Using multiple IFs and decision columns

You can include multiple IF condition statements in a rule set to check different data items.

If you use the same decision columns on each statement, the results of the IF statements are linked. Alternatively, if you use separate decision columns, the IF statements are treated separately.

An example of multiple, related IF statements

The following rule set displays an error message if a journal description has not been entered when the account code is P01.

This rule does nothing if the account code is not P01, or if the description is not blank, because these results have not been identified in decision columns.

Command Value 1 Operator Value 2 Decision Column 1
IF Account Code = P01 Y
IF Description = SPACE Y
DISPLAY Desc-Required_Message     X

An example of multiple, unrelated IF statements

In this example the first two IF statements are related because decision columns 1 and 2 are used for both statements. The rule checks the contents of both the account type and address code items before deciding on the action required, that is to either display an error message or display address line 1.

The third IF statement is unrelated and is treated separately because it references a different decision column (3). Ledger analysis code 4 is checked and an error message is displayed if it is missing, regardless of the account type and address code values.

Command Value 1 Operator Value 2 Decision Col 1 Decision Col 2 Decision Col 3
IF Account Type = Debtor Y Y  
IF Account Code = SPACE Y N  
IF Ledger Analysis 4 = SPACE     Y
DISPLAY Error Msg - Address Code required     X    
DISPLAY Address Line 1       X  
DISPLAY Error Msg - Analysis Code 4 required         X

The example above is extended below to illustrate the use of the OR statement. The decision column results are not entered on the OR statements because they are simply the continuation of the preceding IF statement.

Command Value 1 Operator Value 2 Decision Col 1 Decision Col 2 Decision Col 3
IF Account Type = Debtor Y Y  
OR   = Creditor      
OR   = Client      
IF Address Code = SPACE Y N  
IF Ledger Analysis 4 = SPACE     Y
DISPLAY Error Msg - Address Code required     X    
DISPLAY Address Line 1       X  
DISPLAY Error Msg - Analysis Code 4 required         X