Add a New Extra Field

You can use the Metadata window to create a new extra field. The field that you create can be configured so that it is available for users to use on Forms etc., or you may choose to create a field that is not visible to users but is used to store calculated values in the database.

To create a new extra field:

1. Display the Metadata Window.
2. With the Fields tab active, select the Add button to create a new field.
   The Add Field window is displayed, prompting you to select the type of field you want to add.
3. Choose from:
   • Standard—for extra Check Box Fields. You will also select this option if you want to add a standard point data field (see Data Fields)
   • Link—for extra Link Fields
   • Search Key—for extra Search Key Fields
   • List—for extra Drop Down List Fields.
3. Select the OK button to confirm your choice.
   An Edit Field window is displayed.
4. Use the Edit Field window to configure the settings for the field (the settings vary according to the type of field you are adding):
   • Define the Name of a Extra Field
   • Choose the Database Table for an Extra Field
   • Define the Position of an Extra Field
   • Define where an Extra Field is Shown on Queries Lists
   • Define the Number of Characters Permitted in an Extra Field
   • Define the Data Section for a Standard Custom Field
   • Define whether a Standard Custom Field is Shown on a Form
   • Define the Type of Value that is Stored in a Standard Custom Field
   • Define the Type of Item with which an Extra Link Field can be Associated
   • Add a Hyperlink to the Pick Action Menu of a Link Field’s Target Item
   • Define the Options for a List Field’s Drop-Down List
   • Define whether a Search Key Field can also be used as an OPC Tag
   • Set the Permission Required to Set the Value of an Extra Field
   • Define the Name of the View Status Information for an Extra Field.
5. When you have added the new field, it will appear in the list on the Metadata window.

Now that you have added a extra field, we recommend that you add an extra label so that the field has a descriptive label that indicates its purpose to other users (see Create or Modify an Extra Label). Obviously, you should only add a label if the field you have added is a visible field; adding a label for a hidden field will result in the label being visible on the Form but with no visible field next to it.