How to Configure Context-Sensitive Descriptive Flexfields (DFF) for Absence Types in Oracle Fusion HCM
Introduction
Organizations frequently need to capture different information depending on the absence type selected by an employee.
| Absence Type | Additional Information Required |
|---|---|
| Paid Time Off | Paid Time Off Attribute |
| Sick Leave | Sick Leave Attribute |
Instead of customizing the application, Oracle Fusion Absence Management provides this capability through Context-Sensitive Descriptive Flexfields (DFF). This configuration allows the system to automatically display relevant fields depending on the selected absence type.
Solution Overview
This solution uses the Absence Recording Descriptive Flexfield (DFF) available in Oracle Fusion Absence Management.
- Access the Absence Recording DFF
- Configure the Context
- Create contexts and context sensitive segments
- Deploy the flexfield
(1) Access the Absence Recording DFF
Navigate to:
Setup and Maintenance → Manage Descriptive Flexfields
Search for Absence Recording DFF and click the Edit icon.
Step 2 – Configure the Context
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Default Type | Parameter |
| Default Value | Absence Type |
| Derivation Value | Absence Type |
| Display Type | Hidden |
This ensures the context is automatically derived from the absence type.
Step 3 – Define Context and Context Sensitive Segments
Create Contexts for Each Absence Type
Next, click the Manage Contexts button to view existing contexts or create new ones.
On the Manage Contexts page, click the “+” (Add) icon to create a new context.
When creating a context:
-
You can enter any value for the Display Name
-
The Context Code must be the
absence_type_id
The system uses this value to determine which set of fields should be displayed for the selected absence type.
Retrieve the Absence Type ID
To obtain the absence_type_id, run the following SQL query:
SELECT *
FROM ANC_ABSENCE_TYPES_F_TL
WHERE language = 'US'
AND name IN ('Paid Time Off','Sick Leave');
This query retrieves the IDs for the required absence types. Use the corresponding absence_type_id as the Context Code when creating the context.
Once the context is created, you can define context-specific segments that should appear when that absence type is selected.
Paid Time Off
- Paid Time Off Attribute
Sick Leave
- Sick Leave Attribute
Step 4 – Deploy the Flexfield
Save the configuration and click Deploy Flexfield. Ensure deployment status shows successful compilation.
Testing the Configuration
Navigate to:
My Client Groups → Absence → Absences and Entitlements
Create a new absence request and verify the fields appear dynamically based on absence type.
Best Practices
- Use Global Segments only for fields applicable to all absence types
- Ensure context code matches absence_type_id
- Keep Context Segment hidden
- Always deploy flexfields after configuration
Conclusion
Using Context-Sensitive Descriptive Flexfields in Oracle Fusion Absence Management, organizations can dynamically capture absence-specific information without customization. This improves data accuracy, user experience, and system flexibility.
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