81. What do I need to know about Custom fields?

Where Custom Fields Can Be Used

Custom Fields can be created in many areas of TrackAble, helping you to:

• Collect school-specific information

• Adapt features to match internal processes

• Improve data consistency across the system

Important Rules for Using Custom Fields

⚠️ Once data has been entered into a custom field, the field must not be deleted.

If you no longer need a custom field:

• Rename it instead (for example: “No longer in use”)

Deleting a custom field that contains data can:

• Leave data in the database

• Cause features to stop working correctly

• Trigger error messages

Best Practice Before Creating Custom Fields

To avoid issues, we strongly recommend that you:

• Plan your custom fields in advance (on paper or in a document)

• Avoid repeatedly adding and deleting fields

• Only create custom fields that are genuinely required

Continual changes to custom fields can increase the risk of system errors.

Naming and Formatting Guidelines

When creating custom fields:

• 🚫 Do not use special characters

• Keep text in checkboxes and drop-downs short and clear

• Use meaningful, consistent field names

• Ensure custom fields do not share the same name as any standard TrackAble fields

Recommendation

✔️ Custom fields should be designed carefully and added once
🚫 Avoid deleting custom fields that already contain data

If you are unsure, seek advice before making changes.

Need Help?

If you require further assistance, please contact:
support@trackable.org.uk