When you define a collection element, you can specify that Oracle Quality initiates an action based on the quality data that you collect. You can have Quality issue alerts and electronic notifications, launch workflows created in Oracle Workflow, as well as place jobs, repetitive schedules, items, suppliers, and purchase order lines on hold. For example, if a test result on a critical component is entered as "Failed," you can have Oracle Quality automatically send an electronic mail notification to the responsible person(s).
The condition that you specify and the resulting action comprise what is called an Action Rule. Action rules are evaluated and executed during the quality data collection process. When an action rule is found to be true, the action associated with it is invoked. You can define the same actions and action rules for both collection elements and collection plan elements, with the exception of the Assign a Value action, which can only be defined for collection plan elements. You also can copy Actions and Action Rules to other collection plan elements.
Quality Actions are defined in the following process:
Define the Action Rule(s) that determine when an action is invoked (see: Action Rules and Invoked Actions).
Specify the action(s) that the Action Rule invokes when found to be true (see: Action Rules and Invoked Actions).
Define any Action Detail(s) that may be required, such as message text or operation numbers (see: Action Details).
Specify the evaluation Sequence that must be followed to determine whether an Action is invoked (see: Action Rule Sequencing).