Introduction: Hello, everyone! I’m Tony Holowitz, and I’m delighted to address a common inquiry from one of my clients regarding the creation of new fields in Act CRM. In this short video, I’ll explain why the “Define Fields” option may appear grayed out for certain users and how to overcome this obstacle in the context of a remote database.
Understanding “Define Fields” in Act CRM: A Tale of Greyed Out Options To create new fields in Act CRM, users typically access the “Define Fields” feature by navigating to the “Tools” menu. However, my client encountered an issue where the “Define Fields” option was inexplicably grayed out and inaccessible. Let’s delve into the root cause of this behavior.
The Role of Remote Databases: Synchronization and Data Accessibility The reason behind the greyed-out “Define Fields” option lies in the database configuration. Specifically, my client was using a remote database—a database that synchronizes data with the cloud and other connected computers. While this setup offers the flexibility of accessing Act CRM from multiple devices, it introduces a slight nuance in the process of creating new fields.
The Solution: Creating Fields via the Web Version of Act In scenarios involving a remote database, the creation of new fields takes a slightly different approach. To add a new field, users must log in to the web version of Act CRM, where they have the option to create and define fields. Once the desired fields are created on the web platform, the next crucial step is to synchronize the remote database with the primary database in the cloud.
Synchronization Unlocks Field Creation in the Local Database After successfully synchronizing the remote database with the cloud-based main database, the user gains access to the newly created fields. At this point, the “Define Fields” option on the local Act CRM becomes active and enables users to include the newly created fields in their layout or modify existing ones.
Final Thoughts: Remote Databases and Data Flexibility While the greyed-out “Define Fields” option in Act CRM may initially seem perplexing, the solution lies in understanding the synchronization process of remote databases. By creating fields via the web version of Act and subsequently synchronizing the databases, users can maintain data flexibility and access vital information across various devices seamlessly.
Conclusion: Empowering Users with Field Creation In this brief tutorial, we’ve explored the concept of creating new fields in Act CRM, particularly in the context of remote databases. By following the prescribed steps of creating fields via the web version and synchronizing databases, users can effectively expand their data management capabilities and tailor Act CRM to their unique business needs.