Data Grids

Data Grids list records in important tables, such as Profiles (or Profile subsets such as Donors, Grantees, Students, and Vendors), Funds, Gifts, Grants, and Contacts. When you first open a module, FIMS displays a Data Grid where you can select the record you want to work with. Once you select a record from the Data Grid, clicking on any of the tabs displays information related to the selected record.

You can open the Data Grid at any time by clicking the Search button on the toolbar (looks like a pair of binoculars), or by pressing F3 on your keyboard.

Choosing a sort order for the list of records in a Data Grid can help you to find a specific record. For example, if you are searching for a Donor record, you can search by Sort Name or ID Code.

Each FIMS Data Grid is customizable. You can configure multiple Data Grid views that only show the fields that you are interested in. Each Data Grid also comes with a Default View and several other system-defined views that contain the most commonly used fields. You cannot change system-defined views, but you can use them as templates to create your own custom views. Refer to Configuring View Settings for more information about creating custom Data Grid views.

Note: The View Selection drop-down box on the upper left-hand side of the data grid provides a list of the configured views for the current data grid (including your views, system views, and any shared views from other users) and allows you to easily switch between data grid views.

Tip: Default Views

The system-defined Default View is loaded automatically when you first open a data grid. You cannot change this view, and it is always available by clicking the Default View button.

There are also two optional default views that you can create that will override the initial display of the system-generated Default View – Foundation Default View and User Default View.

• By naming a custom view Foundation Default View, FIMS will automatically load this view for all users, instead of using the system Default View each time you open the module.

• By naming a custom view User Default View, FIMS will automatically load this view instead of either the system default View or the Foundation Default View each time you open the module. The User Default View is maintained at a User ID level and allows each user to have their own unique User Default View. Configure the view with the fields, colors, and layout that you want to see.

Lookup data grids (which are accessed by clicking the Search button next to a data entry field) also have default view settings. The system-defined Lookup view is loaded automatically when you first open a lookup list for any module.

There are also two optional Lookup views that you can create that will override the system-generated view – Foundation Lookup View and User Lookup View.

• By naming a custom view Foundation Lookup View, FIMS will automatically load this view for all users, instead of using the system Lookup view.

• By naming a custom view User Lookup View, FIMS will automatically load this view instead of either the system Lookup view or the Foundation Lookup View. The User Lookup View is maintained at a User ID level and allows each user to have their own unique User Lookup View.

Refer to Configuring View Settings for more information about creating custom Data Grid views.