Manage attribute definitions

When creating or editing, you have the option of defining the status of an attribute definition. A distinction is made between active and inactive. Active attribute definitions can be used in other data, inactive ones cannot. If an attribute definition that has already been used is deactivated again, the properties or rules defined for this attribute definition no longer have any influence. The attribute definition is marked as inactive in the corresponding data set (see illustration) but is not removed from the data set, i.e. when reactivated, the attribute definition and its function are available again in the usual way. Attribute definitions can also be deleted. However, this is only possible via the detail page and only if the attribute definition has not yet been used.

You can use the description to give the attribute definition a natural language name. This field can be maintained in several languages. In contrast, the name must have a unique designation, which is to be understood as a technical identification field.

You have the following options when creating:

For detailed information, see the chapter Types of attribute definitions

An attribute definition can have multiple purposes assigned to it. The field "Use" defines which roles are allowed to use each attribute definition.

A user requires at least one of the listed roles in order to edit an entity’s attribute or assign a new one to it. The field "Purpose" specifies if an attribute of said type can be assigned to an entity.

You can also see if an attribute is in use and who created the attribute definition.