How to Report on Custom Fields

If you add custom fields to certain key standard objects, then you don't have to create a custom subject area just to report on those new fields. Actually, key objects come with predefined extension dimensions.

Notes:

• To report on custom dynamic choice list fields added to standard objects, you must create a custom subject area because you can't add custom dynamic choice list fields to prebuilt subject areas. You can then create a union report in Analytics Answers that joins the desired prebuilt subject area with your new custom subject area.
• The formula field type isn't supported by subject areas. You can't add formula fields to a custom report.

Extension dimensions exist in certain standard subject areas in BI Composer and conveniently hold all your custom fields. This means that if you create a custom field for Opportunity, for example, then you don't have to do anything to report on it. Simply go to your favorite standard subject area for Opportunity; your custom field automatically appears in the extension dimension, ready for inclusion in analytics.

Create Analytics Using Extension Fields

Here's how to create analytics using extension dimension fields:

1. In Application Composer, create custom fields for standard objects, and add those custom fields to the user interface.

2. Publish the sandbox.

3. From the navigator, select Reports and Analytics under Tools to navigate to BI Composer.

4. Select a standard subject area whose primary object is the object that you created custom fields for.

5. Create your analytic.

   When you specify the columns to include, you can select the extension fields from the extension dimension folder, which appears as the <Object Name> Extension folder. For example, Opportunity Extension.

   The extension fields available for reporting vary by object type.