Data Dict Change

[crazy]
For Alias DSC1, Description 1, we currently have the size set to 30. What are the ramifications of changing that. We need more space in our description field. Our inhouse programmer did not think we should change. HAs anyone had any experience with this. I know it is taboo to change decimals once data is in the system but I did not see a problem with field length.

OneWorld Xe 7333, 18.1 SQL

This particular field is used in a lot of files so you would be making a
fundamental change to the database... have you looked at item print messages
or item notes for a way to store your description instead since this is open
text size? thanks, Bobby






For Alias DSC1, Description 1, we currently have the size set to 30. What
are the ramifications of changing that. We need more space in our
description field. Our inhouse programmer did not think we should change.
HAs anyone had any experience with this. I know it is taboo to change
decimals once data is in the system but I did not see a problem with field
length.

OneWorld Xe 7333, 18.1 SQL


_________________________________________________________________
Help STOP SPAM: Try the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE*
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

The results would likely be a disaster. Run the Cross-Reference facility for
the data item and see how many tables and applications use it.


Colin




Colin Dawes, Sr. Technical Consultant
Syntax.net
B733.1 to ERP 8.0
Oracle 8i/9i/SQL Server 2K, DB2

You should listen to your programmer.

Changing Field Lengths or data types have a much more serious impact than changing the number of display decimals (changing decimals can be done for Quantities and costs).

DSC1 is widely used throughout the system - not just as Item description. Even if it was only used for item description it would be a major customization to your OneWorld implementation.

This subject has been discussed before on the forums - search the forums for "change dictionary field length" (All Words) to get a better idea of the impact of changing the length of any DD field.

Regards,

Hi!

Changing a display decimals - if done correctly - can be done post go-live,
however changing a field length is a definite and absolute NO!!

Every occurrence of a field in tables, data structures, screens and reports
would have to be analysed to determine if it is significant. You would also
end up with none trivial upgrade and support issues.

If you need more than 30 characters, think about the supplementary databases
and some minor program changes for where you need it to appear. Or for that
matter attachments may suite.

I hope this helps to clarify this issue a little.

Best regards

Peter

Peter Bannister : [email protected]
1st Consulting Ltd : www.1stconsulting.biz
Mobile : +(44)-7711-649358
Fax : +(44)-7739-256227
E-mail on the move : [email protected]



Product Specialist