Configure value help

Value help configures an input field to source its value from a predefined data set, allowing users to select validated values from an application, adaptive application, or server script instead of entering free text.

Configuration applies to:

Business use cases

Value help supports controlled and efficient data selection by replacing free-text input with validated options. Key scenarios include:

  • Controlled data entry: Restrict input to predefined, validated values.

  • Data consistency: Ensure uniform values across applications and users.

  • User efficiency: Speed up input by replacing free text with selectable options.

Procedure

The following procedure uses the example of a purchase order form to demonstrate the configuration of a Supplier field that retrieves selectable supplier records from predefined sources, ensuring consistent and valid supplier selection.

  1. In the Application tree, select the input field that should use predefined values.

  2. In the Settings/properties pane, set the field type to ValueHelp.

    Result: The ValueHelp Source section appears.

  3. Define where the selectable values are retrieved from when the value help is triggered by selecting the Settings icon next to the Open field.

  4. In the Event dialog that opens, choose of one of the following source types:

    1. Open Adaptive Application: Use when values should be selected from another adaptive application, such as a list or dialog.

      Example: Open an adaptive application listing approved suppliers.

      Result: When the user opens the value help, the supplier list opens in a dialog, allowing selection from filtered, structured records.

    2. Open Application: Use when values are sourced from a standard application.

      Example: Open a Supplier Management application.

      Result: Users select a supplier from an example application view, reusing established data sources.

    3. Run Server Script: Use when values must be dynamically retrieved or calculated.

      Example: Run a server script that returns suppliers based on region or contract status.

      Result: The value help displays supplier options returned by the script.

      The server script must set result.data to an array of objects.
      See Create an event in guided mode.

  5. In Field to Return, enter the field name from the selected application or adaptive application, or the property name from the server script response.

    Example: Enter SupplierID.

    Result: The selected supplier’s ID populates the input field.

  6. (Optional) Select Value Help Only to prevent users from manually entering values.

  7. In the Shell bar, select Save.

  8. In the Preview pane, open the form and trigger the value help to confirm that the correct data source opens, the selectable values are displayed, and the selected value populates the field as expected.

Result

  • You have configured a value help that sources values from an application, adaptive application, or server script, and restricts input to selection-only where required.

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