What Is A Descriptive Flexfield In DFF?

A descriptive Flexfield (DFF) is a customizable field that allows users to add extra, company-specific information to a standard Oracle Applications form without modifying the underlying application code.

Unlike Key Flexfields (KFFs), which are used for structured, intelligent keys like account numbers, a DFF provides flexible "expansion space" on a database table to capture additional details that Oracle's default fields don't accommodate.

On a form, a DFF typically appears as a two-character, bracketed field [ ] that, when selected, opens a pop-up window where users can enter additional information. The fields within this pop-up are called segments and are mapped to generic ATTRIBUTEn columns on a database table, such as ATTRIBUTE1, ATTRIBUTE2, and so on.

Core components of a DFF

Global segments

• Definition: These segments are always visible in the DFF pop-up window, regardless of any other data on the form.
• Purpose: They capture information that is relevant to all records within a particular context. For example, in a customer management form, a global segment might track a "customer satisfaction rating" that applies to every customer.

Context-sensitive segments

• Definition: These segments appear only when a specific value is entered into the "context field".
• Purpose: They allow the DFF to be dynamic, displaying different sets of fields based on a condition or a user's selection. This tailors the information capture to a specific situation or entity type.
• Example: On a fixed assets form, a context-sensitive DFF can be set up to:
  • Display "Style," "Size," and "Wood Type" segments when the "Asset Type" is "Desk".
  • Display "CPU Chip" and "Memory Size" segments when the "Asset Type" is "Computer".

Context field

• Definition: The context field is a special segment that controls which context-sensitive segments are displayed.
• Value source: The context value can be derived in two ways:
  • From a reference field: The DFF can automatically get its context value from another field on the form, such as "Asset Type," before the user even opens the pop-up window.
  • Direct user entry: Users can select the context value from a list of values directly within the DFF pop-up.
• Functionality: By changing the context field's value, the entire structure of the DFF can change dynamically, presenting the user with a new set of relevant fields.

Key benefits and uses

• Customization without programming: Businesses can adapt Oracle applications to their unique needs without writing or altering the base application's code. This allows for simple, low-impact extensibility.
• Enhanced reporting: The data captured in DFF segments is stored in standard database columns, making it available for reporting, business intelligence, and searches.
• Business-specific data capture: Companies can track information that is important to their specific operations but not included in standard Oracle fields. This improves data accuracy and completeness.
• Conditional data input: The context-sensitive nature of DFFs helps streamline user data entry by only showing fields that are relevant to the record being processed. This reduces screen clutter and potential errors.

The technical architecture

• Database table columns: Descriptive flexfields use predefined ATTRIBUTEn columns and a context column (typically ATTRIBUTE_CATEGORY) that are shipped as part of standard Oracle application tables.
• Reusable value sets: To ensure data integrity, DFF segments can be tied to a "value set," which is a reusable list of valid values. This provides validation and can also be used to create cascading dependencies between segments.
• Flexibility and evolution: DFFs allow for future expansion as business needs evolve. When new types of information need to be captured, new segments can be defined and mapped to unused ATTRIBUTEn columns on the database table.

How DFFs are used in practice

• Human Capital Management (HCM): An HR department might use a DFF to capture additional employee information, such as certifications, language proficiency, or emergency contact details, on an employee's record.
• Financials (General Ledger): An accounting department might add a DFF to a journal entry form to track a source document number or the name of the person who prepared the entry, providing extra detail for audits.
• Order Management: In an order entry form, a DFF could be configured to capture special shipping instructions or customer-specific details that aren't part of the standard order fields.
• Inventory: For a specific type of inventory item, a DFF could capture details like "Color," "Size," or other relevant attributes.