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Custom attributes let you capture additional metadata on ION records beyond the default fields. They are available for the following entity types: The Purchases page defines two separate attribute sets: Purchase Order Attributes apply to the order, and Purchase Order Line Attributes apply to each line on the order.

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Add a custom attribute

To add a custom attribute:
  1. Go to the Settings page for the entity you want to extend (see table above).
  2. In the Attributes section, enter a Name for the attribute.
  3. Select a Type from the dropdown.
  4. Click Add. The attribute is saved immediately.

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Attribute types

The Type dropdown lists these options. After you save the attribute, ION shows the type as a badge, which can use a different label than the dropdown option.

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Manage options for select and multi-select attributes

Select and multi-select attributes require you to define their options separately after creation. Options follow an archive-then-delete lifecycle: archiving takes an option out of circulation while leaving the records that already use it intact, and permanent deletion is only available once an option is archived. To manage an attribute’s options:
  1. In the Attributes section, find the attribute and click the expand arrow next to it.
  2. To add an option, type the option name in the input field and press Enter or click Add.
  3. To archive an option, click the Archive icon on the option.
  4. To work with an option you already archived, expand Archived and use one of the icons on the option:
    • The Unarchive icon returns the option to the active list.
    • The Delete permanently icon removes the option from the attribute.
A record that already holds an archived option keeps that value.
Expanded Finish attribute of type Select showing an input reading Type option name and press Enter, an Add button, active options Anodized and Powder Coat each with an archive icon, and an ARCHIVED (1) list containing the struck-through option Bare with an unarchive icon and a delete icon

An expanded select attribute with active and archived options.

Deleting an archived option can’t be undone. ION blocks the deletion if any record still holds the option, so archive it instead when you need to retire an option that’s in use.

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Edit a custom attribute

The name and type of a custom attribute can’t be changed after creation. To rename an attribute or change its type, archive the attribute, delete it, and create a new one. For Select and Multi-Select attributes, you can add and archive options at any time. For more information, see Manage options for select and multi-select attributes.

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Archive a custom attribute

Archiving an attribute hides it from data entry across ION: it stops appearing on create forms, table column pickers, and the panels that add an attribute to a record. Records that already carry a value for the attribute keep it, and you can still edit that value.
  1. In the Attributes section, find the attribute you want to archive.
  2. Click the Archive icon at the end of the attribute row.
To bring an attribute back, expand Archived and click the Unarchive icon on the attribute row.

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Delete a custom attribute

Delete is only available on an archived attribute, so archive it first. To delete a custom attribute:
  1. In the Attributes section, expand Archived.
  2. Click the delete button on the attribute row.
  3. In the Delete Attribute dialog, click Delete.

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Archived values on records

When a record holds an archived option, ION asks you to confirm in the Deselect archived option? dialog before it removes the value. You can’t select an archived option again.

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How attribute values copy between records

When you duplicate a record, ION carries its custom attribute values to the new record in these cases:
  • Splitting an inventory line copies the parent’s attribute values to the new line.
  • Copying a purchase order copies attribute values on both the order and its lines.
  • Creating a new part revision copies the source revision’s attribute values.