Defining an attribute
To define an attribute, you must give it a name and associate it with an element and object type. Use this procedure to define attributes.
Before defining attributes, load Lawson-defined attribute definitions and available sub-ledger fields for transaction analysis. See Loading Lawson-defined attributes (SCM/FIN).
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If an appropriate element for the attribute does not exist,
then use Element (MX00.2) to define the element.
Use these guidelines to specify the field values:
- Element Name
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Specify a name and a description for the element. A user-defined element name does not have to match the attribute name, since the element can be used by several attributes.
Note: Select Define in the Element Name field on Attribute (MX00.1) to define an element. - Data Type
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Select one of these data types:
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A (Alpha)
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D (Date)
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N (Numeric)
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- Field Size
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Specify a field size. The maximum field size depends on the data type:
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Alpha (up to 32 characters)
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Date (eight characters)
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Numeric (up to 18 characters)
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Use Attribute (MX00.1) to define
the attribute. Use these guidelines to specify the field values:
- Attribute
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Specify a name for the attribute and a description.
- Column Heading
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Leave this field blank; it is used only for transaction attributes.
- Element Name
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Select a Lawson-defined or user-defined element to identify the attribute's data type and size.
- From Value/Thru Value
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Specify ranges of valid values to the attribute. Defining valid values ensures consistency for data entry. If you do not define valid values, then any entry valid for the attribute's data type and size is accepted.
Note: Defining valid values makes your lists more accurate.To interface valid attribute value ranges from a non-Lawson system use Attribute Valid Value Interface (MX160).
- Field Description
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Specify a description of the value.
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After adding the attribute, click Objects to open
the Associate Attribute to Objects (MX00.3) and
assign valid object types to the attribute. Use these guidelines
to specify the field values:
- Object Type
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Select the object types that you want to assign to the attribute. The object type determines where you can use the attribute. You can assign these object types:
You can assign several object types to the same attribute. For example, you can use the Sq. Feet attribute in General Ledger (with an Account object type), in Project Accounting (with an Activity object type), and in Asset Management (with an Asset object type).
- Required
- Apply to Object Group