Adding alphanumeric domains

You add an alphanumeric (ALN) domain when you want to add a domain that uses one of the alphanumeric data types.

About this task

Work with the application in your nonproduction environment, and then import the changes to your production environment.

Because you can use a domain with multiple fields, the length you specify must be less than or equal to the length of the shortest field with which you intend to use the domain. For example, if you want to use the domain with three fields of lengths 8, 10, and 12, specify a length of 8 or less. If you specify a length greater than the field the domain is used in, you cannot assign the domain to the attribute in the Database Configuration application. Alternatively, you can specify a greater length in the Domains application and use the Database Configuration application to change the length of the field that uses the domain.

Procedure

  1. Open the Domains application.
  2. Click Add New Domain and select Add New ALN Domain.
  3. In the Domain field, specify a name for the domain.
  4. In the Description field, type a short description for the domain.
  5. In the Data Type field, specify a data type for the domain.
  6. In the Length field, specify a length that is equal to or less than the length of the field that uses the domain.
    For example, if you are adding a domain for a field in the Assets application that has a length of 12, then specify a length of 12.
  7. Click New Row.
  8. Fill the Value and Description fields.
  9. Optional: Apply a domain value to a specific organization or site by entering the relevant values in the Organization and Site fields.
    Domains are applied at the system level by default.

    You can leave the Organization and/or Site fields empty for all values so that users in all organizations and sites can access them. Or you could specify an organization and/or site for all values so that only the users in the specified organizations and/or sites can access them. Otherwise, complicated outcomes can result.

    For example, if you enter a value RED with no organization specified, a value GREEN with Organization A specified, and a value BLUE with Organization B specified, then records in Organization A has access to GREEN only. Records that are in Organization B has access to BLUE only. Records that are in other organizations has access to RED only. When you specify an organization and/or site for one value, records in that organization and/or site no longer have access to values that have no organization or site specified.

  10. Optional: Click New Row again to add more values.
  11. Click OK.

What to do next

After you add a domain, you might still have several tasks to perform, depending on the domain and how you want to display it.

In the Classifications application, you can associate an ALN domain with an attribute in the Attributes table window. No further configuration is needed.

If you use a domain in any other context, adding a domain requires additional tasks:
  • Associate the new domain with an attribute in the Database Configuration application.
  • Configure the database in the Database Configuration application.
  • Use the Application Designer application to modify the user presentation as needed. For example, if you add an ALN domain to a field, you must add a Select Value control. New crossover domains might require new fields in the destination application.