Data Dictionary Items
The first component of most smart fields is a data dictionary item that serves as a user prompt for the report developer. The prompt indicates how the logic should be processed if more than one option is possible. For example, a quarterly sales smart field requires input from the report developer to indicate which quarter to calculate. At least four options are possible, one for each quarter, and each option results in a different outcome. However, not all smart fields require a user prompt. A smart field used to concatenate two fields does not require input as there are no decision points.
The Report Director (Director) displays a Smart Field Parameters form to prompt the report developer. The description of the data item prompt (for example, Quarter to Display) appears on this form. The glossary that you enter when you create the data item also appears on this form. The glossary explains the purpose of the prompt and assists the report developer in determining the appropriate value to enter in the prompt.
An example glossary:
Enter 1 to print first quarter sales.
Enter 2 to print second quarter sales.
Enter 3 to print third quarter sales.
Enter 4 to print fourth quarter sales.
Data dictionary items include a name, an alias, and a description. The data item name can be a maximum of 40 characters and cannot include spaces. The alias is a unique alphanumeric identifier. The software allows the alias to be a maximum of 10 characters. However, not all databases support 10 characters, so it is recommended that you limit the alias to eight characters. The description can be a maximum of 40 characters, including spaces. The description is often the same as the name, with spaces.