Adding a new Information Code is like adding a new field to a table or a page

In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you can add custom specification fields to tables like the item card, customer card, and vendor card without writing code. You do this through the Information Code List, where each information code works like a new field. You define which table the code applies to using the table number, such as 27 for the item table. You can also leave the table number blank so the code works across multiple tables like items, serial numbers, customers, and vendors. Once you create an information code, you assign values to it directly on the relevant card, such as adding a brake type with options like disc brakes or roller brakes to an item.

What the Information Code List does in Business Central

The Information Code List lets you extend your master data with custom fields. Adding a new information code is like adding a field to a table or page. If you add an information code, it behaves like a field on the item card, customer card, vendor card, or any other place where you use master data information.

If the code works like an option field, you can add information values beneath it. That means you build your own list of allowed selections for the field.

Finding and reviewing existing information codes

In Business Central, you can search directly for the Information Code List and see all the available information codes you have set up. Examples might include bike type, chain relation, or color. These are all fields you want to add to different tables.

If you scroll right in the list, you can see the specific table each code applies to. For example, an information code might be tied to the item table, the serial number table, or the customer table. Some codes have no table number at all, which means you can use them across multilple tables, including items, serial numbers, customers, and vendors.

Adding a new information code

You add a new information code at the top level of the list. Say you want to add a brake type because you need to differentiate between disc brakes and roller brakes. You enter the brake type as a new field, which is the same as adding a new field in Business Central.

If this field should only apply to your item table, you enter 27 as the table number, which is the table number for the item table. You can look up the table number if you do not know it. With that, you have added a new information code that applies specifically to items.

Using the information code on a card

Once the information code exists, you can use it when you open an item. Go to your item number, open the item, and enter your specifications on the item card. You will see all your other specifications listed there. You can then add or pick your new information code, such as the brake type. From there you select the relevant brake type for that item.

You set up the different brake type values you want to choose from, and the field becomes available for selection on the item. This is how you add a new field through the Information Code List.

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