Item I.D. in Oracle inventory

Question

Hellow
We are currently implementing Oracle E.R.P including Inventory.
As the first step we are in debate about the structure of the item I.D, key flex field. What segments should be implemented?
We think of 3 segments: Item type,number, check digit.
Did anyone implement this key flex field with other segments?
Did anyone implement the logic of check digit (like CRC check in every byte)? How to make Oracle create the check digit as part of creating a new item?
Does it take creating custom pll?
Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Hi,
coming back to check digit, you can create a sequence and link to your value set that you
associate with the check_digit segment, however you may loose some values if the user quits
with out saving the item after entering the check digit.
HOWEVER..
I WOULD FIRMLY ADVICE NOT TO USE MORE THAN ONE SEGMENT FOR THE ITEM FOR THE FOLLOWING
REASONS:
1. Increases complexity in transactions, every time the user need to select an item
he has to select three fields for each item.
2. Item categories can be used for creating complex structures for items and then
assigned to items for reporting/ classification purposes
3. System overhead will increase as each time the data is retrieved it has to retrieve
three fields, concatenate and then display on the screen.
The disadvantages list goes on...
"Quote on Unquote"
Never use more than one segment for item unless its "REALLY" a business requirement..
madhu.