Its all about FNDLOAD

Posted on August 15th, 2006 by anand | Print This Post | Email This Post

What is Data Synchronization ?

Data Synchronization is a process in which some setup data would be synchronized,

and this would be more important when you are working in oracle application
development/implementation project? The equally important that AOL data Migration
takes place necessary to synchronize the data across databases instance during

• Installations (New desc. flex field creations etc)

• Upgrades (Apps upgrade etc)
• Maintenance (Value set changes etc)

Then… What.. FNDLOAD

Yes, that is one and only oracle solution. It can be defined as a concurrent program
that can move Oracle Applications data between database and text file
representations. Or this can be defined as FNDLOAD can download data from an
application entity into an editable text file, which can be uploaded to another database.

How it works

Conversion between database format and text file format is specified by a configuration
file. Oracle does provide confirmation file and it is important to just pass the
configuration file name and then just call the loader and leave everything .The schematic
visual representation of the loader is like:

What can be done?

These are the extensive list which can be done through FNDLOAD

• Concurrent Programs, Executables

 • Request Groups, Request Sets
• Profile Options
• Key and Descriptive Flexfields
• Menus and Responsibilities
• Forms and Form Functions
• Attachments
• Messages
• Value Sets and Values
• Lookup Types
• User Responsibilities
• Printer Definitions
• FND Dictionary
• Help Configuration
• Document Sequences
• Concurrent Manager Schedules

Then…what are advantages when using FNDLOAD are :

1. Because downloaded data is stored in a text file, version administration is

possible
2. There is nothing to worry to go to purchase because..Investment = 0$
3. No learning curve. this is relief for developer/dba’s
4. Fully supported and recommended by Oracle
5. Capture the migrations in a file and use it during installations, clones etc. to
migrate in batch
6. Pin-point when something happened and where (database) easily
7. Your AOL data migration process is now simplified and streamlined – goal
attained!!

And these are some Disadvantages also :

1. Applications patching mechanisms use FNDLOAD heavily – possibility of

negative impact is not zero
2. UPLOAD_MODE=REPLACE only for menus
3. No validation against migrating database/instance sensitive data

The Syntax

To use FNDLOAD, the following syntax is needed.

FNDLOAD apps/appspwd 0 Y mode configfile datafile entity [parameter1…..]

As you can see, some info is needed.- First you will need to know the Apps password.

• The mode is either DOWNLOAD or UPLOAD.

• The configfile is the file that Fndload needs to download on upload data.
• T he data file is the output file, in which the downloaded data is written
• The entity is the entity you want to download,
• Parameters van is passed to download a certain Alert
Modes of Operation

This is important because it would drive the whole flow, and it always be two mode ..
Upload and Download…

Example of download:

FNDLOADapps/pwd 0 Y DOWNLOAD ${FND_TOP}/patch/115/import/afcpprog.lct myfile.ldt \

PROGRAM CONCURRENT_PROGRAM_NAME= concurrent_program_short_name>
APPLICATION_SHORT_NAME=<application_short_name>

Example of Upload

FNDLOAD apps/pwd 0 Y UPLOAD ${FND_TOP}/patch/115/import/afcpprog.lct

myfile.ldt - CUSTOM_MODE=FORCE undocumented parameter

WHAT IS FNDLOADLoad Options:

• Application level OR single entity level download

o (Example) Download all the profile options of Inventory or just the INV:
Default Primary UOM
• Entire OR Partial upload of a data file
o (Example) Upload the entire myfile.ldt or just a single enity indicated
by - and mode UPLOAD or UPLOAD_PARTIAL
o Entity name required for UPLOAD_PARTIAL mode
• Custom mode force update
o To override Oracle’s upload algorithm and update the custom AOL data
regardless, use CUSTOM_MODE= FORCE
o UPLOAD_MODE= REPLACE (only for menus)
• Support for NLS uploads
o NLS data uploads for translated columns are supported, use
UPLOAD_MODE= NLS

Then ..Where is Config File Located

By default Oracle delivers most of configuration files you can use to download certain
entities.

• Configuration files with extension .lct

o On Unix - all the configuration files are in $FND_TOP/patch/115/import
directory
o On Unix – Oracle also places the original configuration files in
$FND_TOP/admin/import directory
• Data files with extension .ldt

and..FNDLOAD File Structures is

• The config files (.lct) are delivered and maintained by Oracle

• It has entity definitions, parent-child relationships and user input parameters
identified by :NAME
 o Downloading a parent automatically downloads all children - (Example)
Concurrent Program download

Take a note FNDLOAD File Structures

• The data files (.ldt) have both entity definition and the data
• It also shows the version and the location of the config file (.lct) that was used
• Without the config file, data file is useless
• Without the data file, config file is meaningless

..Remember regarding FNDLOAD Files

• Key files: .lct and .ldt

• You must run the FNDLOADas apps user not as applsys or any other,
otherwise you will receive Ora-6550
• Both are easily readable, editable and portable
• DO NOT MODIFY Oracle’s .lct files
• Use your favorite editor (I would suggest Textpad or Editplus) to manipulate
only the .ldt files but be cautious about data type, length, delimiter
placements etc.
• Use the log file outputs or .ldt file contents creatively for quick file
comparisons and answer questions faster (Why can’t I access that? What
is that profile option name, value and level? What is the value set used for
that DFF segment attribute10 etc.)
• Partial string searches (which value set has Priority “something” in its
where clause? etc)

Sample Script Code for these Objects :

1 - Printer Styles

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afcppstl.lct

file_name.ldt STYLE PRINTER_STYLE_NAME=”printer style name”

2 - Lookups

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/aflvmlu.lct

file_name.ldt FND_LOOKUP_TYPE APPLICATION_SHORT_NAME=”prod”
LOOKUP_TYPE=”lookup name”

3 - Descriptive Flexfield with all of specific Contexts

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afffload.lct file_name.ldt

DESC_FLEX P_LEVEL=?COL_ALL:REF_ALL:CTX_ONE:SEG_ALL? APPLICATION_SHORT_NAME=”prod”
DESCRIPTIVE_FLEXFIELD_NAME=”desc flex name” P_CONTEXT_CODE=”context name”

4 - Key Flexfield Structures

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afffload.lct

file_name.ldt KEY_FLEX P_LEVEL=?
COL_ALL:FQL_ALL:SQL_ALL:STR_ONE:WFP_ALL:SHA_ALL:CVR_ALL:SEG_ALL?
APPLICATION_SHORT_NAME=”prod” ID_FLEX_CODE=”key flex code”
P_STRUCTURE_CODE=”structure name”

5 - Concurrent Programs

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afcpprog.lct file_name.ldt

PROGRAM APPLICATION_SHORT_NAME=”prod” CONCURRENT_PROGRAM_NAME=”concurrent name”

6 - Value Sets

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afffload.lct

file_name.ldt VALUE_SET FLEX_VALUE_SET_NAME=”value set name”

7 - Value Sets with values

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD

$FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afffload.lct file_name.ldt VALUE_SET_VALUE
FLEX_VALUE_SET_NAME=”value set name”

8 - Profile Options

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afscprof.lct

file_name.ldt PROFILE PROFILE_NAME=”profile option” APPLICATION_SHORT_NAME=”prod”

9 - Requset Group

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afcpreqg.lct

file_name.ldt REQUEST_GROUP REQUEST_GROUP_NAME=”request group”
APPLICATION_SHORT_NAME=”prod”

10 - Request Sets

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afcprset.lct

file_name.ldt REQ_SET APPLICATION_SHORT_NAME=”prod” REQUEST_SET_NAME=”request
set”

11 - Responsibilities

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afscursp.lct file_name.ldt

FND_RESPONSIBILITY RESP_KEY=”responsibility

12 - Menus

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 O Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afsload.lct

file_name.ldt MENU MENU_NAME=”menu_name”

13 – Forms/Functions

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 0 Y DOWNLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/affrmcus.lct

file_name.ldt FND_FORM_CUSTOM_RULES The Upload syntax for all styles: FNDLOAD
apps/apps@seed115 0 Y UPLOAD $FND_TOP/patch/115/import/affrmcus.lct file_name.ldt
14. User/Responsibilities

FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 0 Y DOWNLOAD @FND:patch/115/import/afscursp.lct file_name.ldt

FND_USER Then UPLOAD FNDLOAD apps/apps@seed115 0 Y UPLOAD [UPLOAD_PARTIAL]
@FND:patch/115/import/afscursp.lct file_name.ldt FND_USER [<USER>]

References:

• Oracle Applications Systems Administrator’s Guide

• Metalink Notes: 117084.1, 228614.1 232029.1 , 274667.1

Posted in 11i, AOL | Email This Post | Print This Post

25 Responses

1. siddh Says:
January 23rd, 2007 at 3:37 pm

Hi,

Is there anyway I can downlaod telesales dashboard objects like profile check
variables, profile check and drilldowns using FNDLOAD?
If there is a way, can you give me one or two examples of download on
cscprfbk.lct and cscprfck.lct?

Thanks.
-Siddh

2. Great FNDLOAD - Part -II Says:

August 25th, 2007 at 12:03 am

[...] have already posted note on FNDLOAD utility for doing movement of
application setup data from one database to the other.There are instances when we
need to move some AOL and seeded data from one Environment to another [...]

3. Justin Says:
September 19th, 2007 at 3:22 am

Hi ,
This is very informative article. Many thanks !!!

Is there any FNDLOAD command available which will download the concurrent
program along with the Request Groups to which the program is been attached.
So when we upload that LDT it will both upload the Concurrent Program and also
attach it to respective responsibilities as well.

Awaiting for your reply.

4. Ash Says:
October 17th, 2007 at 12:28 pm

Is there a way to migrate flexfield definitions from Oracle Apps 11.0.3 to 11i. I
believe FNDLOAD is not available in 11.0.3. Is there a work around? Can you
suggest something?

5. Raman Says:
November 12th, 2007 at 3:54 am

it is good information.

6. Niel Says:
December 18th, 2007 at 5:52 am

Hi,

Can we add the concurrent program to the already existing (standard) request
group (offcourse using FNDLOAD…or something automated)?

Awaiting reply

7. Sanjit Anand Says:

December 18th, 2007 at 6:28 am

Niel,

you can add it with existing requset group, by either options, directly from front
end or FNDLOAD.

use afcprset.lct to download and upload.

8. Narasimha Says:
January 7th, 2008 at 3:59 am

Hi,
Good information.

We have a requirement to pass the password to the FNDLOAD command and

keep it hidden so the password is not revealed when checking the process status
via “ps -aex |grep -i FNDLOAD”.

Any inputs on how we could achieve this please?

Thanks,
Narasimha
9. Ganesh Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 2:35 am

Is it possible to rename the existing concurrent program through FND_LOAD?

10. Sanjit Anand Says:

February 14th, 2008 at 3:14 am

ganesh,

Oracle does not have provided any capability to rename the existing concurrent
program name.
The idea of FNDLOAD is to migration, renaming of concurrent program can be
treating brand new name defination.

The best options is that you can rename either Pre-migration in source instance or
post migration in Target instance.

Hope you understand.

sanjit

11. Phani B Reddy Says:

February 27th, 2008 at 2:14 am

Its very nice having all information @ one place.

But its better if we add FNDLOAD information for DATA DEFINITIONS and
TEMPLATES.

Hope my request will be considered

12. Deepa Tiwari Says:

March 5th, 2008 at 8:52 am

Phani,

Here is the script for download and upload of Data definitions and template
FNDLOAD apps/$CLIENT_APPS_PWD O Y DOWNLOAD
$XDO_TOP/patch/115/import/xdotmpl.lct XX_MY_DATA_DEF_NAME.ldt
XDO_DS_DEFINITIONS APPLICATION_SHORT_NAME=”XXASN”
DATA_SOURCE_CODE=”XX_MY_DATA_DEF_NAME”

FNDLOAD apps/$CLIENT_APPS_PWD 0 Y UPLOAD

$XDO_TOP/patch/115/import/xdotmpl.lct XX_MY_DATA_DEF_NAME.ldt

Hope this helps.

Deepa
13. Deepa Tiwari Says:
March 5th, 2008 at 11:28 am

Please refer the user guide for XDOLoader command to upload and download
Template files.

Deepa

14. Deepa Tiwari Says:

March 6th, 2008 at 8:30 am

Sanjit,

is afcprset.lct to be used to download and upload request groups specific program

or is is afcpreqg.lct with the REQUEST_GROUP_UNIT parameters

Deepa

15. Sanjit Anand Says:

March 6th, 2008 at 9:47 pm

deepa, check the corresponding lct file from this extended list.
http://www.oracleappshub.com/oracle-application/great-fndload-part-ii/

sanjit

16. KjartanMS Says:

March 12th, 2008 at 10:23 am

Hi
Is there any documentation on how the P_LEVEL argument is to be structured
when downloading Key Flexfields etc?

17. sreekanth Says:

April 9th, 2008 at 12:31 am

Hi friends.
I need to migrate concurrent programs from one instance to another.
I have tried FND_LOAD and it is working fine.
The problem is i am able to migrate only one concurrent program at a time.
Is there a way to migrate all the concurrent programs of an application at once by
creating a request group?
what are the changes to be made in DOWNLOAD and UPLOAD commands?

18. Barbara Says:

May 9th, 2008 at 10:32 am
 To migrate Request Sets I thought you need 2 scripts one for the set and one for
the links. However none is working

19. Sanjit Anand Says:

May 9th, 2008 at 10:59 am

hey Barbara,

I donot think you will really requited to program. i did sometime till 11.5.7 but
after than afcprset.lct was greatly enhanced.

simply use this script: and uploading change the mode from download to upload.

FNDLOAD apps/@hoststring 0 Y DOWNLOAD

$FND_TOP/patch/115/import/afcprset.lct custom_request_set.ldt REQ_SET
REQUEST_SET_NAME=”"

20. Sanjit Anand Says:

May 9th, 2008 at 11:01 am

There is one note in metalink , which is bit older did mention two step process.

This is what metalink suggested:

1. Download Request Set definitions (Using Entity ‘REQ_SET’)

$FNDLOAD sqllogon 0 Y DOWNLOAD @FND:patch/115/import/afcprset.lct

.ldt REQ_SET REQUEST_SET_NAME=’ ‘

Usage of entity ‘REQ_SET’with FNDLOAD will download request

definitions of into .ldt using
information in afcprset.lct.
Check the version of afcprset.lct it needs to be the same on source and target.
2. Download Request Set Stage links information. (Using Entity
‘REQ_SET_LINKS’)

$FNDLOAD sqllogon 0 Y DOWNLOAD @FND:patch/115/import/afcprset.lct

ldt REQ_SET_LINKS REQUEST_SET_NAME=”

Usage of entity ‘REQ_SET_LINKS’ with FNDLOAD will download request

stage linkage information of into .ldt
using information in afcprset.lct.
Check the version of afcprset.lct it needs to be the same on source and target.
Now,use the resultant files .ldt and .ldt for uploading the Request Set data in
another Instance,

by using the commands given below in the following sequence:

 3. Upload Request Set definitions.

$FNDLOAD apps/ 0 Y UPLOAD @FND:patch/115/import/afcprset.lct

.ldt

4.Upload Request Set Stage links information.

$FNDLOAD apps/ 0 Y UPLOAD @FND:patch/115/import/afcprset.lct

.ldt

All the required Concurrent Program definitions should exist before loading the
Request Set on the Target Instance.

21. Sanjit Anand Says:

May 9th, 2008 at 11:05 am

i have checked the .lct file , it should not be in 2 steps.

see items #11, from list updated one.

22. Gianni Nieri Says:
May 26th, 2008 at 8:08 am

Hi!
 I have problems when I use the FNDLOAD because I do all my downloads from
ESA language but FNDLOAD always makes from US language, there are any tip
for this?

23. sreekanth nunagala Says:

June 12th, 2008 at 9:19 pm

Hi friends,
I have used FNDLOAD to migrate concurrent programs.Till now i am able to
migrate only one concurrent program at a time.
How to migrate more than 1 concurrent program at a time?

24. Migration of XMLPub Templates :XDOLOADER Utility Says:

June 14th, 2008 at 12:57 am

[...] to upload this metadata to another instance. The FNDLOAD program requires
a control file (lct) as discussed earlier that XML Publisher provides for use with
its objects. The file which is used called xdotmpl.lct and [...]

25. FNDLOAD for AME’s Says:

June 14th, 2008 at 3:49 am

[...] groups etc. from one instance to another instance, you can use some of them
by mean of FNDLOAD utility. The process is similar to what we are regularly
using for other AOL [...]