Custom Fields Versus User Defined Fields

The difference between a Custom Field and a User Defined Field (UDF) is defined as follows:

• Custom Fields – A non-module specific field with a user-defined control type ( for example, drop-down menu or text box) and data type (for example, boolean, integer, or character) which might be used in a hierarchical setting with other custom fields. Custom fields function as standard TMS system fields would, but with settings that are defined by a user with TMS system admin permissions. Their usage is not limited to one module; they can be tied to any module or multiple modules.

• User Defined Fields – A module-specific text field with a user-defined label that can be based on the user's entry in another field. Only the field's label can be defined. The field is always a text box and cannot be used in a hierarchical fashion. You cannot create a user defined field in the Work Orders module and then use the same field in the Assets module as well.

When would you create a Custom Field versus a UDF?

The type of field you choose depends on how much flexibility you want with the field.

• If you want a field for the Work Orders module to have a label of "Manager Approved?" if the user selects a Type code of Project Work Order. But, a different label if a different Type code is selected, create a user defined field.

• If the field's label should be static, regardless of the entries in other fields on the screen, and you want the field to carry over throughout multiple modules, use a custom field.