Fields

A BirdDog "Field" is a user-definable construct that allows storage of additional data, such as item attributes like size or color. When created, a field is tied to a specific type of system-object, such as a web category, item, or customer and is set to contain a specific form of data from simple text or HTML markup to selections from pre-defined lists created specifically for that field. Once a field has been so defined, its contents may be entered when editing a system-object of the type specified for that field. The website must be customized to make use of fields beyond simple storage of data to display their contents or use them in calculations.

• Navigate to System Management | System | Fields and click on Add New Field
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• Under the Group dropdown, select an appropriate option from the dropdown list. Options are:
  
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  • Field/Name is the label or name to identify the field. This is used to create the column in the SQL database, so it must be a valid SQL column name. LINK TO VALID SQL COLUMN NAMES
  • Abbreviation is used in space-constrained user interface elements.
  • Tooltip is a short summary of this field's purpose typically displayed as the tooltip for grid column.
  • Field Set is for custom use only.
  • Priority is just Sort Order.
  • Select the appropriate Data Type from the dropdown list; explanations for the data types on the maintenance screen as noted above.
    
    • NOTE: When you change the Data Type, additional options may appear or disappear according to the new type. Some Types simply do not allow for certain features.
  • Unique: when checked, the field will only allow unique values and will give you a warning when you try to populate using data that already exists.
  • Allow Blank: when checked, a field can be left blank. When unchecked, data is required.
  • Blank Text: this is the text that will display in the dropdown list if the field is left blank as noted above.
  • Hide From Search: By default, search includes fields. If checked, this specific field will not be included in any search results on the website.
  • Help Text: this is the help text that will display for the field.
• Click on Value List
  • Field Value: this is basically the name.
  • This is here so you can create a list of values that are legal for this field. For example, if you have a COLOR field and add values of Red, Blue, and Green, those are the only options available for that field.