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Version: Current

FAQ: What are Dependencies and how do they help with coding?

Data Dependencies in Zudello are rules that link different dimension fields together, limiting the options available in one dropdown list based on the value selected in another.

Purpose:

  • Improve Accuracy: Prevent users from selecting invalid combinations of coding dimensions (e.g., selecting a Location that doesn't belong to the chosen Subsidiary).
  • Increase Efficiency: Reduce the number of options users need to scroll through by only showing relevant choices.
  • Enforce Business Rules: Mirror relationships defined in your ERP system (e.g., only showing Suppliers linked to a specific Company/Subsidiary).

How it Works:

  1. Configuration: Administrators configure dependencies directly on dimension records (Settings > Dimensions > Edit Dimension Value > Dependencies Icon).
    • You select a dimension value (e.g., Location "Sydney Warehouse").
    • You link it to one or more values from another dimension (e.g., link "Sydney Warehouse" to Subsidiary "NSW"). See Data Dependencies.
  2. Enforcement (User Interface): When a user is coding a document:
    • They first select a value in the controlling field (e.g., select Subsidiary "NSW").
    • When they then click the dropdown for the dependent field (e.g., Location), Zudello automatically filters the list to show only the options linked to the controlling value ("NSW") via the dependency configuration (e.g., only "Sydney Warehouse" and other NSW locations appear). Options linked only to other Subsidiaries (like "Melbourne Warehouse") are hidden.
  3. Enforcement (Enrichment): The Enrichment process also respects dependencies when applying defaults or linking records. If a default value is not valid based on a dependency and a controlling field already set, the default may not be applied.

Example:

  • Dependency Configured: Supplier "ABC Plumbing" is linked (dependent on) Subsidiary "Construction". Location "Site A" is linked to Subsidiary "Construction". Location "Site B" is linked to Subsidiary "Retail".
  • User Action:
    • User selects Subsidiary "Construction" on an invoice.
    • When selecting a Supplier, "ABC Plumbing" is available (along with any other Suppliers linked to "Construction" or those with no dependency). Suppliers linked only to "Retail" are hidden.
    • When selecting a Location, only "Site A" (and any other locations linked to "Construction" or those with no dependency) is available. "Site B" is hidden.

Dependencies help guide users to select valid coding combinations, reducing errors and ensuring data aligns with your business structure. See Troubleshooting Data Dependencies Not Filtering if they aren't working as expected.