The data managed in Allocadia is defined by columns and fields. They are the building blocks for how data is entered and evaluated in Allocadia. This enables you to track marketing activities through seamless customization.
Here is a brief overview of how columns and fields work in Allocadia.
When Data Is to Be Entered
You can use different types for data entry, e.g. fields, pick lists or currency fields.
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | A currency input column that is utilized to track spend. | Spent data |
| Currency (non-calculating) |
An input currency field that does not aggregate. | Finance Target |
| Date | A date / calendar field | Start or End Date |
| Drop-down list | A drop-down list is a predefined list of options that users can choose from. In Allocadia, a drop-down list helps track attributes for your marketing spend data. We recommend using drop-down lists to help keep data clean and consistent for reporting purposes. | Regions |
| Multi-select list | A preset list of options where multiple options can be selected and the attribution percentage can be weighted. | Marketing Objectives |
| Number or Metric | A non-currency numeric input | Target # Expected Impressions |
| Text or Reference # | A text input field that accepts letters, numbers, and symbols. This field is utilized for any entry that requires all printable characters such as unique IDs, descriptions, notes, etc. The character limit is 255 characters. | Actuals Description |
What Are the Consequences of Entering Data in the Activity Structure?
Note that entries in the fields and columns can have different effects in the activity structure:
| Type | Aggregating up to Parent Level |
Inheriting Down (Overwritable) | None |
|---|---|---|---|
| Currency | X | ||
| Currency (non-calculating) |
X | ||
| Date | X | ||
| Drop-down list | X | ||
| Multi-select list | X | ||
| Number or Metric | X | ||
| Text or Reference # | X |
Aggregating up to the parent level means that the values displayed for the levels sub category and above correspond to the sum of all children below.
Selections in drop-down and multi-select lists are inherited by the child elements automatically. The values can be changed on the individual child elements. This simplifies the input for the user: the user selects at the highest possible level the value that also applies to most of the child elements. Then the user changes the few values for child elements.
If Existing or Calculated Data Are to Be Displayed
To display values that come from imported or calculated data, use one of the following types.
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Calculation | Calculated columns are formulas used for automatically calculating the combined total values of other columns or fields through addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division. Values in calculated columns are updated in real time as marketers track their marketing spend. In the activity plan, a calculated column will show a calculator icon beside it. The following field types can be included:
Operators: +, -, :, * |
FY Plan data |
| Commit | A column that is used to track contracted purchase amounts associated with an activity by pulling sums from the PO Panel for a certain period. | PO data |
| Invoice | A field calculated from data in the Amount column on the Actuals panel for a certain period. | Actuals |
| Over/Under | A field that displays the difference between two currency values: Field A - Field B |
Difference Q1 vs. Q2 |
Where to Create Columns and Fields
You can create columns and fields in Master Settings or Custom Settings. Note the following points:
- Columns and Fields can only be used in the folder or sub-folder in which they are created. For example, if you create a field in the Custom Settings of a sub-folder, the field will appear only for the children of that sub-folder. Use this behaviour to create fields for only those areas that actually need that data. This will also reduce the amount of data users have to enter.
- You can use some types only in Master Settings. See the following table in the Locations section.
Where to Display Columns and Fields
Each column and field can be displayed in one place in the interface. Note that you cannot use every type in every place:
| Type | Activities Grid (via Views) |
Actuals Panel | Details Panel | Grand Total Panel | PO Panel | Roll-up Panel (via Views) |
Transfer Form (only in Master Settings) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculation | X | X | X | ||||
| Commit (only in Master Settings) |
X | ||||||
| Currency | X | X | X | ||||
| Currency (non-calculating) |
X | X | X | X | |||
| Date | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Drop-down list | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Multi-select list | X | ||||||
| Invoice (only in Master Settings) |
X | ||||||
| Number or Metric | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Over/Under | X | X | X | ||||
| Target | X | ||||||
| Text or Reference # | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Other Important Topics for Fields and Columns
Managing Usage of Forecast Status Tags
Managing Formulas for Calculations
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