Custom Attributes allow Administrators to introduce custom fields for Reservations, Users, Resources, or Resource Types. The Custom Attributes become trackable fields that are available in the Reports feature. Through Custom Attributes you can even choose the type of field to apply such as a select list, checkbox, or text field. For example, you may want to add a field to the Reservation page that requires members to provide a lab name, student ID, or perhaps grant ID or project ID when booking a Resource.
Application Administrators can access Custom Attributes through the Application Management menu.
Custom Attributes by Category Type
From the Custom Attributes page and the Category menu, select the area in which you want to apply the attribute to: Reservation, User, Resource, or Resource Type.
Reservation
A Custom Attribute for a Reservation allows Administrators to collect additional information from users when they create a reservation. For example, you may want to add a field to the Reservation page that requires members to provide a lab name, student ID, or perhaps grant ID or project ID when booking a Resource.
User
A Custom Attribute for a User allows Administrators to collect additional information about Organization members. When added, the attribute is applied to the User Profile Page and is then displayed in the Application Management - Users Page. As an example, you may ask each user to input their job title or department ID on their profile page.
Resource
A Custom Attribute for a Resource allows Administrators to collect additional information about the Resource to provide to users. For example, you might provide users with the Equipment Manufacturer, Calibration date, or Software Version for a specific Resource. These details can then be filtered on when looking to book a specific Resource.
Resource Type
A Custom Attribute for a Resource Type allows the Administrators to provide additional information to users about a group of resources. As an example, if you want to provide a contact for microscope repairs, users can filter the bookings page to find the contact.
Customizing the Attribute
From the Custom Attributes page and the Category menu, select the area in which you want to apply the attribute to: Reservation, User, Resource, or Resource Type and then select Add an Attribute. The Add an Attribute form contains the options you have for creating and displaying the attribute for its selected category.
Custom Attribute Field Types
This table explains the different input field types available and how members will enter information into the field.
| Type | Description | Notes / Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Single Line Textbox | A short free-text field for brief input. | Supports Validation Expressions (e.g., character limits, numeric-only). Regex not supported. |
| Multiple Line Textbox | A larger free-text field for longer responses. | Supports Validation Expressions (e.g., character limits, alphanumeric input). Regex not supported. |
| Select List | A dropdown list with predefined selectable options. | Requires Possible Values entered as comma-separated items. |
| Checkbox | A checkbox displayed next to the label. | Multiple checkbox options can be added. |
| Date Time | Adds a pop-up calendar for date and time selection. | Used for time-based data such as calibration or expiration dates. |
Custom Attribute Form Fields
This table describes the other available form fields when creating or managing Custom Attributes. Note that some fields are specific to the type of Custom Attribute you are applying (Reservation, User, Resource, or Resource Type).
| Setting Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Display Label | A descriptive name for the data being gathered (e.g., Lab Name, Project ID, User Type, Calibration Date). |
| Validation Expression | Only available for Single Line Textbox and Multiple Line Textbox. Controls allowed input (e.g., maximum characters, integers only, alphanumeric). Regex is not supported. |
| Possible Values | Only available for Select List. Enter selectable options separated by commas (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Engineering). |
| Sort Order | Determines the display order of multiple Custom Attributes. By default, attributes are listed alphabetically. Enter a numeric value to set a custom order. |
| Applies To | When creating Custom Attributes for User, Resource, or Resource Type, allows you to apply the attribute to the selected Users, Resources, or Resource Types. |
| Required | Marks the Custom Attribute as mandatory. The field must be completed before the item can be updated. |
| Is Admin Only | The Custom Attribute is visible only to users with an Administrator role. |
| Private | Indicates whether the attribute is private (visibility or access rules may apply depending on system configuration). |
| Collect in Specific Cases | Enables collection of the attribute only when reserving a specific Resource, User, or Resource Type (e.g., require an Experiment ID for certain resources). |
| Collect For | Used when Collect in Specific Cases is enabled. Specifies which Users, Resources, or Resource Types the attribute applies to. |
Once the Add an Attribute form is completed, click Add to save the Custom Attributes. Saved Attributes can be edited by clicking the pencil icon or deleted by clicking the trash can icon.