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

  1. Navigate to Admin → Custom Parameters
  2. 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:

  1. Click “Add Value” button
  2. Enter each value:
    • Value Label: Display name (e.g., “Retail”)
    • Value Key: Internal identifier (e.g., “retail”)
    • Color: Visual indicator color
  3. Add multiple values as needed
  4. 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

  1. Click “Save” to save your parameter
  2. Review any validation errors
  3. Verify the parameter is saved correctly

Step 6: Activate Parameter

  1. After saving, find your parameter in the list
  2. Click “Activate” to enable it
  3. Parameter will be available for use

Using Custom Parameters

On Account Cards

  1. Open an account view
  2. View custom parameters on the account card
  3. See value displayed with visual indicator

On Debtor Profiles

  1. Open a debtor profile
  2. View custom parameters in the profile
  3. See all custom values for this debtor

Filtering by Custom Parameters

  1. Navigate to Accounts or Debtors section
  2. Use filter dropdown for your custom parameter
  3. Select value(s) to filter by
  4. See results matching your criteria

Sorting by Custom Parameters

  1. Use sort options for your custom parameter
  2. Sort in ascending or descending order
  3. See accounts or debtors organized by parameter value

Exporting Custom Parameters

  1. Go to Accounts or Debtors section
  2. Use filters to narrow results
  3. Click “Export” button
  4. Choose export format
  5. Download the exported file
  6. Custom parameters will be included in the export

Editing Custom Parameters

Modifying Existing Parameters

  1. Navigate to Admin → Custom Parameters
  2. Find the parameter you want to edit
  3. Click “Edit” button
  4. Make your changes
  5. Click “Save” to update

Updating Parameter Values

  1. Open the parameter you want to update
  2. Click “Edit Values”
  3. Add or remove values
  4. Update value labels or keys
  5. Save your changes

Deactivating Parameters

  1. Find the parameter you want to deactivate
  2. Click “Deactivate” button
  3. Parameter will no longer be available for use

Deleting Parameters

  1. Find the parameter you want to delete
  2. Click “Delete” button
  3. Confirm deletion
  4. Parameter will be permanently removed
  5. All data using this parameter will be lost

Custom Parameter Best Practices

For Effective Parameter Creation

  1. Be Specific: Choose clear, descriptive names
  2. Keep Categories Logical: Organize parameters by category
  3. Use Consistent Naming: Follow naming conventions
  4. Limit Options: Avoid too many value options
  5. Test First: Test parameters before widespread use
  6. Train Users: Educate users on new parameters
  7. Document Usage: Keep documentation on custom parameters
  8. 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:

  1. Create parameter with conditional display rules
  2. Set conditions for when to show the parameter
  3. Display will adapt based on account/debtor data

Validation Rules

Add validation to parameter values:

  1. Define minimum and maximum values
  2. Set allowed value ranges
  3. Prevent invalid or inappropriate values
  4. Provide validation messages

Linked Parameters

Create relationships between parameters:

  1. Set up dependency rules
  2. Some parameters appear based on other values
  3. Create logical grouping of related information

Default Values

Configure default parameter values:

  1. Set default values for new records
  2. Customize based on business rules
  3. 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: