Let me, based on my previous blog, explain the procedure of flagged files a bit better and facilitate the same with screenshots.

Flagged files is a concept within the Oracle eBusiness Suite (EBS) release 12, where you flag a standard deployment file, let’s say a Forms file, a Package or a Java class file. When you run the patch analyse, the list of flagged files will be checked and in case one of these files gets patched, the analyse report will tell you.

Note: This functionality is also available in release 11, here it is implemented and known as “applcust.txt”.

You can flag as many files as you want, in whatever relationship they are with your customizations. In addition to the flag itself you can add a comment. You should use this comment to point to your customization reference (here XXAR_RPT_066 or XXAP_CUST_030).

Consider the following two cases:

1. You have created your own report, based on a standard report. In this case you will flag the report file itself, and the key views used. When a patch updates one of these files, you will be informed and can initiate a proper review and testing. (ex.: first line for ARXCTA.rdf)
2. You have created an extensive personalization and because it is business critical you like to be informed if the page definition gets updated. In this case you register the PG.xml file as flagged file. (ex.: second line below for CreateExtBankAcctPG.xml)

The menu path to register flagged files is the following:

(R) System Administrator > (M) Oracle Applications Manager > Site Map > Maintenance > Register Flagged Files

Your DBA should now run the Patch Analyse every time he is going to apply a new patch.

(R) System Administrator > (M) Oracle Applications Manager > Patch Wizard > Task “Recommend/Analyze Patches”

The screenshot above shows the impact summary. For this blog entry the number “2” titled “Flagged Files Changed“ is in our focus. When you click the “2” you will get a similar screen like the first in this blog, showing you exactly the files which will get patched if you continue and apply this patch in this environment right now.

Note: It is also shown that just 20% of all patch files will get applied. This situation might be different in case your environments are on a different patch level. For sure also the customization impact might then be different.

The flagging step can be done directly in the Oracle Applications Manager.  Our developers are responsible for. To transport such a flag+comment we use a FNDLOAD script. It is suggested to put the flagged files data file directly into your CEMLI patch. Herewith the flagged files registration will be executed right at the same time when the patch gets applied.

Process Steps:

Developer:

• Builds CEMLI
• Reviews code and identifies key standard objects referenced
• Determines standard object files and flags them
• Creates FNDLOAD file and adds the same to the CEMLI patch

DBA:

• Executes for every new Oracle standard patch the patch analyse in a representative environment
• Checks and retrieves the flagged files and comments
• Sends flagged file list back to development team for analyse / retest

Developer:

• Analyses / Updates / Retests effected CEMLIs

Prerequisite:

The patch analyse has to be executed in an environment where flagged files have been registered. (If you run the patch analyse in a vanilla or outdated environment (compared to your PROD), the analyse will not be so helpful!)

When to start with Flagged files?

Start right now utilizing this feature. It is an invest to improve the production stability and fulfil your SLA!

Summary

Flagged Files is a very helpful EBS R12 technique when analysing patches. Implement a procedure within your development process to maintain such flags. Let the DBA run the patch analyse in an environment with a similar patch and customization level as your current production.

Related Links:

EBS Patching Procedures - Chapter 2-13 - Registered Flagged Files