Overview

Child tables are a powerful feature in iVendNext that allow you to manage multi-row data within a single document—such as line items in a Sales Order or tasks in a Project. However, default settings often limit visibility, showing only a few columns or requiring clicks to view details. This article will teach you how to:
✔ Enable/disable editable grids for streamlined data entry.
✔ Customize columns to display critical fields at a glance.
✔ Optimize child tables for better usability and reporting.

Understanding Child Tables

A child table is a sub-section of a document that holds related records. Examples include:

• Sales Order Items (Product, Qty, Rate).

• Project Tasks (Task Name, Assignee, Deadline).

• Purchase Order Supplies (Item, Ordered Qty, Received Qty).

By default, iVendNext displays child tables in two modes:

1. Editable Grid: Edit rows directly in a table view (limited to 4 columns).

2. Form View: Open a pop-up form for each row (shows all fields).

Step 1: Enabling the Editable Grid

The editable grid lets users edit child table data inline, reducing clicks.

How to Enable

1. Go to:

Setup > Customize > DocType  

2. Select the parent DocType (e.g., Sales Order).

3. Under Child Tables, locate the target table (e.g., Sales Order Item).

4. Check "Editable Grid" and save.

Result: Users can edit fields directly in the table.

Step 2: Adding Columns to the Editable Grid

By default, only 4 columns appear. To show more:

1. Customize the Child DocType:

• Navigate to:

Setup > Customize > Customize Form  

• Select the child table (e.g., Sales Order Item).

2. Configure Column Visibility:

• For each field, set:

• "In List View": ✅ Checked.

• "Column": Enter a number (1–10) to set display order.

3. Save and Refresh:

• Columns will appear in the editable grid based on their order.

Pro Tip:

• Prioritize high-use fields (e.g., Item Code, Qty, Rate).

• Avoid exceeding 10 columns to prevent clutter.

Step 3: Switching to Form View (When Needed)

For complex child tables (e.g., tasks with 15+ fields), disable the editable grid:

1. Uncheck "Editable Grid" in the parent DocType.

2. Ensure fields have "In List View" enabled for the preview.

Result: Users see a condensed preview but can click to open full details.

Step 4: Advanced Customizations

1. Conditional Field Visibility

Hide/show child table fields based on parent data:

// Example: Hide "Discount" column if customer is "Government"  

cur_frm.fields_dict["items"].grid.update_docfield_property(  

  "discount_percentage",  

  "hidden",  

  doc.customer_group === "Government"  

);  

2. Dynamic Column Widths

Adjust widths via CSS (Admin-only):

/* In Custom Script */  

.ivendnext-grid [data-fieldname="item_code"] { width: 200px !important; }  

3. Bulk Editing

Use "Bulk Update" (if enabled) to modify multiple rows simultaneously.

Common Issues & Fixes

Here’s a quick look at some common issues you might run into.

Important Points To Remember

Some of the key points to remember are:

1. Balance Speed vs. Detail: Use editable grids for simple tables, form views for complex ones.

2. Standardize Columns: Keep key fields (e.g., Item, Qty) visible across all similar tables.