2. Descriptive Flexfields
2.1 DFF Error
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 1999 18:56:46 PST
From: "Sameed Ali"
Subject: DFF ERROR
Hi All, Can some one please tell me in detail how to resolve this error.
Descriptive Flexfield-FA_MASS_ADDITIONS
Compilation aborted ...
APP-01535 FDFBDF: CONTEXT has not been assigned as a flexfield column
Previous Messages (for Support Purposes)
APP-01361 Please register your concurrent program executable fdfcmp with Applica
APP-01381 Program name differs from executable name or program not registered
APP-01168 Concurrent program associated with invalid application information
APP-00406 No message explanation found for message '&MESSAGE'
Thanks in advance. Sameed
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 1999 10:54:55 +0530
From: B Bharat Bhaaradwaj
Subject: RE: Descriptive FF in Enter Purchase Orders
Hi Brain I just tried the same thing, as you said the Zone had only 'Notification =
Controls' .
I just did a work around go to the field "Title" in the "Descriptive =
Flexfield Block" and enter into Query mode then type "PO_Lines" run =
query. It gives all other information. It then allows you to add = descriptive flexfields
segments.
I hope i have clarified what you wanted. All the best.
Regards Bharat B.Bharat Bhaaradwaj Wipro Infotech - ESD 40/A Bassappa Complex Lavelle Road
Bangalore 560001 Ph.2215010 Ext.220/221
-----Original Message-----
From: Brian S Bowler [SMTP:bbowler@paychex.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 1999 11:25 PM
Subject: Descriptive FF in Enter Purchase Orders
All: I am trying to set up a descritpive flex field in the Enter Purchase Orders screen.
Specifically, within the Purchase Order Lines sub form. This is the first descriptive
flexfield I have set up and I am having problems identifying where to define that I want
the flex field to appear within the PO Lines sub form.
I have gone to the Define Flexfields Segments screen. I can choose the Oracle Purchasing
Application and the title of the form ('Enter Purchase Orders') . My problem comes when I
have to choose the Zone. The only selection is 'Notification Controls'.
How do I know the descriptive flexfield will only be available on the PO Lines subform? I
can see there is the ability for other descritpive fields in other parts of the form
(indicated by the [] ).
Any help would be appreciated. BTW, I am running on version 10.7 character.
-Brian Bowler bbowler@paychex.com
Limitations of DFF
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 1999 15:45:21 +300500
From: Ushasi_Basu@india.notes.pwa.co.in
Subject: AP - Limitations of DFF
Dear friends We have a requirement whereby we need to record asset details like
acquisition date, loan agreement number, Tag number, location, asset category etc. at the
invoice level in AP. For this we are thinking of using the invoice distribution level DFF
or invoice DFF. However, the problem is that we may require about 30 such additional
information fields. Can it be done through these DFFs? Will it hamper the performance of
the system in any way? I am quite nervous about this because I think there is a limit (for
practical purpose) on the number of attribute columns that may be used for a DFF.
Please throw some light on this issue.
Thanks and Regards Ushasi
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 1999 16:24:10 +0530
From: B Bharat Bhaaradwaj bharatbh@wipsys.soft.net
Subject: RE: AP - Limitations of DFF
Hi Most intelligent method would be to use the least number of attribute columns.What you
can do is to analyse the data and check depending entries eliminate if one can be derived
from other. If the items are still above the available + provision for a future then think
of a way of coding (more than one data in one attribute)
Ex. All Financial data in one Attribute by using " / " as a seperator. Then all
qualitative information into one segment (if there are standards then use independent
value set, but maintenance will be an overhead). So classify the data first, eliminate and
then merge data.
One straight idea is to include columns if you are ready to take risks since the attribute
columns are not updated by any of the oracle apps programs. (Warning: You might lose
support).
Hope the above is of some use to you. Regards Bharat
B.Bharat Bhaaradwaj Wipro Infotech - ESD 40/A Bassappa Complex Lavelle Road Bangalore
560001 Ph.2215010 Ext.220/221
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 1999 07:53:59 +0000
From: jmcdonald@princesscruises.com (Jeanne R Mcdonald)
Subject: Re: AP - Limitations of DFF
Actually, the number of dffs on a table varies. For example, fs_additions has 30,
fa_asset_invoices has 10 as does ap_invoice_distributions (although I understand that a
paper was presented at some (not recent) OAUG on how to increase the number of flexfields
in a table that already has them.)
You will also need to write a program that moves them from AP toFA_mass_additions and then
to FA_additions (or maybe skip fa_mass_additions). It can get slightly more complex if you
decide that each distribution line that adds tot the cost of an existing asset needs to
maintain different information. You then need to update the dffs on FA_asset_invoices
rather than fa_additions.
There are obviously some performance issues when moving the dffs between AP and FA and
within FA and even more so if you're updating fa_asset_invoices rather than fa_additions
(although it sounds like you're just speaking about maintaining the dffs at the asset
level.). Might be easier to also enter an asset# in AP. That way you can skip moving ALL
the data to fa_mass_additions and move it directly to fa_additions. You would have to
write a program that moved the asset# from AP_invoice_distributions to the asset_number
field in fa_mass_additions though and make sure to run it every time you run mass adds
create.
The real difficulty will be ensuring that the information you enter in AP is correct. As
regards tag number, we thought about it at a client six years ago but discovered no way to
ensure that the assets as tagged in the system were the assets ACTUALLY tagged in the
field. In fact, during a physical inventory, we discovered that most of their tags(sent
out by Accounting ) were not applied or were not applied to the correct assets.
We ended up w/ a mod to add tag#, assigned to/location and serial number during receiving
(w/ a new table and more accountability via the Created By field, in other words, let the
person applying the tag enter it into the system)) and move that directly into FA. As I
remember, it was not particularly easy in R9 and I don't think it would be any easier now.
jeanne!
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 1999 08:53:50 -0800
From: "Donna M. Armstrong"
Subject: Re: AP - Limitations of DFF
Hi Ushasi, I have added additional attribute fields to various tables/forms to enable
integration with non-Oracle applications and it worked beautifully. I will be presenting a
"how to" on this as part of the DFF Panel at the OAUG conference in San Diego.
So, good timing for you!
Cheers, Donna
=====================================================================
Donna M. Armstrong-------------------------Office: (310) 457-4200
Business Systems Consultant-------Voice Mail/Pager: (888) 886-1564
E-Mail: donnabsc@gte.net
=====================================================================
Making DFF segments context sensitive
Date: 25 Mar 99 19:32:55 EST
From: Jimmy Bunn jimmybunn@netscape.net
Subject: Re: [AR: DFF on Enter Customer]
If you look at the tables you will find a column called ATTRIBUTE_CONTEXT I believe. This
column is NULL if the values in the DFF were GLOBAL. You have to change those NULL values
to the appropriate values in the CONTEXT SENS ITIVE rows.
Thanks; Jim Bunn BOSS Corporation
"Puchniak, Stan" Stan_Puchniak@standardaero.ca wrote:
We are running 10.7 character and have a DFF defined for the enter customer form. This DFF
was created with no edits and now we would like to attach value sets to the two segment
DFF. Also, it would be preferred to make it context sensitive. On our test system I
performed the cleanup of Attribute1 and Attribute2 of AR.RA_Customers. I created the value
sets and context sensitive flexfields. For example, segment one has possible values of
"A, B,C or D". The LOV for segment 2 is dependent on segment 1. Our legacy
system uses these fields from AR.RA_Customers so I must continue to use Attribute1 and
Attribute2. With the change, everything appears to work fine and the tables are updated
properly. The problem I have is that you cannot see the values previously defined for the
customer through the form once the change is made. All changes/additions are displayed
correctly on the form. Does anyone know of any problems this change may cause? Is there a
better way to have the same result making the changes to the DFF?
TIA, Stan
DFF - Reference Field
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 13:49:49 -0800
From: Steve Silveri ssilver@dpc.com
Subject: DFF: Reference Field
I am trying to set up a descriptive flexfield with a reference field from a profile
option. When I access the field (OE Header) I get an invalid reference field error. The
reference field is
:$PROFILE$.DPC_SERVICE_NAME
Is the syntax correct....?
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 13:50:22 -0800
From: Satish Reddy SReddy@zilog.com
Subject: RE: Reference Field
it is :$PROFILES$.DPC_SERVICE_NAME
Value Sets for DFF
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 09:02:50 -0600
From: "Puchniak, Stan"
Subject: AR: DFF on Enter Customer
We are running 10.7 character and have a DFF defined for the enter customer form. This DFF
was created with no edits and now we would like to attach value sets to the two segment
DFF. Also, it would be preferred to make it context sensitive. On our test system I
performed the cleanup of Attribute1 and Attribute2 of AR.RA_Customers. I created the value
sets and context sensitive flexfields. For example, segment one has possible values of
"A, B, C or D". The LOV for segment 2 is dependent on segment 1. Our legacy
system uses these fields from AR.RA_Customers so I must continue to use Attribute1 and
Attribute2. With the change, everything appears to work fine and the tables are updated
properly. The problem I have is that you cannot see the values previously defined for the
customer through the form once the change is made. All changes/additions are displayed
correctly on the form. Does anyone know of any problems this change may cause? Is there a
better way to have the same result making the changes to the DFF? TIA, Stan
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 10:37:35 -0500
From: Sateesh Reddy
Subject: Re: AR: DFF on Enter Customer
Hi stan Populate attribute category column for previously defined customers with correct
context sensitive value.
Sateesh Reddy Harvard University 617-495-1717
Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999 18:21:30 -0800
From: Satish Reddy SReddy@zilog.com
Subject: RE: Value set - WHERE clause
I got it by selecting a column existing in the two blocks.That is the key to the problem.
-----Original Message-----
From: Satish Reddy
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 1999 3:23 PM
Subject: Value set - WHERE clause
Hi all I am using this code in the where clause of the value set definition. No matter
what FORM I access of these two,it still reads the both the variables(or blocks) as if
ignoring the 'Decode'.
Any help on this Thanks in advance.
decode(:SYSTEM.CURRENT_FORM,'OEXOEMOE',
CI.CUSTOMER_NUMBER,'OEXORRSO',CI.CUSTOMER_ID)
decode(:SYSTEM.CURRENT_FORM,'OEXOEMOE',
:ORDER.CUSTOMER_NUMBER,
'OEXORRSO',nvl(:LINES.CUSTOMER_ID,0))
Data in DFF
Date: Thu, 01 Apr 1999 08:26:39 -0800
From: Lewis R Cunningham lcunning@popmail.lmu.edu
Subject: Re: Grabbing data from a DFF
In custom.pll add a when-validate-record event for your form and block and take whatever
action you need. The dff values are block items of the same name as the attribute name,
i.e. attribute1, ass_attribute1, apl_attribute1, etc.
Lewis
At 05:52 AM 4/1/99 , you wrote:
We are building a custom form and need to grab the data entered into the DFF before the
record is committed to the database. For example, if I am entering a new customer in the
A/R module i input data into several fields until I come to the DFF. At this point I have
not committed the record (Customer) to the database. After going into the descriptive
flexfield and inpuuting the data that I need, I choose OK to close the descriptive
flexfield. At this point were is that data stored? Is it in a variable? How do I grab this
information to use somewhere else? Where do I look? Can anyone point me in the right
direction?
Thanks in advance....Larry Mandras - TSC
Lewis R Cunningham Whitaker IT Oracle Human Resources Functional and Technical Consultant
LewisC@rocketmail.com
2.7.) FRM-40654 on updating segment - "Record has been updated, requery block to see change."
(Also please refer another query on this topic)
Mohan Thanikanti wrote:
Hi,
we are having a strange problem.
We have an accounting flexifield of 7 segments. 3 of the segments have descriptive
flexifields of more than 10. Recently, we started getting the following error message when
we tried to change any thing on the segment , which has attribute7 attached for the
descriptive flexfield segments.
The error message is " Record has been changed.Please re-query the block". Then
it says
: It can not set the value for VALUE.LAST_UPDATE_DATE.
We have loaded the values for segments through a custom program. But the custom program
takes care of ltrim and rtrim.
We tested the following cases.
1. We changed the value set for attribute7.
2. We defined a new value set with only one descriptive flexifield segment and attached
ATTRIBUTE7 and the problem repeats.
The problem does not come , if a value set does not have attribute7 attached.
I appreciate help..if some one can share their experiences..
Thanks in advance.... MOHAN
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1999 15:05:58 -0500
From: Bekah Pheifer bpheifer@iquest.net
Subject: Re: Problem with the Flexifields
We've come across the same type of problem with a key flexfield. Oracle Support sent us
patch 555590. Unfortunately it didn't work for us - we don't have any DFFs defined for any
of the segments, but it may solve your problem. The description of the bug from the readme
file is as follows:
BUG DESCRIPTION:
----------------
DEFINE KEY SEGMENT VALUES - DESCRIPTIVE FLEXFIELD FRM-40654
This patch fixes a bug in the "Segment Values" (FNDFFMSV) form that causes the
error message "FRM-40654 Record has been updated, requery block to see change."
to be displayed when updating segment values, even when the underlying record has not been
updated. This bug will occur only when both ATTRIBUTE7 and ATTRIBUTE47 are enabled as
descriptive flexfield segments for the "Flexfield Segment Values" descriptive
flexfield defined in this form.
Hope this helps!
Rebekah Pheifer American Trans Air
SQL as Value Set Vs. custom.pll
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 07:32:35 -0700 (PDT)
From: Ravichandra Aithal raviaithal@yahoo.com
Subject: Descriptive Flexfield - Using SQL statement as the Value Set
Hello Everybody:
I need to compute the Freight charges and plug the value in one of the Descriptive
Flexfield (DFF) segments in the Line level of Sales Order Form. The freight computation is
based on certain characteristics and validation rules.
The validation rules require the 'Customer Number', 'Item' and 'Ship-to location' that are
entered (or defaulted) in the Sales Order form.
I understand that one can write an SQL statement as a Value Set (by having Table
Validation). I can use a single SQL statement as a Value Set.
However, can I do the following:
1. Refer to the values that are entered in a Form (Sales Order Form) like how one does in
Forms 4.5 (i.e., :block_name.item_name)
2. When one is entering the Line level information at point of time does the SQL statement
(given as a Value Set) compute the freight value and get inserted in the DFF segment.
Has anyone worked on this before. If doesn't work I have the solution of customizing the
calculation through Custom Library. Here I have a doubt whether I can refer to the DFF
segment as :block_name.attribute7 (since attribute7 is an item in the LINES Block), and
whether I can use the COPY command to plug a value from a variable to the DFF segment.
Thanking all in advance Ravi
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 11:22:55 -0400
From: Sateesh Reddy sreddy@camail2.harvard.edu
Subject: Re: Descriptive Flexfield - Using SQL statement as the Value
Hi Ravi
You can use copy command in custom.pll to plug the values into attribute7. You can refer
dff field as block.attribute# .Compute the values in custom.pll and use copy command it
worked for me.
Sateesh Reddy Harvard Univ. Boston
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 08:46:43 -0700 (PDT)
From: Ravichandra Aithal raviaithal@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Descriptive Flexfield - Using SQL statement as the Value
Thanx a lot Satish. Does that mena that the DFF option (SQL statement as Value set) is
ruled out? Shall I go ahead with custom.pll.
Ravi
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 09:54:58 -0700
From: Satish Reddy SReddy@zilog.com
Subject: RE: Descriptive Flexfield - Using SQL statement as the Value
Ravi
If you use the :block.attr# in the sql statement ,u have to make sure that it is common
across different forms where the flexfield is called.One other way is to use ROWID of the
block in the value set definition(where clause).
I can give u an example if u are interested.
Thanks Satish Reddy Zilog
From: Ravichandra Aithal
[SMTP:raviaithal@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 1999 9:16 AM
Subject: RE: Descriptive Flexfield - Using SQL statement as the Value
Thanx again Satish!
I would love to have an example if it not much of a hassle to U.
Actually I am quite clear on usage of custom.pll to achieve the functionality of freight
charges computation. What I am concerned is whether usage of a SQL statement as a Value
Set in a DFF segment is possible. This is an alternative solution suggested by the
functional consultant.
Now, U tell me that I can use :blkname.attr# in the WHERE clause of the SQL statement.
That is very interesting.
I will have to compute freight charges ONLY IF: 1. the Freight Terms is 'LFI Freight
Program' (an OE Quick code). This is part of the Header level information and it defaults
from the ship-to site address
2. the Freight Carrier chosen (or defaulted) in the Header level is an LFI Freight Program
participant (this participant or non-participant info is stored elsewhere in another
table)
In addition to these:
1. Once the Item is entered I need to determine which Furniture Type the item belongs to
(thru Item Category assignments) and look for this furniture type in a Custom Table and
then get the flat freight amount.
2. If not found in the Custom Table I need to search some other custom tables to finally
arrive at the freight percent based on the State in which the Ship-to location is located.
Can I do all these complex calculations in a single SQL statement - if I have to use the
DFF - Value Set option? I doubt. I feel it is much simpler thru custom.pll.
However, please use your experience and gimme an idea whether it is possible thru DFF -
value set option. I need some solid reasons to say that it cannot be done. If it can be
done, then I have no choice.
Please advise. Thanx again for the immediate help.
Best regards Ravi
--- Satish Reddy wrote:
Ravi
This is another satish.It definitely works for the first condition.My understanding is the
table validated value set definitely returns ur flat charge.But in the second case it is
difficult.Go for custom.pll.Anyway the example is to get the corresponding customer part
number for our co's part number in a flexfield.
WHERE
CI.CUSTOMER_ID (select customer_id from so_headers h
where h.header_id :LINES.HEADER_ID)
and inactive_flag 'N'
and inventory_item_id :LINES.inventory_item_id
Thanks
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 1999 05:44:16 -0700 (PDT)
From: Ravichandra Aithal raviaithal@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: Descriptive Flexfield - Using SQL statement as the Value
Thanx Satish and Sateesh.
I guess I will have to use a combination of DFF and custom.pll or more preferably only
custom.pll
Satish, thanx for the example.
Ravi
DFF not working
Date: Thu, 20 May 1999 13:01:02 +0200
From: Bryan Hart BryanH@langeberg.co.za
Subject: Descriptive flexfield problems
Problem:
Set up a descriptive flexfield to insert into Attribute1 of mtl_material_transactions
I made it context sensitive where TRANSACTION_SOURCE_TYPE_ID 5 then enable flexfield.....
Fine...
I enter a misc receipt, does not bring up the flexfield. Fine
I enter a wip completion txn brings up the flexfield. Fine
I enter a misc receipt, does not bring up the flexfield. but i click in the descriptive
flexfield, does not bring up enything until i try to save giving the error:
APP-01238: Cannot set value for field MTL_TRX_LIN.Attribute_category
Cause: Application Object Library was unable to put a value in the filed
mtl_txn_line.attribute_category.
action Review your error message bla bla bla.........
Cause: You passed USEDBFLDS"Y" to one of the flexfields user exits #FND
POPID|LOADID|VAILD|POPDESC|LOADDESC|VALDESC and the form does not have all the database
SEGMENTS1 - SEGMETNS or ATTRIBUTES1-...
ACtion : Set USEDBFLDS"N" fi the form does not use Segmentn or Attributen
regards bhart
Date: Thu, 20 May 1999 10:12:18 MDT
From: "Vijay Kumar Ch" horo_horo@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: Descriptive flexfield problems
try compiling the flexfield by running
ADADMIN
- compile flexfield data in AOL tables option
and then try it. i had a similar problem with Receiving transaction flexfiled which was
solved after compiling the data.
Hope this helps. Vijay
Making DFF prompt context sensitive prompt
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 10:17:09 -0700
From: Sharada Kondaveeti Sharada.Kondaveeti@hds.com
Subject: Descriptive Flexfield
All,
Can any one tell me how can we make a descriptive flexfield window prompt a context
sensitive prompt. On the sales order header descriptive flexfield segment we have
flexfield prompt which should display xxxxx or yyyyyy depending on the order type. Can
this be done and if so how?
Thanks in advance,
Sharada
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 13:27:14 -0700
From: Satish Reddy SReddy@zilog.com
Subject: RE: Descriptive Flexfield
The reference fiels should be a FORM FIELD corresponding to the database field. Below the
global segments u need to give the values of Order type for which the desc flexfield need
to be displayed.
On top of that the reference field needs to be the same in every form the desc flex is
accessed Thanks