The “Multi-Type Columns” feature is useful when the situation calls for managing different field values based on a “parent” value. There are many scenarios that arise in business where this type of functionality is required. One such situation is where an “Account Structure” is either a Headquarters (HQ) or a Business Unit (BU).
In the example described below we are using “Opportunity Type” to demonstrate how each “type” will have a different set of associated field values that become available.
The “Multi-Type Column” feature can be used on any Flex list.
Note: Each list can have only one Multi-Type Column at this time.
The Multi-Type Column feature may be confused with the Cascading Field feature as they perform similar functions, however the Multi-Type feature can have an unlimited number of associated fields with custom header sections whereas the Cascading field only has one associated choice field.
See example below using the field “Type of Opportunity = Service”. You can see how when “Service” is selected as the choice from “Type of Opportunity” that the section “Services Details” appears. When “Product” is selected then the “Product Details” section appears.
Multi Type Field Example
Below is a screenshot of a Cascading field using “Opportunity Status” = “On Hold” and the cascading field “Reason” = “Budget Issues”. There is only the one choice field which is available unlike in the Multi-Type Column feature above.
Cascading Field Example
Advanced Setting Setup
For each Multi-Type Column setup there are three (3) Advanced Settings required which are described below.
Setting Name: [Listname]MultiTypeColumnName
Setting Value: Name of the Column that specifies the Type
For each Multi Type Column setup there is a primary field which is driving the process. This is usually going to be a field with the word “type” in it. This setting must have that Choice Field name so that the Multi Type Column feature knows which field to look to in order to display the appropriate values associated with the type.
Setting Name: [ListName]MultiTypeColumns
Setting Value: List of Column Names for Each Type
This Setting contains the Type Values, which are the choice options of the “[ListName]MultiTypeColumnName” Setting shown above. In this example (Type of Opportunity), the Setting value contains the “choice” plus the fields associated with each “choice” value. Ie. “Product” is a choice value of “Type of Opportunity”.
Note: In the screen below note the syntax being used: “List Name” and then a ”pipe” and then “each field choice separated by comma.” Each New Field has a new line.
Setting Name: [Listname]MultiTypeHeaders
Setting Value: [type]|[comma-separated list of headings involved in MultiType Values]
Each Column field and Header is on a separate line in the SettingValue.
Notes for Setup
- Before you begin, determine your primary column type column name and all associated column names.
- The primary “type” field must be a choice field.
- The related field types can be Date & Time, Single Line of Text or Choice fields.
- Field names are Case Sensitive. Please ensure that all references to a name are entered exactly the same.
Multi Type Headers
The Multi-Type Column Feature enables fields to be shown/hidden on the Display and Edit/New forms with the “[listname]MultiTypeColumns” Setting.
In this example we will be adding the Opportunity Type “Headers” to the Form Sections column field for New/Edit forms and to the Web Part Properties for Display forms.
Below is a screen shot of the Form Sections Column field in the Opportunities list with the new Multi-Type Headers added. For more information on editing New/Edit forms search that section of this documentation.
Below is an example of the Display Form Web Part Properties where the #pinnedtitle=[header name] will be added. For more information on Display form modifications search this Guide.
Once the field headers and the associated values are added to the New, Edit and Display forms the Multi Type feature is ready to be used.
Below are two examples of a Display form: 1) when Type of Opportunity equals Product is selected and 2) when Type of Opportunity equals Contract Renewal is selected.
Below is an example of the New form with the Form Section headers applied. Remember that the New form and the Edit form must both be modified.
In the case of New/Edit forms when the Type is selected the pinned header section is displayed and the other headers are collapsed.
Note: As with all Flex features, it is imperative that all settings and column field names match precisely. If something isn’t working correctly, then carefully review your setup.
Troubleshooting
- Why is my Header section showing all the time regardless of which Type I select?
- The most likely answer is there is a mismatch with the Setting values and the field names. Re-check everything.