Catalog Items, variables

[Fatemeh Rahimi]

Hi everyone,

I have a table that includes several fields, such as Number and Vehicle Model. I'm trying to use two variables in a catalog item, both referencing this table.

The first variable is Number, which works fine. The second is for Vehicle Model — I set it as a Reference to the same table. However, when I view the catalog item in the Service Portal, the dropdown for this variable still shows the Number field values, instead of the actual Vehicle Model.

I would like the dropdown to display the Vehicle Model field, not the Number. Is there a way to do this without using a script?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[J Siva · Accepted solution]

Hi @Fatemeh Rahimi 

This is the expected behavior of the "Reference" type field. The "Number" field should be set as the display field for that table. If you want to show the Vehicle Model field instead, you can use a "Lookup Select Box" type variable.

Note: Using a Lookup Select Box may cause performance issues if the table has a large number of records.

May I know the reason why you are using two different variables to select the record from the same table.

If you.are looking to Auto-populate the vehicle model based on the number, then you should use "Auto-populate" feature.

Regards,

Siva

[DGAJ · Accepted solution]

Hi Fatemeh,

The best way to achieve this is to use the reference qualifier approach - This will display the vehicle model values.

In the catalog variable - vehicle model ,On the type specifications tab,

Set "Use reference qualifier"  , then configure your reference qual.

OR use the variable attributes "ref_ac_columns=vehicle_model"

I am assuming you want to auto populate the vehicle model field when Number is selected ? This can also be done by using the Auto populate approach. 

Dave

[Fatemeh Rahimi]

Hi Dave,

Thank you for your advice. Based on what I understood, I made the changes as shown in the image, but it’s still not working as expected. Should I make any other adjustments? I’d really appreciate any further guidance!

[Fatemeh Rahimi]

Thank you for your advice. I was able to complete it using the auto populate method. Initially, I tried using the Use reference qualifier option, but it didn’t work as expected.

Would you mind letting me know when it's best to use the reference qualifier approach? I’ve also attached an image of my earlier configuration for reference.