Understanding Field Types

Understanding Field Types

Introduction

In iVendNext, fields are the building blocks of forms and documents. They define how data is captured, displayed, and processed. Whether you're creating a sales order, tracking inventory, or managing customer records, selecting the right field type ensures efficiency and accuracy.


This guide explores the different field types available in iVendNext, their use cases, and best practices for implementation.



1. Common Field Types

1.1 Link Field

  • Purpose: Connects to another master document (e.g., Customer, Item, Supplier).

  • Example: In a Quotation, the "Customer" field links to the Customer Master.

  • Key Features:

    • Auto-completes entries based on linked data.

    • Ensures data consistency by referencing a single source.



1.2 Dynamic Link Field

  • Purpose: References multiple document types dynamically.

  • Example: In an Opportunity, a Dynamic Link can point to either a Lead or a Customer.

  • Key Features:

    • Adapts based on the selected document type.

    • Reduces the need for multiple link fields.



1.3 Select Field

  • Purpose: Provides a dropdown list of predefined options.

  • Example: A "Status" field with options like Draft, Submitted, Cancelled.

  • Key Features:

    • Ensures standardized data entry.

    • Options can be modified in the Customize Form settings.



1.4 Table Field

  • Purpose: Embeds a child table within a document.

  • Example: The "Items" table in a Sales Order links to Sales Order Items.

  • Key Features:

    • Supports multiple rows of structured data.

    • Can be configured as editable grids.




2. Specialized Field Types

2.1 Geolocation Field

  • Purpose: Captures geographic data (points, lines, polygons).

  • Use Case: Tracking land boundaries in the Agriculture module.

  • Key Features:

    • Supports GeoJSON format.

    • Interactive map interface for plotting locations.



2.2 Signature Field

  • Purpose: Captures electronic signatures for approvals.

  • Use Case: Signing contracts, invoices, or delivery receipts.

  • Key Features:

    • Supports freehand drawing.

    • Stores signatures securely in the database.



2.3 Table MultiSelect Field

  • Purpose: Allows multiple selections from a linked document.

  • Use Case: Assigning a ToDo task to multiple users.

  • Key Features:

    • Functions like a Link + Table field.

    • Prevents duplicate selections.




3. Best Practices for Using Field Types

3.1 Optimize for Data Integrity

  • Use Link Fields for master data (Customers, Items) to ensure consistency.

  • Apply Select Fields for standardized choices (e.g., Status, Priority).


3.2 Improve User Experience

  • Group related fields using Section Breaks and Column Breaks.

  • Set default values for frequently used fields (e.g., default date = today).


3.3 Avoid Performance Issues

  • Limit the number of fields per form to prevent slowdowns.

  • Use Text/Long Text fields for large data instead of multiple small fields.



Conclusion

Choosing the right field type in iVendNext enhances data accuracy, efficiency, and user experience. By understanding the purpose of each field, you can design forms that align with business workflows.



    • Related Articles

    • Understanding User Types

      Introduction One of the fundamental concepts in iVendNext user management is understanding the two distinct types of users: System Users and Website Users. This distinction is crucial for proper system implementation, as assigning the wrong user type ...

    • Advanced Field Types: Geolocation and Dynamic Link

      Introduction iVendNext offers specialized advanced field types that enable powerful data handling beyond standard text or dropdown fields. Two particularly versatile options are the Geolocation Field (for mapping and spatial data) and the Dynamic ...

    • Understanding User Roles

      Introduction In iVendNext, User Roles define what users can and cannot do within the system. Roles are a foundational aspect of permission control, ensuring that employees access only the documents and features relevant to their job functions. This ...

    • Understanding the Three Types of Reports

      Introduction Reports are a critical component of iVendNext, enabling users to extract, analyze, and present data efficiently. This article explores the three primary types of reports available in iVendNext: Report Builder, Query Reports, and Script ...

    • Items - Types and Use Cases

      Overview In iVendNext, an Item refers to any product or service that your retail business offers. Whether it’s a physical product like a t-shirt or a service like a repair, iVendNext allows you to manage all types of items efficiently. Understanding ...