Adding Search Fields to Finders

Grid flattening enables administrators to present "pseudo fields" for search, result, and other manager screens that are configured to the needs of their users. Pseudo fields "flatten" a grid by presenting field labels that are more specific than the default fields. For example, a PO Number field could be added to the Order Base search screen, so users can search for purchase orders directly by their numbers.

Grid flattening is used to make it appear as if data from a child database table is on a parent database table. For example, if you have a field associated with your shipments that is not in our shipment database table you can save that field in the Shipment Refnum table. You would then create a shipment reference number qualifier to describe that field. Then you can create and edit this field in the shipment manager in the shipment reference number grid.

However you may want this field to appear as if it were on the shipment table itself and not in a child table. Using grid flattening gives you the ability to enter a value for the field directly on the screen without having to manage it in a grid. In configuring screens you can add Shipment Refnum Value to the screen as a field, then associate it with your user-defined shipment reference number qualifier. That way the field displays on the screen as if it were on the shipment table itself.

The definitions and hard-coded values of pseudo fields are saved in a repository called the UI Metadata Database (UMD). As XSL templates, pseudo fields can be placed in client-defined style sheets. In preferences, users can select pseudo fields as finder columns for appropriate result screens, specifying the default value or label for the field. For example, you could select PO Number as a reference number or status type and status value.

For details on how to do this, see Configuring the User Interface. You can use the manager layout and screen set manager to flatten grids and add search fields to finders, respectively.