What are the differences between enumeration (pick-list) fields and flexible master data (FMD) chooser fields?

The main characteristics of enumeration fields and FMD fields are listed below; these characteristics explain the differences between the two field types.

Enumeration Field:

• You load data values through the corresponding enumeration file in Customization Manager > Enumerations.
• These fields are useful for single pieces of data. For example, use an enumeration to store a list of names of hospitals to select from the field’s pick list.
• You can load translations for data values by user locale (load these on the Translations tab of the enumeration file).
• You can set a default value.
• Enumerations will work for string or int fields.
• You can force the user to select a value from the list or leave it blank.

FMD Field:

• You load data values through the corresponding import task in Site Manager > Data Import/Export.
• These fields are useful for data that has multiple components. For example, use an FMD field to store the names of hospitals and attributes, such as their addresses and phone numbers; the availability of specialized departments or equipment; and the name of the hospital administrator.
• You can load translations for data values by user locale (load these using the translations import task for the FMD field).
• You can set a default value.

To demonstrate, assume that you load the following enumeration and FMD. The enumeration file in the example specifies only the city, whereas the FMD specifies city, state, and country:

Enumeration File:

Enumeration, Display Value, Value
PickList, New York, New York
PickList, Baltimore, Baltimore
PickList, Seattle, Seattle

FMD Import File:

"UTF-8"
UniqueName,Name,CompanyCode,PurchasingUnit,cus_State,cus_Country
"New York","New York",,,"NY", "US"
"Baltimore","Baltimore",,"MD","US"
"Seattle","Seattle",,,"WA","US"

When you add a pick list field to a specific document type, the user will be able to choose a value from the list of enumerations when expanding the drop-down list.

On a FMD field, the user will be able to view all records in the FMD and select the desired one.

Since FMD is a data record, the user will see all its fields in the chooser window. It can be configured to show only some fields.

On an FMD field, any condition can be added ( visibility, editability or validity).

For the enumeration field, the user sees a simple pick list:

Note that:

1. Once an FMD template is created, it cannot be deleted (neither in TEST nor in PROD).

2. You can remove a pick list from a simple field ( string or int) and use a new pick list if needed.

3. Once you created an FMD field, you cannot modify the field's type.

4. On FMD fields, you should always validate the selected record is an active one. See Why the user can select an inactive FMD record?

Flex Master Data lookup() method returns inactive objects

Adding conditions based on FMD records

How to set a field using a FMD lookup?

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