ORACLE APPLICATIONS ARCHIVES

Topicwise collection of
Postings on Mail Lists
ON
CHART OF ACCOUNTS

Change in No. of Flexfields

From: Joe Swietlik [SMTP:Joe_Swietlik@wmg.com]
Sent: Thursday, 4 March 1999 6:01
Subject: Accounting FF Change...Any way to do it?

Hi All - My client has a 7-segment AFF, and wants to switch to a 6-segment structure, without reinstalling. There is no 1-1 correspondence between the two structures, so a consolidation with a second set of books is not an option. I would like to alter the structure of the GL_CODE_COMMBINATIONS table and change the associate value sets. The environment is a 10.7 GUI SC setup. Apart from violating Oracle's Support agreement, what technical gotcha's might prevent me from doing this? Regards, Joe Swietlik.

Date: Sat, 20 Mar 1999 16:19:38 -0800 (PST)
From: gangadhar andru
Subject: RE: Accounting FF Change...Any way to do it?

Hi Joe, I may be answering rather late. We have implemented recently a similar change in AFF with minimal impact on the systems.

If you need any info, please let me know at email:gangaa@hotmail.com

Gangadhar

Change in size of Key Flexfields

--- John Lantz John7@worldnet.att.net wrote:

Folks,
How difficult is it to change the size of one of the segments in the Item key flexfield?

Our current Item flexfield is made up of two (2) segments: the first one is 8 characters and the second one is 4 characters in length. There is, however, a need to increase the size of the first segment to 30 characters. I have heard that this is a major task. Has anybody ever done this? Can anybody provide any advice?

We have been live with Oracle INV, OE, OSM, GL, AP, AR, PO, & FA for almost 2 years now. We are on Rel. 10.7 / Prod 16.1 SC (GUI).

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, John

Date: Tue, 6 Apr 1999 10:42:53 -0700 (PDT)
From: siddhartha nandi sid_nandi@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: INV: Changing the Item Segment Size

John, since you are increasing the length of the first segment (and not decreasing), system will allow you to do so. The implecations of this will be to check that any report or display might wrap or gets cut-off.

Thanks, Sid.

Value Sets - Deleting reference to a

From: mike ruff [SMTP:mikeruff@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 1999 8:35 PM
Subject: Deleting ref. of Value Set

Hi,
One of our consultants attached a value set to the Items Flexfield and compiled it. Later we realized that a value set need not be attached to the System Items Flexfield.

We unfreezed the Flexfield, deleted the Value Set and compiled it again.

so, whenever we try to enter transactions and we go to the Items field it gives us this error: "Error in calling routine FDFRKS for application 401 and code not found"

I checked up in the FND tables application 401 consists of all the 620 Inventory Flexfields.

Could any one tell me how to get over this problem?
TIA Mike Ruff Oracle Project Manager Nexeon Inc.

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 09:45:40 +0530
From: B Bharat Bhaaradwaj bharatbh@wipsys.soft.net
Subject: RE: Flexfields Error

Hi System item Flexfield supports only one structure. As far as my learning goes one value set needs to be necessarily be attached to a Flexfield, I was once told by support in a similar context that if any value set is changed then the already contained data is wiped out. The compilation of the flexfield would end in an error. A view on this may not be created.

Please check the compilation log, and the view that it had to create. If this is missing then you have tracked the problem. I am oblivious of the methods to correct this, only oracle support or any one else who have done this may be able to help you.

I hope i have been clear in putting forth my suggestion.
Regards Bharat B.Bharat Bhaaradwaj Wipro Infotech - ESD 40/A Bassappa Complex Lavelle Road Bangalore 560001 Ph.2215010 Ext.220/221

Reporting on FF

From: Mohammed Haneef (haneef) haneef@sequent.com
Sent: Monday, March 29, 1999 12:01 PM
Subject: Reporting on Flexfields

Can somebody point me on how to report on flexfield data using reports 2.5 Thanks --Haneef

Date: Mon, 29 Mar 1999 13:13:42 -0500
From: "Scott L. Frost" sfrost@noblestar.com
Subject: Re: Reporting on Flexfields

The easiest place to start is the Technical Reference Manual for the module to identify the tables particular Flexfield values are located. Be careful if you are reporting on HR/Payroll flexfields as most of the values are date stamped and you need to identify the specific date ranges you are trying to get values for.

Once the columns are identified using the TRM, you can create a report to pull these values out using Reports 2.5.

Hope this helps! Scott

Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 04:07:03 -0800 (PST)
From: Misa Gupta assimgupta@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Reporting on Flexfields

The best way to report on Flex fields data is to use the user exits provided by Oracle. Way suggested by Scott is also fine except that in this case you will be hard coding the segments (used by your implementation of this particular flexfield in the reports). I personally always use the user exits and they work beautifully. There is detailed literature on how to use these user exits, their format and the whole cycle. I have my own notes but unfortunately I do not have a soft copy otherwise I would have sent you. Assim Gupta

Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 11:11:45 -0500
From: "Vallapareddy, Krishna" kvallapareddy@noblestar.com
Subject: RE: Reporting on Flexfields

Hi Craig, You can find all the information on using user exits in reports 2.5 in the Application Object Library Reference Manual in the chapter on Reports. Also you can refer the Flexfields reference manual in the chapter on using flexfields in Reporting.You can also open any of the standard reports in Oracle applications and see how they have used the FND FLEXSQL USER EXIT.

Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999 02:06:42 -0800 (PST)
From: Misa Gupta assimgupta@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Reporting on Flexfields

Hi Craig The user exits I am refering to are
FND FLEXSQL & FND FLEXIDVAL
Below I am attaching a small portion of Oracle User Guide which lists what these user exits are good for:

 Display any individual segment value, prompt, or description.
 Display segment values, prompts, or descriptions from multiple flexfield structures (or contexts) in the same report.
 Display segment values, prompts, or descriptions from different flexfields in the same report.
 Display two or more flexfield segment values, prompts, or descriptions, concatenated with delimiters, in the correct order. This includes description information for dependent, independent, and table validated segments.
 Restrict output based upon a flexfield range (low and high values).
 Prevent reporting on flexfield segments and values that users do not have access to (flexfield value security).
 Specify order by, group by, and where constraints using one or more, or all segment columns.

As you can see from the above, these user exits are pretty flexible and let you manipulate the data whatever way you want. Oracle FlexField User Guide gives a detailed description of how to use these user exits (besides giving lot of info on how to use flexfield views for reporting).

If any body needs more detail on how to work with these, can get in touch with a colleague of mine Meenakshi Agarwal at following address: meenakshi_a@yahoo.com.

She has done a lot of work on these. Assim Gupta

Security Rules

"Larry L. Leser" llesser@iquest.net wrote:

I need to try to find out if it is possible to:
In 10.7 character, can you attach GL Flexfield security rules to Standard GL Reports (i.e. GL Detail report) that ask for Account Flexfield ranges?

Has anyone done this? Can offer suggestion on this, or another solution that provides this functionality?

Thanks in advance, for any assistance.

From: Roger Drolet [mailto:rdrolet@netscape.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 1999 7:41 AM
Subject: Re: [GL: Flexfield Security and reporting]

Larry,
You can define Flexfield Value Security rules to restrict the set of values a user can use during data entry. Flexfield Value Security lets you determine who can use flexfield segment values and report parameter values. Based on your responsibility and access that you define, Flexfield Value Security limits what values you can enter in flexfield pop-up windows and report parameters.

This functionality is very effective in providing security when you have number of operating units using the same Set of Books. You can define security rules (e.g. on the Company Segment) which will enable users to only enter those Company values associated with their operating unit).

Roger Drolet Managing Associate Conley, Canitano

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 08:43:04 -0400
From: "Joe Maliszewski" jmaliszewski@csi.com
Subject: RE: [GL: Flexfield Security and reporting]

No, it does not work on Standard Reports.

Joe Maliszewski Consultant jmaliszewski@csi.com

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 09:14:20 -0400
From: "Lakdawala, M" M_Lakdawala@csx.com
Subject: RE: [GL: Flexfield Security and reporting]

No, it does not apply to it. However you can develop a routine for custom reports based on the organization hierarchy. If you need more details call me.

Thanks & Regards MUZAFFER LAKDAWALA
E-mail M_lakdawala@csx.com mailto:M_lakdawala@csx.com Web http://members.xoom.com/muzaffar/ Phone 904.366.4720 Date April 8, 1999 9:16 AM

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 13:39:35 -0300
From: Ken Heckbert kpheckbert@ihis.org
Subject: Re: [GL: Flexfield Security and reporting]-Reply

About 3 years ago, there was a paper presented at an OAUG conference by Melanie Bock, called "Report Security". This excellent paper covered a multitude of topics, including how to secure Standard Reports, using security rules. Unfortunately, the OAUG website only has on-line, papers from conferences in the last two years, so I'm not sure how you would get a hold of it. If you are a member of OAUG, you may be able to contact them for a copy of the paper. Anyway, however you get a hold of it, it should answer your questions, and is well worth the effort. Personally, I think Oracle should just purchase the rights and include this paper, and Melanie's paper on designing your chart of accounts, in the GL manuals.

Ken

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 17:31:34 -0400
From: Jeff Rausch jrausch@meetingexpectations.com
Subject: Re: [GL: Flexfield Security and reporting]-Reply

Ken -
You are correct. Melanie Bock's paper entitled, "Report Security" was presented at the Fall 1996 Conference in San Diego, CA. While no longer available using the OAUG Paper Database, you can purchase a copy of the proceedings by visiting our web site at http://www.oaug.org/confer.html, and following the links to the Primary Key Bookstore. The price is US$30.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely, Jeff Rausch OAUG Jeffrey Rausch Association Manager OAUG 415 East Paces Ferry Rd., NE Suite 200 Atlanta, GA USA 30305-2405 Tel: +1.404.240.0897 Fax: +1.404.240.0998 jrausch@meetingexpectations.com

Hang on compiling KFF

From: "Khandrika, Babu" Bkhandrika@tnpe.com
Subject: REG: KEY FLEX FIELDS
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1999 10:41:49 -0400 (EDT)

The Application hang-up when trying to compile a Key Flex Field.

Please Help!! Thanks, Babu

Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1999 11:02:59 PDT
From: "carla pasos" carlapasos@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: REG: KEY FLEX FIELDS

There is a patch for rel 11.01 NCA that take care of the issue. I would call Oracle and open a tar to get the patch from them.

Duplicate Segments

From: Bill Keenan [mailto:bkeenan@goodegg.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 1999 2:46 PM
Subject: HELP!!! Duplicate Segments??????

Hi,
I have a very strange occurance. I am in the process of setting up GL 11.02, and I just tried to look at my segment values, and when I did put in Account for my segment in the "Find" screen, I get two segments, both called Account. This happens with all segments. It looks like there are two of each segments when I go to call up the segment values.

Has anyone ever seen this??

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Bill

Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1999 16:36:55 -0700
From: Rama Krishna Rama.Krishna@hds.com
Subject: RE: HELP!!! Duplicate Segments??????

Hi Bill,
You would not have filled in all the other three fields of this form. If you give the Application Name, Flexfield Name, Structure Name then you should not get the two segment name like you are getting right now.

This is because the primary key for the fnd_id_flex_structures is a combination of Application_id, id_flex_code, id_flex_num. In such circumstances an id_flex_num of 101 would exist multiple times for each of the id_flex_codes.

Let me know what happends.
Rama Krishna Applications Consultant Fortuna Technologies Sunnyvale , CA

Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1999 21:05:24 -0400
From: "Bill Keenan" bkeenan@goodegg.com
Subject: Re: HELP!!! Duplicate Segments??????

Hi Rama,
Your were right. This was a very stupid one on my part. I just have to enter the Structure name as well, and all is ok. Thank you very much for your help, this is one I should have know or figured out immediately on my own.

Thanks again, Bill

Change in Flexfield Structure

From: Mehra, Varun (CAP, GECSI) [SMTP:Varun.Mehra@geind.GE.com]
Sent: Monday, May 17, 1999 2:11 PM
Subject: GL-Acctng Flexfield Structure

Hi everyone
My client is live since January 1999 on Oracle Financials Rel. 10.7 SC Prod 16.1. The GL Accounting Flexfiled structure is as follows:

No.---Segment---- Data type---Size--Validation Type
1 Compnay Character 02 Independent
2 Location Character 02 Independent
3 Division Character 02 Independent
4 Activity Centre Character 04 Independent
5 Customer Character 04 Independent
6 Process Character 03 Dependent
7 Account Character 09 Independent
8 Sub-Account Character 03 Dependent
9 Blank1 Character 03 Independent
10 Blank2 Character 03 Independent

The blank segments have been populated with the default value of '000' in each of the code-combinations created thus far.

My query to all of you is related to a sudden change in requirements here.

Is it recommended to change

a) the default size of the blank segment from 03 to 04 ? How do I ensure data integrity with both retrospective and prospective effects kept in mind.

b) the validation type of the segment 'PROCESS' (dependent on Customer) from 'Dependent' to 'Independent' ?

I do not have a very positive feeling about doing either of the above because of historical data already in the system. How would the code-combinations table recognize the old data stored already and match it to the new structure? Or is creating a new Set of Books with a new structure the solution; in that case how do I map the flexfields segments in the case of the new, enlarged segment size or validation type.

Any information/pointers/leads would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks Varun Mehra Consultant-Oracle Applications GE Capital, India

Date: Mon, 17 May 1999 16:07:40 +0530
From: "Bharat Bhaaradwaj" bharatbh@wipsys.soft.net
Subject: RE: GL-Acctng Flexfield Structure

Hi Varun

Increase of size is allowed in the value sets where as decrease is not allowed, thank your stars that the client has not requested for a decrease.

Coming to your question. The historical data will stay to exist but without the fields 9 and 10 values. Meaning that these will be 000 till the date the segments were entered with values. When you report on these last 2 segments it will have irrelevant data for the previous period i.e your historical data. Then you need to create new code combinations. Then Apps might give problems with certian old data pending actions if you disable code combinations or that default '000' values in the 9 and 10 segments. Further please take care that you test this before even thinking of implementing in production. If the compilation fails when you freeze the flexfield then you might lose all the existing data.

If any validation type is changed, think of data migration...It looks like a tough problem, again the old data might get wiped out and you might not be able to view old information or report on them. You need to map each and every existing affected combination to the new codes that has to be created with the new structure and values, practically every combination might effect in one way or the other. All this is just with theoretical knowledge that i am writing here. This is just some of the problems or behaviours that can be expected by apps. There might be more surprises.

All the best Regards Bharat B.Bharat Bhaaradwaj Wipro Infotech - ESD 40/A Bassappa Complex Lavelle Road Bangalore 560001 Ph.2215010 Ext.220/221

From: Debbie Griffin[SMTP:dgriffin@fnal.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 17:19
Subject: RE: GL-Acctng Flexfield Structure

Varun,
In answer to your question a): We changed a future use segment from three characters to sixteen a few years ago. Our segment also had a defaulted "000" in all the code combinations. We had no problem with the historical data, but in our case the segment was left justified with filled blanks after extending it to 16 characters.

Debbie Griffin Fermilab dgriffin@fnal.gov 630-840-8754

Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 22:12:50 +0530
From: "Mehra, Varun (CAP, GECSI)" Varun.Mehra@geind.GE.com
Cc: "'dgriffin@fnal.gov'" dgriffin@fnal.gov
Subject: RE: GL-Acctng Flexfield Structure

Debbie/Bharat/Everyone,
Further to Bharat's pointers/leads I was waiting for an answer like Debbie's. Thank you very much for the same. Debbie, could you please share your approach of going ahead with this. My idea as of now, which I am testing out, is to define another set-of-books with the new structure having the Blank1 segment (present size 3) replaced with another segment, say B1 (new size 6). Then I am consolidating from this set-of-book to the new one, defining the segment rule for the Blank1 segment as 'Single Value' into the B1 Segment. This way past data captured in Blank1 as 000 will be captured in 000000 now. And going ahead I can use other values. All this has had a smooth transition as on date. So where is the gotcha!!!

One is that if I have to get month-on-month data then I have to consolidate as many number of times as I have data periods opened. Another, and more importantly what happens to my subledgers - FA, AP, AR. How am I going to change that set-of-book?? How did you resolve that?? The Client hasn't shown great keeness to install the Multi-Org patch. Am I stuck???

Any further pointers/leads/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks all the same Varun Mehra Consultant-Oracle Applications GE Capital, India

Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 16:23:08 -0500
From: "Debbie Griffin" dgriffin@fnal.gov
To: "Mehra, Varun (CAP, GECSI)" Varun.Mehra@geind.GE.com,
Subject: Re: GL-Acctng Flexfield Structure

We simply changed the length of the segment. Since our segment was left justified, we did not update our code combinations, but just left "000 " (with13 blanks) as a valid code. That may be the one reason it was so simple for us.

And at the time, we had no other modules in place but GL. We did have to modify some of our interfaces that were hard coded for only the three character segment.

However, we change segment values all the time here. I leave the subledgers (we now have INV, AP,and PO with encumbrance) code combinations as they were entered. After all data has been transferred to GL for the month, I use the MassAllocations module to change the segment values.

Hope this helps. Debbie Griffin dgriffin@fnal.gov Fermilab 630-840-8754