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Component Backflush with Oracle MTL Transaction Interface Table
Recently, at work, we noticed the Work Order-less completions inserted into our MTL_TRANSACTIONS_INTERFACE table were not spawning component backflush transactions. It was quite the mystery to us, as they had been working in Oracle 11i (11.5.10). At some point during our migration to R12 (12.1.3) the backflush transactions had stopped. We searched Oracle’s documentation, support knowledge base, and all over the internet. We couldn’t find a solution.
One of my colleagues got in touch with someone she used to work with. They were able to provide a private API: APPS.wip_flowUtil_priv. My colleague tried the API call explodeRequirementsToMTI and was able to get the components to backflush. We thought all was well.
However, upon further testing, I noticed something strange. The original Assembly was getting stuck in the interface. And when resubmitted, I saw both the assembly and another round of components getting transacted. What was going on?
Further testing provided me with the answer: the originally inserted assembly record was getting slightly altered by the material transaction worker before getting marked in error. Altered to a point which would spawn component backflush transactions if marked for processing and then processed. I tried inserting a fresh assembly record into the MTL_TRANSACTIONS_INTERFACE table with the updated fields and was able to get the components to backflush, automatically, without any errors.
We now have a functioning R12 Work Order-less completion interface which inserts assembly completion records into the MTL_TRANSACTIONS_INTERFACE table. Records which are correctly formed and spawn component issue (backflush) transactions when processed by the material transaction manager (Process transaction interface).
These are the two fields that were changed by the transaction manager:
OPERATION_SEQ_NUM from -1 to NULL
TRANSACTION_BATCH_SEQ from NULL to 1
Below is the insert statement we are using, with Oracle 12.1.3 changes noted.
Fixed: Oracle iSetup XML Uploading Error
For the past month at work we have been experimenting with Oracle iSetup as a way to migrate Oracle R12 configurations from instance to instance. We had been using Rapid Solutions (Rapid e-Suite) in Oracle 11i in the past, but wanted to try something quicker, more robust, and seeded with Oracle.
The iSetup module worked pretty well in our proof of concept testing. But we ran into a problem when we started migrating our multi organization/business unit configurations. We have multiple business units because we are sharing the instance with another division at our company. Migrating configurations with iSetup brings all the ORGs and sites along with each configuration, however we only wanted our division’s configurations migrated. To solve the problem, we started editing the exported XML before loading it into the new instance.
Editing XML is relatively time consuming and prone to error when editing in a text editor compared to a program designed to edit XML. We tried to use the free Microsoft XML Notepad 2007, however, loading the exported files was causing iSetup to fail on upload. I found the problem and solved it as described below.
Conditions
- Oracle iSetup module in Oracle E-Business suite R12
- XML Documents edited by Microsoft XML Notepad 2007
Symptoms
- iSetup reports error when uploading edited XML files
- Log file as seen here:
oracle.xml.parser.v2.XMLParseException: Start of root element expected.
at oracle.xml.parser.v2.XMLError.flushErrors1(XMLError.java:320)
at oracle.xml.parser.v2.NonValidatingParser.parseRootElement(NonValidatingParser.java:341)at oracle.xml.parser.v2.NonValidatingParser.parseDocument(NonValidatingParser.java:303)
at oracle.xml.parser.v2.XMLParser.parse(XMLParser.java:205)
at oracle.apps.az.r12.api.BC4JAPI.createAPIEntityItems(BC4JAPI.java:330)
at oracle.apps.az.r12.extractor.cpserver.UploaderContextImpl.validateExtract(UploaderContextImpl.java:170)
at oracle.apps.az.r12.extractor.cpserver.UploaderContextImpl.upload(UploaderContextImpl.java:105)
at oracle.apps.az.r12.extractor.cpserver.UploaderCp.runProgram(UploaderCp.java:74)
at oracle.apps.fnd.cp.request.Run.main(Run.java:157)
Problem
- Oracle XML files are saved in ASNI text encoding even though the XML header specifies UTF-8
- Oracle iSetup expects ASNI encoded XML files contained within uploaded ZIP file
- Microsoft XML Notepad 2007 saves XML files in UTF-8 encoding
Solution
- Download extraction ZIP file generated by Oracle iSetup
- Extract ZIP file to your computer
- Edit and save extracted XML file in Microsoft XML Notepad
- Open saved file in Notepad (Text Editor)
- Save As ASNI encoding
- Replace existing file within original ZIP file
- ZIP file compression levels and algorithms must reamin intact
- 7-ZIP supports replacing files within an existing file using drag and drop functionality
- Upload updated ZIP file to Oracle iSetup as a new extraction.
- Load extraction into source instance
Conclusion
Egan Dry Erase Markers
At USG we have many white boards in our conference rooms, and most of them are accompanied by Egan brand dry erase markers. Every time someone starts to use one of the markers, I get rather agitated; the odor of the markers is nearly unbearable. This is not just my thought, it is a belief that I share with others; I have witnessed my boss commenting on how badly the markers smell as he crinkles his nose. The strangest thing is, my coworkers who use the markers use them like they have no idea they smell so badly.
I decided to take things into my own hands, as I usually do, and I sent a letter to the manufacturer of the markers. It appears as though they couldn’t care less how badly they smell, as long as they produce “maximum satisfaction” when erasing. Now, I don’t know what sort of person only rates a marker based on its erasability, or what person only asked the focus group to rate its “erasability” and not anything else, but the ENTIRE experience of using the marker should be factored into the “satisfaction”. I’ll tell you this; I will not be investing in Egan if their thought process is so convoluted.
Here is the e-mail chain:
SpringHill Suites
I have been staying at the SpringHill Suites in Norfolk the past few weeks, and I must say, I am impressed. The first few weeks in Norfolk VA I stayed at the TownePlace Suites, and I was not that happy about the cleanliness and quality of their hotel for the price I was paying. I have the SAME rate at the SpringHill Suites as I did at the TownePlace Suites. I tried to negotiate with the owner of the first hotel to get a better rate, but after 3 attempts, they never contacted me back. So I gave up. If you are ever in Norfolk VA looking for a hotel, I highly recommend the SpringHill Suites at 6350 Newtown road.
Quick Update on Things
I have a few updates on things that I would like to share…
I am off of the Jacksonville rollout and back in Chicago for good! That makes me happy that I am back in Chicago.
I still do not know where I will be when the project at work ends at the end of the month, but I am working on things. And my managers have assured me that I will have a job and that why will keep me busy with something before I take a final position.
I am looking for a gym now that I am in Chicago. I went gym shopping the other day and had some interesting experiences. The first place I went to (Fitness Formula Clubs), the salesman had his fly unzipped. The second place was just a sales location for a new gym opening up soon (Lakeview Athletic Club) and the sales women did not even acknowledge me for 20 minutes. She was helping other customers, but I would expect her to say “hi, I will be with you as soon as I can” or something like that. The third place (Sweat Shop), was the smallest, and least desirable place, but had the kindest, most professional salesman.
I think I will be signing up for FFC because soon my company will give me a subsidized membership, and its the middle of the prices between the three clubs as it stands; $70 a month. We’ll see how it goes. I hate contracts.
I just got my bike tire fixed. Someone had hit it in the parking garage in my building. The bike originally cost me $65 (was 50% off at Wal-Mart) and the front tire cost $70 to replace! Yikes. Must be a good tire, or a really crappy bike! Or both!
Go-Live and More
I don’t have too much to update you all on, other than the last two weeks have been a bit stressful. Leading four strong intelligent people with different ideas is a tough thing to do, especial if you have strong opinions yourself. We are chugging along thought…
On Sunday I went to the beach with some coworkers and had a lot of fun, got a bit tan, and enjoyed the day off… Until I had to go to work at 6:00PM and stay till 6:00 AM. How fun does that sound?
Sorry about the lack of updates lately, things should pick up once Jacksonville is rolled out, and I am back in Chicago for good!
ED HAYES 