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.
- 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:
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In Application Composer, create custom fields for standard objects, and add those custom fields to the user interface.
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Publish the sandbox.
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From the navigator, select Reports and Analytics under Tools to navigate to BI Composer.
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Select a standard subject area whose primary object is the object that you created custom fields for.
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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.