Pathname: Open c:\my_docs\projects

URL: Go to http://www.oracle.com

User input: Enter 300

Username: Log on as scott

Initial cap Graphics labels(unless the term is aproper noun)

Customer address (butOracle Payables)

Italic Emphasized wordsand phrases,titles of books andcourses,variables

Do notsave changes to the database.For further information, see Oracle7 ServerSQL Language Reference Manual.

[email protected],where user_idis the name of the user.

Quotationmarks

Interface elementswith long namesthat have onlyinitial caps;lesson and chaptertitles in cross-

references

Select Include a reusable module componentand click Finish.

This subject is covered in Unit II, Lesson 3,Working with Objects.

Uppercase SQL columnnames, commands,functions, schemas,table names

Use the SELECT command to viewinformation stored in the LAST_NAMEcolumn of the EMP table.


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R11i Defining Flexfields Table of Contentsviii


Arrow Menu paths Select File> Save.Brackets Key names Press [Enter].

Commas Key sequences Press and release keys one at a time:[Alternate], [F], [D]

Plus signs Key combinations Press and hold these keys simultaneously:[Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Del]

Typographic Conventions in Code


Caps andlowercase

Oracle Formstriggers

When-Validate-Item

Lowercase Column names,table names

SELECT last_nameFROM s_emp;

Passwords DROP USER scottIDENTIFIED BY tiger;

PL/SQL objects OG_ACTIVATE_LAYER(OG_GET_LAYER

(prod_pie_layer))

Lowercaseitalic

Syntax variables CREATE ROLE role

Uppercase SQL commands andfunctions

SELECT useridFROM emp;

Typographic Conventions in Navigation Paths

This course uses simplified navigation paths, such as the following example, todirect you through Oracle Applications.

(N) Invoice > Entry > Invoice Batches Summary (M) Query > Find (B) Approve

This simplified path translates to the following:

1. (N) From the Navigator window, select Invoice > Entry > Invoice BatchesSummary.

2. (M) From the menu, select Query > Find.

3. (B) Click the Approve button.


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R11i Defining Flexfields Table of Contentsix

Notations :

(N) = Navigator

(M) = Menu

(T) = Tab

(I) = Icon

(H) = Hyperlink

(B) = Button

Typographical Conventions in Help System Paths

This course uses a navigation path convention to represent actions you performto find pertinent information in the Oracle Applications Help System.

The following help navigation path, for example

(Help) General Ledger > Journals > Enter Journals

represents the following sequence of actions:

1. In the navigation frame of the help system window, expand the GeneralLedger entry.

2. Under the General Ledger entry, expand Journals.

3. Under Journals, select Enter Journals.

4. Review the Enter Journals topic that appears in the document frame of thehelp system window.

Getting Help

Oracle Applications provides you with a complete online help facility.

Whenever you need assistance, simply choose an item from the Help menu topinpoint the type of information you want.


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R11i Defining Flexfields Table of Contentsx

To display help for a current window:

1. Choose Window Help from the Help menu, click the Help button on thetoolbar, or hold down the Control key and type 'h'.

A web browser window appears, containing search and navigation frames on

the left, and a frame that displays help documents on the right.

The document frame provides information on the window containing thecursor. The navigation frame displays the top-level topics for yourresponsibility, arranged in a tree control.

2. If the document frame contains a list of topics associated with the window,click on a topic of interest to display more detailed information.

3. You can navigate to other topics of interest in the help system, or choose

Close from your web browser's File menu to close help.

Searching for Help

You can perform a search to find the Oracle Applications help information youwant. Simply enter your query in the text field located in the top-left frame of thebrowser window when viewing help, then click the adjacent Find button.

A list of titles, ranked by relevance and linked to the documents in question, isreturned from your search in the right-hand document frame. Click on whichever

title seems to best answer your needs to display the complete document in thisframe. If the document doesn't fully answer your questions, use your browser'sBack button to return to the list of titles and try another.


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Overview of FlexfieldsChapter 1 - Page 1

Overview of Flexfields

Chapter 1


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Overview of Flexfields


Overview of FlexfieldsOverview of Flexfields


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Objectives


ObjectivesObjectives

After completing this lesson, you should be able todo the following:

Explain flexfields and how they are used by OracleApplications

Distinguish between key and descriptive flexfields

Identify key and descriptive flexfields used byOracle Applications

List the benefits provided by flexfields


Explain flexfields and how they are used by OracleApplications


Identify key and descriptive flexfields used byOracle Applications


Lesson Topics

This lesson describes how to use modifiable fields called flexfields to tailorOracle Applications to reflect your business needs and practices.

You can use flexfields to define the structure of certain data identifiers required

by Oracle Applications. You can also gather, store and process additional datathat may be required by your business.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

Explain flexfields and how they are used by Oracle Applications


Identify key and descriptive flexfields used by Oracle Applications.



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Overview


OverviewOverview

How flexfields operate

Two types of flexfields

Flexfield terminology

Flexfield benefits


Two types of flexfields

Flexfield terminology

Flexfield benefits

Lesson Overview

This lesson describes how Oracle Applications uses customizable fields calledflexfields to modify and expand processing. Specifically it covers:


The two types of flexfields Flexfield terminology

Flexfield benefits


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Customizing Oracle Applications


Customizing Oracle ApplicationsCustomizing Oracle Applications

ApplicationApplicationwindowswindows

User-defined flexfield windowsUser-defined flexfield windows

Oracle General Ledger Oracle Assets

Using Flexfields to Customize Applications

A flexfield is a customizable field that opens in a window from a regular OracleApplications window. Defining flexfields enables you to tailor OracleApplications to your own business environment. You can easily defineflexfields to modify or extend Oracle Applications without programming. Byusing flexfields within Oracle Applications you can:

Structure certain identifiers required by Oracle Applications according toyour own business environment

Collect and display additional information for your business as needed

Flexfields are important because they are used throughout Oracle Applications.Flexfields provide many opportunities for easy modification and customizationof standard Oracle Applications processing. Members of the systemimplementation team as well as system administration personnel should befamiliar with the concepts and procedures of flexfields to design and support anOracle Applications environment that meets the needs of all its users.


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Flexfield Structures and Flexfield Segments


Flexfield Structures and FlexfieldSegments

Flexfield Structures and FlexfieldSegments

__ Item Information _______________

Category

Item

Color

Computer

Monitor

Light tan

COM

876

LTN

Item Information FlexfieldItem Information Flexfield

Structure:Structure:(Category Segment + Item Segment + Color Segment)(Category Segment + Item Segment + Color Segment)

Segments:Segments:(Category,(Category,Item,Item,Color)Color)

Flexfield Components

A flexfield is composed of segments. The segments of a flexfield contain theflexfield values. Flexfield segments are combined in a grouping called astructure. The segments that make up a particular structure are logically orfunctionally related. A single flexfield can have more than one structure.

When you implement a flexfield, you decide how many segments you need fora particular structure and whether you need multiple structures. Being able todefine different structures for the same flexfield allows you to tailor the sameflexfield to the needs of different end users.

The example on the slide shows three segments:

Category

Item

Color

These three segments together form a structure.


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Segment Prompts and Value Descriptions



Category

Item

Color

Computer

Monitor

Light tan

COM

876

LTN

Segment Prompts and Value DescriptionsSegment Prompts and Value Descriptions

Flexfield segment promptsFlexfield segment prompts

Flexfield value descriptionsFlexfield value descriptions

Customizing the Flexfield Appearance

In addition to defining the segments and structures that make up the flexfield,you can define the appearance of the flexfield. You can specify names anddescriptions for the segments appearing on the window. You can also specifythe display size for the fields.


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Validating Input Using Value Sets



Category

Item

Color

Computer

Monitor

Light tanLTN

Validating InputUsing Value Sets


ItemItem value setvalue set

755 876 933

COM MACH FURN

CategoryCategory valuevalue setset

COM

876

Using Value Sets with Flexfields

Value sets allow you to control the values for a segment or a report parameter.A value set is a definition of the values approved for entry or display by aparticular flexfield segment. A value set may also contain a list of actualapproved values although this is not required. You may be able to define theappropriate values after you define the value set.

Value Sets Describe Acceptable Types of Values

Some value sets permit a limited range of values; others permit onlycertain values; others have minimal restrictions.

Different flexfields can share the same value set. For example, a value setcontaining the names of regional offices could be used by many differentflexfields.

Different segments of the same flexfield can use the same value set, forexample a date value set. Segments defined to different structures of thesame flexfield can share value set. Many of the report parameters used

with SRS forms are tied to shared value sets.

Value sets do not have to have the actual values defined for them.


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Practice 1-1


Practice 1-1Practice 1-1

Explaining how Oracle Applications uses flexfields

Describing the components of a flexfield

Explaining how Oracle Applications uses flexfields

Describing the components of a flexfield

Practice 1-1 Instructions

Answer the following questions.

1 You can extend and customize the processing of Oracle Applications byusing customizable fields called __________.

2 Flexfields are composed of __________.3 The fields that appear on a flexfield are combined in a grouping called a

__________.

4 List two ways that flexfields enable you to customize the operation ofOracle Applications.


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Practice 1-1



__ Sales Information ______________________

Transaction

Item

Payment Type

Customer Jane Doe

[ ]745-876-LTN

3987

__ Item Details _______________

Type

Sales Rep

Computer

Jane Reed

COM

JR

COM Computer

APPL Appliances

FURN Furniture

662255

33

44

11

77

Practice 1-1 Instructions (continued)

5 Match the numbered elements in the diagram above with the appropriatenames from the list.

Flexfield title: __________

Value set: __________ Descriptive flexfield indicator: __________

Flexfield segments: __________

Value set values: __________

Flexfield window prompt: __________

Value descriptions: __________

Practice 1-1 Solutions

1 You can extend and customize the processing of Oracle Applications byusing customizable fields called flexfields.

2 Flexfields are composed of segments.

3 The fields that appear on a flexfield are combined in a grouping called astructure.

4 List two ways that flexfields enable you to customize the operation ofOracle Applications.

Define the structure of required identifiers


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Gather additional information

5 Match the numbered elements in the diagram above with the appropriatenames from the list.

Flexfield title:3

Value set: 5

Descriptive flexfield indicator: 1

Flexfield segments: 2

Value set values: 7

Flexfield window prompt: 6

Value descriptions: 4


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Key and Descriptive Flexfields


__ Item Information _________

Category

Item

Color

Computer

Monitor

Light tan

COM

876

LTN

Key and Descriptive FlexfieldsKey and Descriptive Flexfields

Key flexfieldsKey flexfieldsbuild uniquebuild unique

entity identifiersentity identifiers

Descriptive flexfieldsDescriptive flexfieldsgather additionalgather additional

informationinformationStoreDept

Number

Exp. Dt

Payment Type CC

54321987

4958-2938-4747

12 - 99

Different Types of Flexfields

There are two types of flexfields, key flexfields and descriptive flexfields. Eachtype is discussed in more detail on the following slides. The main differencesare:

You use key flexfields to define your own structure for many of theidentifiers required by Oracle Applications.

You use descriptive flexfields to gather additional information about yourbusiness entities beyond the information required by Oracle Applications.


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Key Flexfields


Key FlexfieldsKey Flexfields

StandardStandardwindowwindow

KeyKey

flexfieldflexfieldwindowwindow

__ Sales Information ______________________

Transaction

Item

Payment Type

Description

Customer Jane Doe

Computer - Monitor - Light Tan [ ]

COM-876-LTN

3987


Item

Color

Computer

Monitor

Light tan

COM

876

LTN

Category

Key Flexfields

In Oracle Applications you use key flexfields as identifiers for entities.Generally, the identifier you create using a key flexfield is required by theapplication (for example, the Accounting Flexfield builds the account numberused by Oracle General Ledger).

A key flexfield appears as a normal field on a form. Any existing value for thekey appears in the field as a concatenated value having segment separators.

You can use the Flexfields: Open Key Window profile option to specifywhether you want the key flexfield window to be opened automatically whenyou navigate to the key flexfield on the base form. This profile option is visibleand updatable at the user level.

A key flexfield structure usually consists of multiple segments, each of whichcontains meaningful information. The resulting combinations of values fromthese segments therefore function as intelligent keys.


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Intelligent Keys


Intelligent KeysIntelligent Keys

Corporation

Subsidiary

Division

Department

Account

10

203

203

3003

025

_____Account Entry __ _____Account Entry __

21

42

502

015

Company

Division

Department

Account

Business ABusiness A Business BBusiness B

Using Key Flexfields to Build Intelligent Keys

Intelligent keys are multipart codes where the value in each individual partcontains meaningful information. Each combination of values can thereforeidentify a particular business entity or class of entities. Such intelligent keystructures are used throughout Oracle Applications. Because you define yourkey flexfield structure yourself, it reflects the organization of your business.

Accounting Flexfield Example

One important key flexfield is the Accounting Flexfield. The example on theslide shows how two hypothetical businesses could define Accounting Flexfieldstructures that reflected their different accounting structures. Business Asaccounting structure has five segments, while business Bs accounting structurehas four segments.

Additional Key Flexfield Features

You can define value sets to control the allowable values for each segment ofthe key. You can also define cross-validation rules to control the allowable

combinations of segment values within the key.


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Intelligent Keys


Intelligent KeysIntelligent Keys

Serial numberSerial number Job gradeJob grade

Asset numberAsset number Account numberAccount number

Intelligent Key Examples

There are many areas in business where you can use intelligent keys. Someexamples are shown. Many such intelligent keys are used in OracleApplications to represent such entities.


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Key Flexfield Example: Accounting Flexfield


Key Flexfield Example:Accounting Flexfield

Key Flexfield Example:Accounting Flexfield

The Accounting Flexfield

The Accounting Flexfield is used to create and display account numbers. TheAccounting Flexfield is owned by Oracle General Ledger, but AccountingFlexfield values are used by many of the financial applications. The exampleshows an Accounting Flexfield structure consisting of five segments.


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Key Flexfield Example: Asset Category Flexfield


Key Flexfield Example:Asset Category Flexfield

Key Flexfield Example:Asset Category Flexfield

The Asset Category Flexfield

You use the Asset Category flexfield in Oracle Inventory to identify majorgroupings of inventory. The example shows a key flexfield structure that hastwo segments.


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Oracle Applications Key Flexfields


Oracle Applications Key FlexfieldsOracle Applications Key Flexfields

Category

Asset

Location

Accounting

Account Aliases

Item Catalogs

Item CategoriesSales Orders

Stock Locators

System Items

Bank Details

Cost Allocation

People Group

Grade

Job

Personal Analysis

PositionSoft Coded

Territory

Sales Tax Location

Oracle

Assets

Oracle

GeneralLedger

OracleInventory

Oracle

Payroll

OracleHuman

Resources

Oracle

Receivables

Key Flexfields Within Oracle Applications

Many Oracle applications have key flexfields. The slide shows some of theapplications and the key flexfields they use. In many cases, you must implementthe key flexfield to implement the application. Many key flexfields are used bymultiple applications. For example, the Accounting Flexfield is used by bothOracle General Ledger and Oracle Payables.


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Descriptive Flexfields


Descriptive FlexfieldsDescriptive Flexfields

Transaction

Item

Payment Type

Description

Customer

CC3987

Jane Doe

Computer - Monitor - Light Tan

COM-876-LTN

[ ]

Second ID

Number

Payment Type

StoreDept

Number

StoreDept

Exp. Dt

Payment TypeCK CC

54321987

4958-2938-4747

12 - 99

54321987

1028

MC 4565-3939

__ Sale Information ____________________

Descriptive Flexfields

You use descriptive flexfields to collect information beyond that collected byOracle Applications. Using descriptive flexfields allows you to gather additionalspecialized information required by your business. The use of descriptiveflexfields is optional.

A descriptive flexfield appears on a form as a single-space field enclosed bybrackets. You can use the Flexfields: Open Descr Window profile option tospecify whether you want the descriptive flexfield window to be openedautomatically when you navigate to the bracketed field, if the flexfield isenabled. This profile option is visible and updatable at the user level.

A descriptive flexfield typically uses multiple structures. You can:

Define a basic structure that gathers additional information for all entities.

Define several different structures that gather specialized information fordifferent types of the same general entity.

Define a combination of the preceding two. This structure can gathergeneral information about all entities and then optionally gather certaininformation about certain types of entities.

The example shows a descriptive flexfield that gathers different paymentinformation based on the type of payment: check (CK) or credit card (CC).


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Using Reference Fields


Second ID

Number

Payment Type

StoreDept

Number

StoreDept

Exp. Dt

Payment TypeCK CC

54321987

4958-2938-4747

12 - 99

54321987

1028

MC 4565-3939

__ Sale Information ____________________

Transaction

Item

Payment Type

Description

Customer

CC3987

Jane Doe

Computer - Monitor - Light Tan

COM-876-LTN

[ ]

Using Reference FieldsUsing Reference Fields

ReferenceReferencefieldfield

Using Context and Reference Fields to Control Descriptive Flexfields

The same descriptive flexfield often uses multiple structures. Each of thesestructures can have different segments and gather different data. When youdefine multiple structures for a descriptive flexfield, you can make the choice ofstructure either dependent on the value of another field or selectable by the user:

If the value in a preceding field elsewhere on the form determines whichstructure is used, the preceding field is known as a reference field.However, if the descriptive flexfield is used in another form, then the twoforms must have the same name for the reference field.

If the value in a field within the flexfield itself determines which structureis used, that field is called a context field.

The example on the slide shows a hypothetical window containing salesinformation. One of the fields on this window, Payment Type, is used as areference field for a descriptive flexfield that contains information about howthe customer will pay.

In this example, the buyer is using a credit card so the credit card information isgathered by using the descriptive flexfield structure shown on the right. Ifpayment is by check, you could gather check-related information by using thedescriptive flexfield structure shown on the left.


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Using Different Contexts: Asset Category Flexfield


Using Different Contexts:Asset Category Flexfield

Using Different Contexts:Asset Category Flexfield

The Asset Category Flexfield

The example on the slide shows the Asset Category descriptive flexfield. Thedescriptive flexfield is gathering further information about an office buildingasset. You can see this both by the value in the reference field, and by the typeof information being requested on the flexfield.

Note:In this example, the reference field is itself a key flexfield.


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Oracle Applications Descriptive Flexfields (Partial)


Oracle Applications DescriptiveFlexfields (Partial)

Oracle Applications DescriptiveFlexfields (Partial)

Calendar Types

Bonus Rates

Price Indexes

Daily Rates

Activity Information

Item Cost Information

Shift Time Information

Bank Branch

Payment Terms

Site Address

Employee Labor

Rate

Shop Floor Status

WIP Parameters

Credit History Information

Oracle

Assets

Oracle

GeneralLedger

OracleBills of

Material

Oracle

Payables

OracleWork in

Progress

Oracle

Receivables

Partial List of Oracle Applications Descriptive Flexfields

Numerous descriptive flexfields are available throughout Oracle Applications.The slide shows only a partial list. In contrast to key flexfields, descriptiveflexfields are not shared between applications.


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SRS and Flexfields


SRS and FlexfieldsSRS and Flexfields

Using Flexfields as Parameters Within Standard Request Submission

Reports and concurrent programs submitted with Standard Request Submissionoften have parameter windows that pop up. These parameter windows behavesimilarly to descriptive flexfields.

Parameter Windows Are Context Sensitive The window that appears and the segments that are contained in it depend

on which request is being run.

The request name acts as a reference field.

Many request parameters have value sets associated with them to controlthe allowable values for that parameter. Such value sets are often sharedby many other flexfields. You should always be careful when modifyingany value sets that are also used by SRS processing.


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Benefits of Flexfields


Benefits of FlexfieldsBenefits of Flexfields

Flexfields provide the following benefits:

Customize applications to support your ownaccounting, product, and other codes.

Enable the construction of intelligent keys. Customize applications to capture additional data.

Use the application to validate values and valuecombinations entered by the user.

Support multiple field structures depending ondata context.

Flexfields provide the following benefits:

Customize applications to support your ownaccounting, product, and other codes.

Enable the construction of intelligent keys. Customize applications to capture additional data.

Use the application to validate values and valuecombinations entered by the user.

Support multiple field structures depending ondata context.

Benefits of Flexfields

You should now have a basic understanding of how flexfields are used byOracle Applications. The ease of customizing flexfields provides many benefitsto users. The main benefits are listed on the slide.


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Storing Flexfield Data Internally


Storing Flexfield Data InternallyStoring Flexfield Data Internally

Attribute1Attribute1 Attribute2Attribute2

Oracle Applications base tablesOracle Applications base tables

Descriptive flexfieldDescriptive flexfieldKey flexfieldKey flexfield

Segment1Segment1 Segment2Segment2...... ...... ............

Storing Flexfield Values in Database Tables

The values entered through an applications flexfields are stored internally inthat applications database tables:

Each segments value is stored in a column in one of the base tables.

The column name reflects the type of flexfield data it holds. In general,key flexfields store their data in columns called SEGMENTn, where n is anumber. In general, descriptive flexfields store their data in columns calledATTRIBUTEn, where n is a number.

The number of SEGMENT and ATTRIBUTE columns available for useby a flexfield varies between flexfields. Not all flexfields can have thesame number of fields defined. When implementing a flexfield,determining the number of fields available for use is an importantplanning step.


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Practice 1-2



Distinguishing between key and descriptiveflexfields

Identifying key flexfields within OracleApplications

Identifying descriptive flexfields within OracleApplications

Distinguishing between key and descriptiveflexfields

Identifying key flexfields within OracleApplications

Identifying descriptive flexfields within OracleApplications

Practice 1-2 Instructions

1 List the two types of flexfields used by Oracle Applications.

2 List two key flexfields used by Oracle Applications.

3 List two descriptive flexfields used by Oracle Applications.

4 A phone number has multiple parts. Does that make it an intelligent key?5 Give an example of an identifier at your business for which you will

define a key flexfield.

6 If possible, give an example of information you gather by using adescriptive flexfield.

7 Which of the two types of flexfields is optional?

Practice 1-2 Solutions

1 List the two types of flexfields used by Oracle Applications.

Key

Descriptive

2 List two key flexfields used by Oracle Applications.

Accounting Flexfield

Item Categories

(Any of the other key flexfields listed on the slide dealing with

Oracle Applications key flexfields)


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3 List two descriptive flexfields used by Oracle Applications.

Accounting Calendar: Periods

Asset Category

(Any of the other descriptive flexfields listed on the slide

dealing with Oracle Applications descriptive flexfields, or any

the student may have obtained directly from the application)

4 A phone number has multiple parts. Does that make it an intelligent key?

No, not all segments contain meaningful information.

5 Give an example of an identifier at your business for which you willdefine a key flexfield.

Answers will vary.

6 If possible, give an example of information you gather by using adescriptive flexfield.

Answers will vary.

7 Which of the two types of flexfields is optional?

Descriptive


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Implementing a Flexfield Steps


Implementing a FlexfieldSteps

Implementing a FlexfieldSteps

1. Plan flexfield segments, structures, value sets andvalues.

2. Define value sets and values.

3. Define flexfield.

4. Define security and cross-validation rules ifnecessary.

1. Plan flexfield segments, structures, value sets andvalues.

2. Define value sets and values.

3. Define flexfield.

4. Define security and cross-validation rules ifnecessary.

Implementing a Flexfield: General Procedure

Use the following steps when defining flexfields, both key and descriptive:

Plan your flexfield structure and layout. Remember that many flexfieldsuse more than one structure, and that each structure can consist of

different segments. Also plan any value sets and their values. Define flexfield value sets. Value sets describe the allowable values for

the flexfield segment. If you create your value sets first, you can refer tothem while your are defining your flexfield segments in the followingstep.

Define flexfield segments and structures. Use the plan you designedearlier.

Define values for your value sets.

For key flexfields, define security and cross-validation rules as necessary.


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Overview of Flexfields Summary


Overview of FlexfieldsSummary

Overview of FlexfieldsSummary

Flexfields are customizable fields.

The user defines the content and structure of aflexfield window.

Key flexfields create entity identifiers required byOracle Applications.

Descriptive flexfields gather additional informationrequired by the business environment.

Flexfields are customizable fields.

The user defines the content and structure of aflexfield window.

Key flexfields create entity identifiers required byOracle Applications.

Descriptive flexfields gather additional informationrequired by the business environment.

Summary

Flexfields are Oracle Applications fields that you can customize. You candefine the content and layout of the flexfield to reflect your own business needs.

There are two types of flexfields:

Key flexfields are used to create entity identifiers required by OracleApplications. You can use key flexfields to structure these identifiersaccording to your business environment. The definition of many keyflexfields is required by the application.

You use descriptive flexfields to gather additional information for storageor processing. You can define descriptive flexfields in multiple ways toaccommodate the needs of many different groups of users. The use ofdescriptive flexfields is optional.


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Using Value SetsChapter 2 - Page 1

Using Value Sets

Chapter 2


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Using Value Sets


Using Value SetsUsing Value Sets


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Objectives


ObjectivesObjectives


List options for validating flexfield segment values

Choose the appropriate validation option to usewith a particular flexfield segment

Identify issues for consideration when planning avalidation strategy

Define value sets Specify allowable values for a value set


List options for validating flexfield segment values

Choose the appropriate validation option to usewith a particular flexfield segment

Identify issues for consideration when planning avalidation strategy

Define value sets Specify allowable values for a value set

Lesson Topics

This lesson describes planning and using value sets to control input withflexfields.

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

List options for validating flexfield segment values and report parameters Choose the appropriate validation option to use with a particular segment

Identify issues for consideration when planning a validation strategy

Define new value sets

Define allowable values for a value set


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Overview


OverviewOverview

Using value sets to validate input

Describing types of value sets

Planning value sets and values

Defining value sets

Using value sets to validate input

Describing types of value sets

Planning value sets and values

Defining value sets

Lesson Overview

Value sets are definitions of allowable values for use with a flexfield segment orreport parameter. This lesson covers the different types of value sets and howeach is used. It also describes how to plan the value set as well as the actualvalues for those sets that require a list of values. Finally, it covers the definitionprocess itself.


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Validating Input Using Value Sets





Category

Item

Computer

Monitor

COM

876

COM APPL FURN

CategoryCategoryvalue setvalue set

Item value setItem value set

876755 933

Value Sets Define Allowable Values

You can create a value set and assign it to a flexfield segment or reportparameter to control what values that segment can use.

Value Sets Check User Input

Define a value set for each flexfield segment. A value set is a general definitionof the values that are acceptable for a particular flexfield segment or reportparameter. A value set can also have a list of actual values available to thesegment, although this is not required.

Other Advantages of Value Sets

Value sets control which segments can use special features such as Longlist,value security, and segment value combination checking.

The example in the slide shows two value sets:

The Category value set specifies the allowable values for the Categorysegment.

The Item value set specifies the allowable entries for the Item segment.


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Planning a Value Set


Planning a Value SetPlanning a Value Set

1. Determine basic attributes of the set.

2. Select the appropriate validation type.

3. If appropriate, specify actual allowable values.

1. Determine basic attributes of the set.

2. Select the appropriate validation type.

3. If appropriate, specify actual allowable values.

Planning Your Value Set

There are several steps to planning your value set:

1 Determine the basic attributes for the set. Choose what conditions allvalues must fit to be considered valid values. Such criteria include data

type (Character, Numeric), value length, and minimum and maximumvalues, if appropriate.

2 Select the appropriate validation strategy. Choose the type of validationmost appropriate for the data. Validation types are discussed in thefollowing pages.

3 Identify approved values, if appropriate. For some value sets, you knowahead of time the acceptable values. In these cases, in addition to definingthe value set, you can also specify the values that appear when the userenters the flexfield segment. The segment accepts only values explicitlydefined for that value set.

For some value sets, it does not make sense to try to provide a complete list of

all the approved values. For example, a segment containing customer telephonenumbers probably does not need a list of values, because each new customerwill have a new telephone number which you do not know at design time.


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Types of Value Sets


Pair

TranslatableIndependent

TranslatableDependent

Pair

TranslatableIndependent

TranslatableDependent

Types of Value SetsTypes of Value Sets

Two flexfields togetherspecify a range of validvalues.

Input must exist onpreviously defined list ofvalues; translated value canbe used.

Input is checked against asubset of values based on aprior value; translated value

can be used.

Two flexfields togetherspecify a range of validvalues.

Input must exist onpreviously defined list ofvalues; translated value canbe used.

Input is checked against asubset of values based on aprior value; translated value

can be used.

Types of Value Sets (continued)

Pair- This specialized value set provides a range flexfield as a value set for apair of segments.

Translatable Independent- A Translatable Independent value set is similar to

an Independent value set in that it provides a predefined list of values for asegment. However, a Translatable Independent value set can contain displayvalues that are translated into different languages.

Translatable Dependent- A Translatable Dependent value set is similar to aDependent value set in that the available values in the list and the meaning of agiven value depend on which independent value was selected in a prior segmentof the flexfield structure. However, a Translatable Dependent value set cancontain display values that are translated into different languages.


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Validation Type None


Validation Type NoneValidation Type None

Values are checked for expected data type,length, and so on.

Values are not checked against an approvedvalues list.

Examples include credit card number, streetaddress, phone number.

Values are checked for expected data type,length, and so on.

Values are not checked against an approvedvalues list.

Examples include credit card number, streetaddress, phone number.

Validation Type None

A validation of type None performs only minimal checking of the data inputthrough this flexfield segment. Use the validation type None when the actualvalues to be input cannot be anticipated in advance but the data entered mustconform to a particular data type, length, or any other formatting criteria.Examples of such values include credit card numbers, street addresses, andphone numbers.


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Independent Value Sets



Category

Item

Computer

Monitor

COM

876

COM APPL FURN

Category value setCategory value set

Independent Value SetsIndependent Value Sets

Validation Type Independent

Use the validation type Independent when you know the allowable values aheadof time. With an Independent validation type, you typically also define a list ofthe actual values that are approved for use. The user selects these values from apop-up list.

In the example in the slide, the Category value set contains the only threeallowable values for the Category segment of a hypothetical Item Informationflexfield. The category segment value must indicate a computer item, anappliance item, or an item of furniture.


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Dependent Value Sets


Dependent Value SetsDependent Value Sets

Category value setCategory value set Item value setItem value set

COM Computer

APPL Appliances

FURN Furniture

755 Modem

876 Monitor

933 Printer

320 Microwave

560 Refrigerator

876 Washer

877 Desk

154 Table

677 Bunk Bed

Validation Type Dependent

A Dependent value set is also associated with a list of approved values. In thiscase however, the values on the list can be grouped into subsets of values. Eachsubset of values is then associated with a value from an Independent value set.Once a value from the Independent value set has been specified, the list ofvalues for the Dependent value set displays only the values that are approvedfor the value selected from the Independent value set.

In the example in the slide, once a value from the Category value set has beenspecified, only the appropriate values from the Item value set are displayed.

The segment or parameter using the dependent value set must appear after thesegment or parameter using the independent value set.


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Table-Validated Value Sets


Table-Validated Value SetsTable-Validated Value Sets

WHERE

REGION =

Western

Cities_Westvalue set

Customer table

Acme Computers

North Bay FoodsMidwest GrainSouthern Milling

Rockies Mining

San Jose

BostonChicagoCharleston

Denver

Western

EasternEasternSouthern

Western

Name CityRegion

San Jose Denver

Validation Type Table

If an application table already contains all the allowable values, you can definea table-validated value set to retrieve them from the table. You can specifyselection criteria in the form of an SQL WHERE clause if you need to restrictthe values for some reason.

Table-validated value sets are very useful when the set of approved values isvery large, changes frequently, and is maintained by the application.


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Specialized Validation Types


Specialized Validation TypesSpecialized Validation Types

Special: uses entire key flexfield combinations asvalues

Pair: links two flexfields

Special: uses entire key flexfield combinations asvalues

Pair: links two flexfields

Specialized Validation Types

Two additional validation types are used for more specialized validation needs:

Special value sets can accept an entire key flexfield as a segment value ina descriptive flexfield or report parameter.

Pair value sets are a specialized form of Special value sets.


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Translatable Independent Value Sets


Translatable Independent Value SetsTranslatable Independent Value Sets

HiddenHiddenvaluesvalues Appliances Furniture

TranslatedTranslated(displayed)(displayed)valuesvalues

Gerate Mobel Appareils Meubles

Kategorie Mobel Categorie Meubles

Validation Type Translatable Independent

Translatable Independent value sets are similar to Independent value sets exceptthat translated values can be displayed to the user. Translatable Independentvalue sets enable you to use hidden values and displayed (translated) values inyour value sets. In this way your users can see a value in their preferredlanguages, yet the values will be validated against a hidden value that is nottranslated.

A Translatable Independent value set can have only Translatable Dependentvalue sets dependent on it.


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Translatable Dependent Value Sets


Translatable Dependent Value SetsTranslatable Dependent Value Sets

Desk

Schreibtisch

Bureau

Table

Tisch

Table

Microwave

Mikrowellenherd

Four a micro-ondes

Refrigerator

Kuhlschrank

Refrigerateur

Appliances

Gerate

Appareils

Furniture

Mobel

Meubles

Category value setCategory value set Item value setItem value set

Hidden valuesHidden values

Translated Translated (displayed) (displayed)

values values

Validation Type Translatable Dependent

Translatable Dependent value sets are similar to Dependent value sets exceptthat translated values can be displayed to the user. Translatable Dependent valuesets enable you to use hidden values and displayed (translated) values in yourvalue sets. In this way your users can see a value in their preferred languages,yet the values will be validated against a hidden value that is not translated.

Translatable Dependent value sets must be dependent on a TranslatableIndependent value set.


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Validation Types: Summary


Validation Types: SummaryValidation Types: Summary

*Application Object Library*Application Object Library

Type List of ValuesAvailable

Values StoredIn

None

Table

Documents

R11i Defining Flexfields