Attribute Data Types

You create attributes based on a specific data type, which identifies the data allowed in the Value field of the attribute. For example, when you create a constituent attribute, you select Currency in the Data type field. If a user selects this attribute category on the Attributes tab of a constituent record, the only value available is a monetary unit value.

The program includes these attribute data types:

Data Type	Description
Text	The Value field accepts free text entries. Users can include alphanumeric characters and symbols, such as $ and @.
Number	The Value field accepts only numerical entries. If a user attempts to enter text or anything other than a number or series of numbers, an error message appears.
Date	The Value field accepts only date information of month, day, and year. The information automatically formats when the user saves the attribute entry. A calendar is available from a drop-down menu.
Currency	The Value field accepts only numerical entries and automatically formats the number and adds the correct monetary symbol such as dollar sign or pound sign.
Yes/No	The Value field accepts only a Yes or No, available from a drop-down menu.
Code Table	The Value field accepts only entries included in the selected code table. When you create an attribute based on a code table value, you must select the code table to use. For example, from Administration, you create an Address Types code table that lists all address types available to users. When you create attributes, you want the attribute value to include those same values included in the Address Type code table. To accomplish this, in the Data type field of the Add attribute category screen, select Code Table, and, in the Code table field select Address Types.
Constituent record	The Value field accepts constituent name entries. When you create an attribute based on a constituent record value, you must also select the type of constituent search to make available. For example, in your Constituent Record attribute, you want constituents identified as solicitors available to users. When you create the attribute, in the Data typefield of the Add attribute category screen, select Constituent Record, and, in the Search list field, select Solicitor Search. This restricts searches from the attribute to only solicitors in your database.
Fuzzy dates	The Value field accepts partial date information. For example, users can enter just the year or the mouth and year, unlike the Date option, which requires a full date of month, day, and year.
Time	The Value field accepts time entries, such as 2:00 PM or 1:15 AM
Memo	The Value field expands so you can add a notation to the record.