Field Properties

Fields are used to capture information. SAM's Field Properties screen tells users how each field is used throughout the system and provides links to the tables, forms, checklists, auto actions, reports and templates it is used on. 

SAM Admins should reference this screen when setting up new processes and troubleshooting issues. 

Access the Field Properties screen: 

1. From a View form where the field is shown. Click on the field to open a popup. 

2. From Reports by clicking the Column > Select View Field Properties.

3. From Settings > Tables & Fields, click on the Table, then click on the Field Title.

You really need to know what you're looking for if you go this route! 

What the Field Properties screen tells us: 

Field Title

This is the internal display of the field in SAM. 

To change a field title:

Click on the value of the Field title and rename. Click Save. Keep the new field title related or create a new field if you're wanting a something completely different. 

Table

Links to the Table the field is on. The Table Properties screen provides a list of other fields on the table.

Field Type

This tells what type of field users will encounter, like a text box, date, list, number, email address, hyperlink, document upload, phone number. 

Field Messaging 

These may seem like details, but as time passes, how the field is defined may be lost. Providing some additional details to your team to help them understand the parameters or reasoning for this field. 

Field Hint

Add notes so users will understand the definition of the field and the intent for use and expected information that should be included in this field.

Field Setup Memo

Only viewable on the Field Properties Overview screen, this can be used to add notes for Full Admins to describe why this field was setup, any special calculations, Auto Actions, etc that may use this field. 

Field Stats

Number of Records where entered from all records

Shows the count of records that have a value entered for this field out of the total number of possible records.

Number of Distinct Field Values

Shows the number of different data entry values made for this field. It could be helpful to change a text field to a list if there are very few distinct values.

Field Values

Shows the values entered for the field and the number of records with that value.

Greater than ten (10) values > SAM will show the Top 10 and provide a link to view all field values. When there are Field Values that have more than one (1) record count, SAM will show a link where only those values with greater than one record are shown, so you can do analysis.

Modification History

Shows the last ten entries to this field. The date, user, old and new values are provided. For more modifications, a link is shown, which takes you to a report of all modifications for this field.

How this field is used in your SAM site: 

Forms, Reports, Auto Actions, and Checklists Used On

Each link takes you to the configuration screens for the Forms, Reports, Auto Actions, or Checklist where the field is used throughout the system. 

Advanced Options

Disable Field

Disabling unneeded fields is recommended. This will make required data entry easier to locate. With a simple click, SAM hides this field from all Forms, Reports, Checklists, and Auto Actions. You will need to remove the field from any templates it may be used on. Historical data is retained for the field.

Link to Due Date/Link as Due Date Field

Allows you to connect two date fields as the Due Date and Completed Date when used on a Checklist. 

Enable Totals for Numeric Field

Display Totals, Averages and Min/Maximum calculations for fields on forms and reports.
This works on numeric based fields, such as Number, Currency, and Timeline.

Under Advanced Options > Special Options, check the "Show Totals" box to add this functionality.

 

Really Advanced Options

Delete Field Forever

Deletes the field from SAM and the data entry associated if it were ever entered. If you are unsure about taking this action,  Disable the field instead.