The term “Custom Object” is used to describe an additional type of data record (a “line item”) that can be added to the system to supplement the out-of-the-box object types. There are many uses for custom objects. For example, you could create custom objects to list the Products, Services, or Providers related to a particular contract.
Using the Type Manager, you add a new custom object type. Then, you use the same procedures for adding fields, sections and designing the layout as you do for the other object types, such as Contracts, Contacts or Organizations. The only exception is an additional custom Field Setting: Edit Mode. Refer to the following Knowledge Base article Edit Mode for Custom Object (Line Item) Fields for details.
Next, you add the new custom object to the layout of another object type, like an Assignment or Contract. The new object will appear as a section for capturing line items (a grid) within the other object, enabling end users to select and associate one or more line items with a given Assignment, Contract, Contact, or Organization.
For instance, a power user might add a new custom object named “Providers” and design a “Providers” layout, with fields like Provider Name, Provider Specialty and Provider Status. The “Providers” grid could then be added to the layouts of selected contract types. The columns displayed in the grid would be selected from fields in the “Providers” layout. New provider records would be added to the system, one for each provider, similar to adding new contacts or organizations. Then, in each contract, users could add to the “Providers” grid one or more providers associated with that contract.
Example of Custom Object Line Items (Providers) added to a Contract Record
For additional information on Custom Objects, click the links to the Knowledge Base articles below: