About Attributes
Attributes represent data to capture for a unit or on a transaction. There are several pre-defined system attributes. Many of the system attributes are used for standard reporting. Attribute assignments are available to be defined for transactions, item templates, container setup, project templates, shipping templates, and maintenance templates. Attributes can be added at any time; however, it is advantageous to have the attributes defined and setup prior to setup of where they will be assigned.
Create a New Attribute
To create a new attribute, go to Settings on the left menu bar and select Attributes. A grid view with the list of current attributes will be available to review. Select [New Attribute] button to open the create screen.
- Name. This is the database name for the attribute.
- Label. This is the display name for the attribute. The Name and Label can be the same.
- Help Text. This is optional to setup. When help text is entered, it is displayed under the attribute field when presented in a transaction. Shorter field labels can be used and a broader description of what data to capture can then be defined under the help text.
- Data Type. Assign the data type for the attribute. Current available options include:
- Text
- Date
- Integer
- Memo
- Dropdown List
- Image
- Text Editor
- Checkbox
- DateTime
- Currency
Where Attributes Can Be Assigned
Transaction Attributes
Under the settings section accessed from the settings icon on the top menu bar, select Transaction Setup. Attributes assigned for the transaction are captured at the start of the transaction. The attributes data is associated with the units, but not assigned as part of the unit itself. For example, a vendor packing list number may be added to a receiving transaction and would then be associated for the units received as part of that transaction.
Item Template Attributes
When setting up item templates, attributes can be defined to capture for the items assigned to the template.
Item Master Assignment
This is data associated with the Item Master. By default, this data is then associated with each item unit without the need to enter for each individual unit added to the system. Examples of item master attributes may be a manufacturer and a model number when the item master (item code) represents an item based on a specific manufacturer and model number.
- For tools, an item master is setup for each drill with a different manufacturer and model number.
- For IT equipment, an item master is setup for each manufacturer and model of a laptop.
These attributes are then only captured once, when the item master record is setup.
Item Unit Assignment
Information that is associated specifically to each individual unit would be assigned as an attribute on the item template under the unit tab. Unit attributes are directly associated with each individual unit. Examples include a manufacturer serial number. Other examples may be individual unit specifics such as a color or a in the example of laptops, the processor or screen resolution. If item masters are setup more generic for tools, such as a 10′ Ladder item master represents ladders that may have different manufacturers; then the manufacturer attribute can be assigned on the unit lever versus the item master level.
Unit attributes do not need to be assigned when the unit is first received or added to the system. Unit attributes can be set up to be assigned or updated on various transactions.
Transaction for Unit
Similar to the Transaction attribute setup, the attribute is associated with the unit based on the transaction it was captured on. The difference in setting up the attribute under Transaction Setup versus as part of the Item Template is when the attribute is presented. With Transaction Setup, it is captured at the start of the transaction and the data applies to all units. Under the Item Template for Transaction, it is present when the item associated to the template is selected on the transaction. This allows to only prompt for the data based on the item itself.
Container Setup Attributes
When defining movable containers, attributes can be assigned to be captured. Attributes an apply to the general container template/master or can assigned for each container unit. If assigned to the template/master, the value for the attribute will be entered at the same time.
Shipment Template Attributes
If using the shipping functionality, shipment templates will be defined. Data to capture as part of the shipment are set up as attributes and defined as part of the shipment template. Many of the system attributes are available to use and would then be standard for shipping documents such as bill of lading and packing lists. Set up additional attributes to assign as needed.
Project Template Attributes
If using projects, various templates can be set up for different types of project (jobs). Additional data can be set up to capture specific for each project/job by assigning attributes.
Standard project data for projects include the ability to associate a customer and/or a location (facility or customer address). Other examples of project attributes are contract number, or a project start and end date.
Maintenance Template Attributes
If completing maintenance activities in the system, maintenance templates will be defined. Your maintenance templates are defined with the data to capture based on the maintenance activity. For example, an inspection maintenance activity may capture condition, notes, or be populated with a checklist. A calibration maintenance activity may capture calibration readings.
Note that attributes setup on the maintenance template are associated with the unit as the unit would build maintenance history.
Location Template Attributes
When setting up locations – Facilities, Areas, Customer and Vendor addresses; additional data can be defined to be captured against the location. Attributes would be defined and then assigned on the template. For example, set up an attribute to capture a URL address for a customer or other reference information.