Create and register a custom Descriptive Flexfield (DFF)

We can create a custom Descriptive Flexfield on custom tables and use it in custom forms. I have illustrated the steps required to create the DFF and register it in Oracle Apps.
Step 1: Create the custom table

We created a custom table with the following script,

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CREATE TABLE xx_supplier_blacklist ( blacklist_id NUMBER NOT NULL PRIMARY KEY, supp_number VARCHAR2(30), supp_name VARCHAR2(240), address VARCHAR2(1000), LOCATION VARCHAR2(2), supp_lob VARCHAR2(240), blklist_flag VARCHAR2(3), reason_blklist VARCHAR2(240), reason_details VARCHAR2(1000), date_blklist DATE, date_remove DATE, reason_blk_remove VARCHAR2(240), detail_reason_remove VARCHAR2(1000), linkage VARCHAR2(3) , attribute_category VARCHAR2(150), attribute1 VARCHAR2(240), attribute2 VARCHAR2(240), attribute3 VARCHAR2(240), attribute4 VARCHAR2(240), attribute5 VARCHAR2(240) ) /

We wanted the columns, attribute1..attribute5 to be registered as descriptive flexfields.

Step 2: Register the table in Oracle Apps

We shall register the custom table using the standard API, AD_DD. The table is registered using the script from this article. From the script we only need to change the line,

1	v_tab_name VARCHAR2 (32) := 'XX_CUSTOM_TABLE';

to

1	v_tab_name VARCHAR2 (32) := 'XX_SUPPLIER_BLACKLIST';

Step 3: Register the DFF in Oracle Apps

Responsibility: Application Developer
Navigation: Flexfield > Descriptive > Register

Enter the values as,
Application: Custom Applications
Title: Blacklist
Table Application: Custom Applications
Name: BLACKLIST_FLEX
Description: Blacklist context flexfield
Table Name: XX_SUPPLIER_BLACKLIST
Context Prompt: Context Value
DFV View Name: (This value is left blank. If we set up a database view later on we shall add its name here)

Click on Columns

The list of columns are displayed here. If the box named, Enabled, is checked then the column is set to be part of DFF. Notice that Oracle has checked the ATTRIBUTE columns as DFF by default. If you want to add any column, you may check the Enabled box.
Note:
The column ATTRIBUTE_CATEGORY is not displayed in this list of columns as is already declared as the DFF Structure column in the previous screen.
Close this form and go back to Descriptive Flexfields form.
Click on Reference Fields

The list of reference fields are displayed here. We do not have any at the moment. Save and close the DFF form.

Step 4: Configure the DFF segments

Responsibility: Application Developer
Navigation: Flexfield > Descriptive > Segments

Query for the Title = Blacklist

Click on Segments
Create a new Segment
Number: 10
Name: Parent Supplier
Window Prompt: Parent Supplier
Click on Column to pull up the LOV with the columns

Select a column and a value set.

Then Freeze the flexfield by checking the box on the main DFF Segments form.

Save the form so that Oracle compiles the DFF. Once the compilation is over the DFF is ready to be used.