Configurable Custom Fields

Custom fields provide a flexible way to store and organize structured data for various objects in PartsBox. You can add custom fields to parts, lots, storage locations, orders, projects, project (BOM) entries, and builds.

Unlike notes or comments, custom fields are structured, indexed for searching, and can be used in table columns and filtering throughout the application. This allows you to define and store additional attributes specific to your organization's needs, workflows, or industry requirements.

Some examples of how custom fields might be used:

• For parts: distributor part numbers, reliability levels, environmental compliance status
• For storage locations: temperature ranges, ESD protection levels, ownership information, MSL level
• For lots: supplier batch numbers, expiry dates, quality inspection status
• For orders: approval status, shipping methods, customs documentation
• For projects: project managers, development stages, regulatory approvals
• For builds: batch numbers, production line identifiers, quality control status

Custom fields are fully integrated into the PartsBox interface and can be:

• Added to table views as columns
• Exported in PDF or CSV table exports
• Printed on labels
• Used for searching
• Used in filters

Flexibility and Extensibility

Custom fields extend the standard set of attributes in PartsBox. They allow you to capture and store data that is relevant to your particular use case, workflow, or industry. This enables you to tailor PartsBox to fit your specific requirements without being limited by predefined attributes.

Wide Range of Applications

Custom fields can store various types of data. Common examples include:

• Distributor: The name of the distributor from which the part was purchased
• Distributor Part Number: The part number assigned by the distributor (which may differ from the manufacturer's part number)
• Supplier Part URL: Direct URL to the part on the supplier's website for quick reference
• Weight: The weight of the part, useful for shipping and inventory management
• Container Tare Weight: The weight of empty containers for accurate inventory tracking

These are just examples - you can create custom fields for any data relevant to your needs.

First-class Citizens

Custom fields can be added to tables as table columns anywhere in the application. They can be exported in PDF or CSV table exports as well, by adding them as columns to the "Export" table configuration. They can also be used for filtering in the powerful filter system that is built into every table.

One of the other benefits of using custom fields in PartsBox is that they are indexed for searching. This means that you can easily find parts based on the data stored in custom fields, just like you would with standard attributes.

Freedom to Extend

With custom fields, you're not restricted to standard data fields. You can store information specific to your application or business, and this data can be displayed in tables, used for filtering, and included in searches.

Bulk Custom Field Operations

PartsBox provides bulk operations for managing custom fields across multiple items at once. This is useful when you need to:

• Add the same custom field to many items
• Rename a custom field consistently across your database
• Clean up unused custom fields

Available Operations

Set custom field: Adds or updates a custom field with a specified value on all selected items. If the field already exists on an item, its value will be updated.

Rename custom field: Changes the name of a custom field across all selected items. This is helpful when standardizing field names or correcting naming inconsistencies.

Delete custom field: Removes a custom field from all selected items. This operation cannot be undone.

How to Use

1. Navigate to the table containing the items you want to modify (e.g., Parts, Storage Locations, Orders)
2. Select the items using the checkboxes in the table
3. Access the bulk actions menu
4. Choose the desired custom field operation
5. Fill in the required information and confirm

Bulk custom field operations work with parts, lots, storage locations, orders, projects, project (BOM) entries, and builds.