Overview

In many databases, dropdown list selections are stored as item values instead of descriptive labels, complicating data analysis and usability. In ClientTrack, query designers can translate these values into meaningful descriptors using the cmComboBoxItem table which maps each item to its human-readable form. This article will help you understand two key features that facilitate this process: Get Description and Join to Value.

Choosing between Join to Value and Get Description largely depends on the specific requirements of your query. While both features achieve the same goal, they use distinct methods. 

Using Get Description

1. Right-click on the desired item in your query design interface.
    
2. Select Get Description from the dropdown menu.
   
   If a static list is available, this feature automatically links the list item to its description.

Using Join to Value

1. In the table find the column you wish to connect and right-click on it.
    
2. Select the Join to Value option.
   
   This action incorporates the cmComboBoxItem table into your query design, joining it on the specified column.
   
    

Manual Configuration

Baseline items generally link to descriptions straightforwardly, but there are cases when an item may be associated with multiple dropdown lists. In situations where the system cannot automatically determine which table to use, manual configuration is a viable alternative.
 

Here's a step by step guide:

1. Click Edit Data Definition
2. Click the Add table button (+)
3. Search for the cmComboBoxItem table, select it and click DONE
4. To join the tables, start by selecting the element in the first table that you need to convert. Drag this element to the cmComboBoxItem table and drop it into the Item field
5. Right-click on the joint to access the Advance Filter option
6. Click the first ‘Not Set’ field and select cmComboBoxItem, then Combobox
7. Enter the Combobox value without apostrophes (these will be generated by default)
8. Click the equal sign (=), then select AND to add another row.
9. Click the second ‘Not Set’ field and select the cmComboboxItem, then ComboboxGrp
10. Enter the ComboboxGrp value and click DONE

How to find the Combobox and ComboboxGrp values?

If you know a form where the list is used, you can hover over the list number, and in most cases (even for custom forms/tables), you can find this information (see image below for reference).  

You can also get this information by visiting the dropdown list section in ClientTrack. Use the list number to locate the information you need.

Navigation path: Home > Global Administration > Data Management Tools > Forms > Drop Down Lists