Global and local data fields
Before you create a global data field, consider how you want to view the data in dashboard reports.
Single-value data summarizes data from multiple projects. On the dashboard, single-value data can be displayed in graphs and tables.
Project counts
In the dashboard, project counts are unique variables that use key date fields, such as Start Date or Due Date, to determine the number of projects within a specific time interval. For example, you might use the project count called Number of Projects Completed, which uses Completion Date to determine the number of projects completed by month, by quarter, this year, and so on.
You can create a new project count based on a date field or a formula field that uses date values. You can also change the name or the associated date for existing project counts. Project counts are only available in dashboard reports. You cannot add them as data fields in form templates.
Create a global data field
Data fields belong to either single-value categories or data tables. Before you create or edit a data field, decide whether to add the data field to a single-value category or a data table. For more information, go to Data fields and form design.
- In the sandbox, select Data Fields.
- Expand the category or data table you want to add the data field to.
- Scroll to the bottom of the category or data table, then select New field.
- Select a field type. For help with selecting a field type, go to Types of data fields.
- Select Next: Set Options.
- Enter a name for the new data field. To track this new data field on the dashboard, leave Available to dashboard reports selected.
- Depending on the field type, select the available options, then select Save.
Example of creating a new global data list field
Note
To prevent this example from affecting the live site, discard any changes before you exit the sandbox.
- In the sandbox, select Data Fields.
- Under
Single-Value
Categories, next to
Project Summary, select
.
- Select New Field in Project Summary.
- Select List with Text selected, then select Next: Set Options.
- In Name, enter Organizational Awareness. Because you want to track this metric on the dashboard, leave the Available to dashboard reports option selected.
- Under
Value, select the second row of the table and enter
High, then select the add button
. In the new row, enter
Medium, then select the add button
and enter
Low.
Note
When you add a list of values, keep Include a blank option selected to ensure accurate report results if a list value is deleted. For more information, go to Effects of deleting global data.
- Select Add. The new field appears alphabetically in the list of data fields in the sandbox.
Edit a global data field
To edit a global data field, you can select its edit button 
or you can search for it.
- In the sandbox, select Data Fields.
- In the search box, enter the name of the data field to edit. Engage narrows the results as you type. The more you enter, the more specific your results become.
- Select the result.
- In the Edit Field dialog box, make your changes, then select Save.
Example of editing a global data list field
Note
To prevent this example from affecting the live site, discard any changes before you exit the sandbox.
- In the sandbox, select Data Fields.
- In the search box, start to type belt level. Engage finds any data field, data table, single-value category, or template that contains the term "belt level".
- Select the result.
- In the
Edit Field dialog box, under
Value, hover your cursor over the
Green Belt row. Select the add button
and enter
Yellow Belt.
Note
When you edit a list field, do not delete existing list values. Instead, make the value inactive. For more information, go to Effects of deleting global data.
- Select Save.