Custom Parameters Management Guide
Overview
Custom parameters in Abrianto allow you to extend the system beyond standard features by adding custom fields and values specific to your business needs. This guide explains how to create, configure, and use custom parameters to tailor the system to your organization.
What are Custom Parameters?
Custom parameters are customizable fields that you can add to your collection system. They help you:
- Capture Industry-Specific Data: Track data unique to your business
- Organize Accounts Better: Add relevant categorization fields
- Support Custom Workflows: Use custom values to trigger specific actions
- Improve Reporting: Filter and analyze by custom fields
- Enhance User Experience: Show relevant information at a glance
Common Custom Parameters
Industry-Specific Examples
- Industry Type: Retail, Healthcare, Finance, Government
- Relationship Status: New, Existing, VIP, New Business
- Collection Priority: Low, Medium, High, Urgent
- Collection Agency: Your agency name or ID
- Region: North, South, East, West
- Account Type: Consumer, Commercial, Government
Business-Specific Examples
- Customer Tier: Gold, Silver, Bronze
- Payment History: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
- Risk Level: Low, Medium, High, Critical
- Deal Size: Small, Medium, Large
- Sales Channel: Online, Phone, In-Person, Referral
- Legal Status: Active Case, No Case, Settled
Creating Custom Parameters
Step 1: Access Custom Parameters
- Navigate to Admin → Custom Parameters
- Click “Create New Parameter” button
Step 2: Configure Basic Information
Fill in parameter details:
- Parameter Name: Clear, descriptive name (e.g., “Industry Type”)
- Entity Type: Choose where to apply this parameter:
- Accounts: Available on account records
- Debtors: Available on debtor profiles
- Both: Available on both
- Description: Brief explanation of what this parameter tracks
- Is Active: Enable immediately or schedule activation
Step 3: Define Parameter Values
Configure the allowed values:
- Click “Add Value” button
- Enter each value:
- Value Label: Display name (e.g., “Retail”)
- Value Key: Internal identifier (e.g., “retail”)
- Color: Visual indicator color
- Add multiple values as needed
- Use colors to create visual differentiation
Step 4: Configure Display Options
Set how the parameter appears:
- Show on Cards: Display on account/debtor cards
- Show on Lists: Display in list views
- Filterable: Allow filtering by this parameter
- Sortable: Allow sorting by this parameter
- Exportable: Include in exports
- Custom Sort Order: Set display order
Step 5: Save Parameter
- Click “Save” to save your parameter
- Review any validation errors
- Verify the parameter is saved correctly
Step 6: Activate Parameter
- After saving, find your parameter in the list
- Click “Activate” to enable it
- Parameter will be available for use
Using Custom Parameters
On Account Cards
- Open an account view
- View custom parameters on the account card
- See value displayed with visual indicator
On Debtor Profiles
- Open a debtor profile
- View custom parameters in the profile
- See all custom values for this debtor
Filtering by Custom Parameters
- Navigate to Accounts or Debtors section
- Use filter dropdown for your custom parameter
- Select value(s) to filter by
- See results matching your criteria
Sorting by Custom Parameters
- Use sort options for your custom parameter
- Sort in ascending or descending order
- See accounts or debtors organized by parameter value
Exporting Custom Parameters
- Go to Accounts or Debtors section
- Use filters to narrow results
- Click “Export” button
- Choose export format
- Download the exported file
- Custom parameters will be included in the export
Editing Custom Parameters
Modifying Existing Parameters
- Navigate to Admin → Custom Parameters
- Find the parameter you want to edit
- Click “Edit” button
- Make your changes
- Click “Save” to update
Updating Parameter Values
- Open the parameter you want to update
- Click “Edit Values”
- Add or remove values
- Update value labels or keys
- Save your changes
Deactivating Parameters
- Find the parameter you want to deactivate
- Click “Deactivate” button
- Parameter will no longer be available for use
Deleting Parameters
- Find the parameter you want to delete
- Click “Delete” button
- Confirm deletion
- Parameter will be permanently removed
- All data using this parameter will be lost
Custom Parameter Best Practices
For Effective Parameter Creation
- Be Specific: Choose clear, descriptive names
- Keep Categories Logical: Organize parameters by category
- Use Consistent Naming: Follow naming conventions
- Limit Options: Avoid too many value options
- Test First: Test parameters before widespread use
- Train Users: Educate users on new parameters
- Document Usage: Keep documentation on custom parameters
- Review Regularly: Audit parameters for relevance
Common Parameter Categories
Account Classification:
- Account Type
- Account Status
- Collection Priority
- Risk Level
Debtor Information:
- Industry
- Company Size
- Relationship Status
- Geographic Location
Business Rules:
- Commission Structure
- Special Handling
- Account Flags
- Warning Flags
Operational Details:
- Payment Methods
- Communication Channels
- Preferred Contact Times
- Language Preference
Value Display Best Practices
- Use Descriptive Labels: Make labels easy to understand
- Use Visual Colors: Color-code values for quick identification
- Use Icons: Add icons for better visual recognition
- Keep Text Short: Short labels are easier to read
- Group Related Values: Combine related values together
Filtering and Sorting Tips
- Limit Options: Too many values make filtering less effective
- Most Common First: Put frequently used values first
- Use Groups: Group values logically for easier browsing
- Clear Labels: Make labels unambiguous
Performance Considerations
- Avoid Too Many Parameters: Too many can slow down the system
- Limit Value Count: Large value lists impact performance
- Use Indexing: Enable indexing for frequently filtered parameters
- Monitor Usage: Track parameter usage and adjust as needed
Advanced Custom Parameters
Conditional Display
Some parameters can show or hide based on conditions:
- Create parameter with conditional display rules
- Set conditions for when to show the parameter
- Display will adapt based on account/debtor data
Validation Rules
Add validation to parameter values:
- Define minimum and maximum values
- Set allowed value ranges
- Prevent invalid or inappropriate values
- Provide validation messages
Linked Parameters
Create relationships between parameters:
- Set up dependency rules
- Some parameters appear based on other values
- Create logical grouping of related information
Default Values
Configure default parameter values:
- Set default values for new records
- Customize based on business rules
- Reduce manual data entry
Custom Parameter Use Cases
Use Case 1: Industry Classification
Parameter: Industry Type Values: Retail, Healthcare, Finance, Government, Education, Manufacturing
Benefits:
- Categorize accounts by industry
- Customize workflows per industry
- Industry-specific communication templates
- Better reporting and analytics
Use Case 2: Customer Tier System
Parameter: Customer Tier Values: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze
Benefits:
- Identify valuable customers
- Customize service levels
- Tier-based workflows
- Prioritize high-value accounts
Use Case 3: Risk Assessment
Parameter: Risk Level Values: Low, Medium, High, Critical
Benefits:
- Identify high-risk accounts
- Prioritize collection efforts
- Escalation workflows
- Resource allocation
Use Case 4: Sales Region
Parameter: Sales Region Values: North, South, East, West, International
Benefits:
- Geographic organization
- Regional agent assignment
- Regional reporting
- Local language support
Use Case 5: Payment Method
Parameter: Preferred Payment Method Values: Bank Transfer, Check, Card, Cash, Direct Debit
Benefits:
- Customize communication for payment methods
- Payment method-specific workflows
- Improved payment collection
- Better user experience
Troubleshooting
Parameter Not Showing Up
- Verify parameter is active
- Check entity type matches (accounts or debtors)
- Review display options settings
- Clear cache if using cached data
Can’t Filter by Parameter
- Verify parameter is filterable
- Check that parameter is active
- Ensure account/debtor data has values
- Refresh the page
Values Not Displaying Correctly
- Verify value labels are correct
- Check that value keys match
- Review color configuration
- Test with different data
Export Missing Custom Parameters
- Verify parameter is exportable
- Check parameter is included in export settings
- Ensure data has values populated
- Try re-exporting with filters applied
Getting Help
For support or questions about custom parameters:
- Documentation: Check our comprehensive documentation library
- Support Portal: Submit tickets through your support portal
- Training Resources: Access video tutorials and guides
- Contact Support: Reach out to our support team directly
Next Steps
Now that you understand custom parameters, explore:
- Accounts Management Guide - Managing accounts and balances
- Debtors Management Guide - Managing debtor information
- Tasks Management Guide - Creating and assigning collection tasks
- Workflows Configuration - Setting up automated workflows
- Templates Management - Using communication templates