Manage Objects

Designer > Objects > {object}

Users that have the Customize Objects permission can manage Objects.

Add a New Object

1. Click > Customization > Objects

2. Click the [New Object] button.

Two tabs appear, giving you the option to create an object by importing data from a CSV file exported from a spreadsheet, or by using the object-construction wizard.

3 Choose your object-construction method:

Create By Import

Paste data copied from a spreadsheet, or import it from a file:

• The wizard identifies the number of columns of data, and gives you an opportunity to specify the Field Display Type for each column
• An Object is created from the data. You can then modify the object however you like.

Create Using Wizard

Define as many Objects as you need and specify the Relationships between them.

After an object is created, you're in the design mode for that object.

If multiple objects are created, you can choose which object to visit.

Best Practice: A consistent naming convention makes it easier to avoid mistakes when referencing an object. A plural name is generally preferred. After all, an object is essentially a database table with multiple records. (Use the singular version of the name when referring to an individual record.)

Aspects of an Object

Custom Objects provode the following options for customization.

• System Objects may not include all of these options
• See also: Composite Objects (for developers)

Fields and Forms

Fields	Add/Edit/Delete Fields, or set Field Audit Log preferences.
Forms	Create data entry forms (Forms) and assign them to Roles.
Validations	Prevents bad data from being entered into the database.
Forms Assignment	Specify which Roles use which Forms.
Macros	Specify conditions and select actions to be executed when the user selects the macro from the list of Record Actions.
Custom Form Actions	Add custom code to a form to provide buttons that a user can click.
Activity History	Displays the list of activities that have taken place with respect to the record, starting with the most recent.

Automation

Business Rules	Define Rules and Rule Sets to automate processing.
Macros	Allow users to perform several actions with a single click.
Processes	Define a series of tasks and the flow between them--both automated (including Web Services) and manual (specifying the team, role, or person who needs to accomplish them.
External Data Sources	Use a Web Service to retrieve related records from an external data store.
SLAs	Define Service Level Agreements and their objectives.
SLA Escalations	Define escalation policies to send reminders and change record ownership, in order to meet SLA deadlines.

Communication Templates

Email Templates	Email Templates are mail-merge forms that can use Template Variables as placeholders for record-specific data.
Document Templates	Document Templates are used like mail-merge forms to print a record as an invoice, a receipt, etc.

Record Additions

These items can be added to any record, in any object.

Tasks	Create a single-task or define a multi-step task sequence, and designate the person or group that needs to carry it out.
Private Notes and Email Messages	Send messages and add notes, automatically recording in the record's activity history.
Attachments	Add an attachment to a note or message, click [Add File] in the sidebar to add an attachment.

Object Settings

Object Properties	Edit Modify properties, including singular and plural labels. Delete Delete the object and any records it contains. You'll be asked to provide your full name for the log. Enter first name, space, and last name, exactly as they appear in your personal account settings.
Object Relationships	Child Objects Take advantage of inheritance to create variations of an object, while defining aspects that are common to all children in the parent object. Related Objects View and manage relationships with other objects defined by Lookup fields.
Indexes	Define a unique identifier to improve search performance and prevent duplicate record creation
Field Audit Log Settings	Select fields for auditing. All changes to specified fields are then recorded in the Field Audit Log.
Record Locator	Define the methods to locate records (define the fields to display in Lookup or Search results, create a unique Record Id, or define fields to include in a Search)

Delete an Object

When an object is deleted, the associated Data Tab will not be available in your application. All of the records and Related Information in the object are deleted. Deleting an Object moves all associated records to the Recycle Bin.

To delete an object:

1. Click Designer > Objects > {object}
2. From the Properties tab, click the [Delete] button
3. Enter your name to confirm your action
4. Click [Delete] once again to delete the object, along with all of the records it contains.