Extension with variables

In Corporate Design it is possible to add data elements to each area that do not exist directly as records in the system. How to create such an extension with variables is described here. As an example, the name of the CEO is added to the footer.

For this, entries must be created in the CD Labels and CD Rec. Extensions tables. Afterwards, this data must be set up in the CD Field Configuration so that it is printed on the document.

CD Labels

In the table CD Labels, create a new row for the label with the following data:

  • Type Field Label
  • Text Constant CEO
  • Language Code ENU
  • Value CEO

To be able to print the CEO in English as well as in German documents, further lines with other Language Codes, e.g. DEU, can be created.

In the CD Labels table, create another row for the value, with the following data:

  • Type Variable
  • Text Constant _CEO_Value
  • Value Read Managing Director

The Text Constant can be chosen freely. The value in the Value column is not relevant and serves only as explanation.

CD Label

CD Rec. Extensions

In the CD Rec. Extension table, create a new row for the actual value, in the example the CEO, with the following data:

  • Source Type Address Buffer
  • Variable _CEO_Value
  • Value Gregory Smith

Via the Variable field, the Value is linked to the variable entry created in the CD Labels table. This means you must use the same Text Constant here. In the example, this is the name of the CEO, linked via the variable _CEO_Value.

CD record extension

CD Field Configuration

In order to print the created variable with the associated label on the document, this must be set up in CD Field Configuration. Two lines must be created for this purpose.

The following example describes the printing of the variable _CEO_Value with the label CEO in the footer of all documents.

The first line creates a link to the variable. For this purpose, the following data must be entered:

  • Source Type Address Buffer
  • Source No. 5517543
  • Type Extra Field
  • Field No. 5001
  • Section Footer
  • Position 16
  • Label CEO
  • Label Font Style Bold

Other fields in the line are automatically filled, for example, the fields for the source table relation. The fields Section and Position control where on the document the variable is printed. A printout can be made not only in the footer, but also, for example, in the header. The Label and Label Font Style fields control how the label is printed. The variable can also be printed without a label by leaving those fields empty.

The second line inserts the value of the variable. The following data must be entered:

  • Source Type Table
  • Source No. 5517533
  • Type Field
  • Field No. 30
  • Section Footer
  • Position 16
  • Label _CEO_Value

Again, other fields will be filled in automatically. It is important that the Section and Position values of both lines are identical, and that the Label field contains the name of the variable _CEO_Value. When selecting this Label, an existing filter on the Field Label type may need to be removed before the variable can be selected.

CD Fields Configurator

As a result, the variable will be printed in the footer of all documents. The value of the variable, e.g. the name of the CEO, can be customized in the CD Rec. Extension table.

Extension Variable Result CEO

Additional Example: Company Registration Number

In many countries, companies are legally required to print their commercial register number on business documents such as order confirmations and invoices. Business Central does not include a dedicated field for this information in the standard Company Information setup, making it a practical use case for a CD variable.

The setup follows the same three-step process as described above.

CD Labels

In the table CD Labels, create a new row for the label with the following data:

  • Type Field Label
  • Text Constant CompanyReg
  • Language Code ENU
  • Value Reg. No.

In the CD Labels table, create another row for the variable, with the following data:

  • Type Variable
  • Text Constant _CompanyReg_Value
  • Value Enter registration number

The Text Constant can be chosen freely. The value in the Value column is not relevant and serves only as explanation.

CD Rec. Extensions

In the CD Rec. Extension table, create a new row for the actual registration number with the following data:

  • Source Type Address Buffer
  • Variable _CompanyReg_Value
  • Value HRB 123456

Via the Variable field, the Value is linked to the variable entry created in the CD Labels table. The same Text Constant must be used here.

CD Field Configuration

Two lines must be created in the CD Field Configuration.

The first line creates a link to the variable. For this purpose, the following data must be entered:

  • Source Type Address Buffer
  • Source No. 5517543
  • Type Extra Field
  • Field No. 5001
  • Section Header
  • Position 15
  • Label CompanyReg

The second line inserts the value of the variable. The following data must be entered:

  • Source Type Table
  • Source No. 5517533
  • Type Field
  • Field No. 30
  • Section Header
  • Position 15
  • Label _CompanyReg_Value

The Section and Position values of both lines must be identical. When selecting the Label _CompanyReg_Value, an existing filter on the Field Label type may need to be removed before the variable can be selected.

As a result, the registration number is printed in the header of all documents. The value can be updated at any time in the CD Rec. Extension table without requiring any changes to the report setup.