Creating A New Type

Each FD enabled module can have any number of types set up within it. For instance you could decide that you want to decide in the Contact module to create a type called "Customer", to distinguish them from other contacts you have. In the Physical Things module, to use the module to begin with you will need to setup a type to start adding them to the database.

Hierarchy

Types are hierarchical, so sub-types can be created within types. These sub-types inherit all the fields of their parents, and can have new ones added. There is no limit to how many nested types can be set up.

For instance, let's say we were a metrology lab using the Physical Things module. We could set up "Client Equipment" as our top level type; every bit of kit we receive from a client will be under this. All of would have the customer's name for example. We could then set up a sub-type within this, let's say "thermometer". The thermometer would have maybe have a few temperature readings that we would take to calibrate it. We could then create a sub type of "digital", if there was specific information that needs to be gathered about digital thermometers.

In the example above from the Contact module, we've set up "Scale Market" and "Contact Market" as sub-types of "Organisation". We've then added "Direct Customers" as a sub type of "Contact Market". We've then clicked on each type to open the sub-types in the column to the right.

Adding a New Type

Each FD enabled module will have an option to "Setup Types" in the modules section in the main menu (9 squares to the top left of the screen). If you don't see this option, you likely don't have the correct permissions set up.

To add a new type, click the "+ Add Type" button in the place you want to create the type. For instance in the further left column if you want to create a top level type, or if in the picture above you want to create a type within "Organisation", you would click "Add Type" in the second column.

Fill in the name of the type, then click "Add Type".

Type Options

When creating a new type, or when you've opened a type, you'll see two configuration options for the type.

Can instances be made of this type?

When this option is checked, this type will be available to select when someone is creating a new Item. To put it another way, if this option is disabled, then no Items will be able to use this type. If this option is unticked, this type essentially becomes a folder.

Default type for new Item?

With this checked, the add item interface will by default have this type selected for a new Item. This is useful for instance in the Contact module, when you want all new customers to be added under a certain type.