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Specification Data Category

xAssets Configuration Guide
User Defined Specification Fields (Custom Data)

Specification Data Category

This page explains how to restrict a specification field to specific asset categories using the Category tab. Category restrictions ensure that fields only appear on forms for the asset types where they are relevant, keeping the user interface clean and focused.

When to Use Category Restrictions

Category restrictions are useful when a specification field applies to only certain types of assets. For example:

Field Relevant Categories Not Relevant To
Registration Plate Vehicles IT assets, furniture
Rack Position Servers, Network Equipment Vehicles, office equipment
Floor Number Office Equipment, Furniture Vehicles, software
BIOS Version Computers, Servers Vehicles, facilities

Without category restrictions, a specification field appears on the asset editor form for all categories, which can clutter the interface with irrelevant fields.

Configuring Category Restrictions

  1. Navigate to Admin > Custom Fields (Specification Data).
  2. Click the field name to open the editor.
  3. Switch to the Category tab.
  4. Select the categories where this field should appear.
  5. Save.

Note: The Category tab is only available for specification fields on the Asset table. Fields on other tables do not have category restrictions.

How It Works

  • When one or more categories are selected, the field will only appear on asset editor forms for assets in those categories (or in any category that belongs to a selected category group, if groups are used).
  • When no categories are selected, the field applies to all asset categories. This is the default behaviour for new fields.

Tip: If you have a field that applies to almost all categories except one or two, it may be easier to leave it unrestricted and simply not include it on the forms for those categories. Category restrictions and form field inclusion are independent controls -- a field must pass both checks to appear on a form.

Common Patterns

Pattern Configuration
Field for all assets Leave Category tab empty (no restrictions)
Field for a single category Select only that category
Field for a group of related categories Select all relevant categories, or select the category group if one exists
Field for everything except one category Leave unrestricted, but do not add the field to forms for the excluded category