What are Value Lists?
Value Lists in TraceGains provide a structured way to define and manage business rules across multiple attributes. These dropdown lists control what data users can submit, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
In order to configure Value Lists, the user account's role must have the permissions enabled under Role > Configuration > Value Lists.
Key Benefits of Value Lists
- Simplify data input by showing only relevant selection options based on attributes.
- Enable cascading dependencies where choices at one level determine available options at subsequent levels.
Categorizing Items with Value Lists
This is an example for Item Categories. When setting up Value Lists, follow this structured approach from specific to general. Note that the structure may differ slightly based on your needs:
- Sub Categories - Start with the most detailed item types.
- Categories - Group related sub categories into broader classifications.
Refer to the Item Categories chart below for a sample visual breakdown of how items are structured.
How to Create a New Value List
Step 1: Hover over the Configuration Icon and click Value Lists.
Step 2: Click New.
Step 3: In the Configuration sub tab, enter in the Name, select a Data Type, and add a Description (optional).
Step 4: Proceed to the next sub tab - List Items. Begin adding your subcategory items by clicking on the green + sign. After entering an item, a new green + sign will appear. Click it to add the next item. Repeat this process for each entry.
Once all items are added, be sure to click Save after each category.
Step 5: Proceed to the next sub tab - Linked List Configuration.
Before linking items to a category, you must first create a Category Value List using the same steps as a Sub Category Value List. For example, in the short video clip below, Test Categories includes the categories Finished Goods, Packaging, and Raw Materials.
After linking items to a specific Category, you must click Save each time. If you do not save, your linked items will not be retained. The same applies if you remove an item.
Pro Tip: You can hold down the control button to select multiple items at once if you have a long list of items to choose from. Role > Configuration > Value Lists.
Step 6: After creating the Category Value List, you must configure an Attribute to link it properly. Without this step, the Value List will not appear as a selectable option in dropdown menus.
- Go Configuration > Attributes.
- Click Add Attribute > Create New.
- Fill out the fields.
- Click Save.
For a visual walkthrough, watch the short video below, which demonstrates the step-by-step process of establishing an Attribute.
Best Practices
- Save your work frequently: Save changes between subtabs to avoid data loss.
- Bottom up configuration: Build Value Lists starting from specific sub categories before moving to broader categories.
- Ensure dependencies are correct: Test the cascading selections to ensure that they work as expected.