Working with Filters

Note:

Filters are called questions on the user interface.

Using catalogs, you can gather user preferences using filters (called questions) and filter options (called answers). Filters and filter options are used to refine search results based on specific criteria. Filters represent the item features, aspects, or characteristics, while filter options display available attributes for users to express their preferences.

Each filter has an internal name and a corresponding label for the catalog interface. You can use a shortened version of the name as a code to identify the filter in actions and rules. The sequence number determines the order in which the filter is displayed on the catalog interface.

The following filter types are available:

• Checkbox – Lets users select multiple options by checking the box next to each one. This filter type is useful when users can express multiple preferences within a limited set of options.

• Radio button – Lets users select a single option from a predefined list of mutually exclusive options. Users select a filter option by choosing the radio button next to the option. This filter type is helpful when only one option should be selected from a limited list.

• Dropdown list – Lets users select a single option from a predefined list by clicking an arrow to view it. When the option list is long, you can choose this filter type to save space on the catalog interface.

• Input box – Lets users type in a text field (called free-form text) or select an option from a popup list (called a dropbox). This filter type is useful for gathering information from users or for providing them with an extensive list of options stored in catalog tables. For more information about catalog tables and popup lists, see Storing Filter Options in Tables and Working with Popup Lists for Input Box Filters.

• Tile – Lets users select one or multiple options from a set of labeled images. Users can hold the Ctrl key to select multiple options. This filter type is ideal when filter options have a relevant visual element, such as colors or textures.

Some settings for filter options (called answers) can be defined at the filter level. For more information about filter options, see Working with Filter Options.

To create a filter (called a question):

1. In NetSuite, go to Guided Selling > Product > Product Maintenance.

2. Edit a catalog (called a product).

3. Go to the Questions subtab.

4. Click New CPQG Question.

5. Enter a descriptive name for the filter.

   This name is for internal reference only and is automatically copied to the Label HTML field.

   To change the name visible to users, edit the text in the Label HTML field.

6. In the Code field, enter a unique identifier for this filter.

   The code must contain only uppercase letters, numbers, and underscores. You can use a shortened version of the name as the code.

7. Provide a sequence number to sort the filter on the catalog interface.

   You can enter a negative or positive number, for example, -2 or 5. Filters are sorted from lowest to highest sequence number.

8. Select the type of filter you want to create, such as a checkbox, radio button, or dropdown list.

   The available settings will vary depending on the filter type.

9. In the Label HTML field, enter the text users view on the catalog interface for this filter.

   You can format the text by changing the paragraph font and size, or by making the text bold, italic, or underlined. HTML code can be used to add images or links, but script tags aren't supported.

10. In the Hide Rule field, enter the conditions that determine when the filter should be hidden.

    To write conditions, enter filter and filter option codes separated by a forward slash, for example, A/1. Use operators to combine multiple conditions, for example, A/1&B/2. For more information, see Activating or Hiding Building Blocks with Rules.

11. To let users select multiple tiles, check the Multi-select box.

12. To hide the filter label and its background color, check the Hide title bar box.

13. In the Question Title Bar Background Color field, you can change the color behind the filter label.

    Select a color from the palette or enter a hexadecimal value, such as #FFFFFF for white.

14. Some filter types let you arrange filter options (called answers) horizontally. In the Answers per Row field, enter the number of options to arrange on each row. Depending on label length, include a maximum of 3 or 4 options per row.

    Note:

    Take into account the following:

    • Options may be automatically distributed to leverage the available space.

    • If you leave the Answers per Row field blank, the default number of options per row is 1.

15. To hide labels for input box options and tiles, check the Hide answers labels box.

16. Click Save.

After setting up the filter, create the corresponding filter options. For more information, see Working with Filter Options.

Related Topics

• Creating and Organizing Search Filters for the Catalog User Interface
• Working with Filter Categories and Subcategories
• Working with Filter Options
• Storing Filter Options in Tables
• Working with Basic or Advanced Filter Expressions

General Notices