After creating a Filebox and uploading your files, the Data Mapper transforms and stores these files in the database, ensuring your data is organized and ready for use.

Using the Data Mapper, you can customize data to better meet reporting and dashboard requirements. Custom columns allow you to add calculated fields that aren't present in the original data input to enhance your database. 

Custom columns can be fixed values that apply to all records or calculated values that vary for each record based on different fields. 

Use the Custom Column tool to:

• Enhance raw data for more detailed reports
• Avoid altering the input file or using less efficient mapping files
• Apply conditions and enrich data with derived values

Watch this Datarails University video to explore the Custom Columns section:

Use Case & Benefits

• Extracting Year, Month, Day from a Full Date
  To create a new field that displays only the month from a "Posting date" field, use the Month function in the custom column section.
  
  
• Creating a Fixed Value Column
  To add a column where all records are labeled as "P&L", simply type the value in the formula bar.
  
  
• Using Conditional Logic
  To label records based on their posting currency (e.g., labeling USD records as "Entity A" and other currencies as "Entity B"), use the IF statement in the custom column section.

Learn more about Data Mapper: Custom Columns Functions to explore the different functions.

Add Custom Column

1. Access the Data Mapper for the relevant Filebox. Learn how to access the Data Mapper. 
2. In the left panel, locate the 'Custom Columns' section and click on Add Custom Column. The 'Add Custom Column' window will open.
3. In the 'Name (map to)' field, type the new field name. You can either enter it manually or search for it using the functions section of the custom column editor.
4. Start typing the formula in the formula section. No equal sign is necessary to start a formula in a custom column.
   You can enter a value or add fields and functions from the Fields and Functions sections by double-clicking them.
   To explore different formulas, click the light bulb icon to access the Data Mapper: Custom Columns Functions article. While similar to Excel formulas, there may be slight differences in syntax. Also, In Datarails, the equal sign for conditions in the IF function is represented by a double equal sign (==).
5. Ensure the formula bar contains the correct value or formula and click OK.

6. The new custom column will be added to the database preview and highlighted in yellow.

Updated July 08, 2024 19:37