The information matrix in Business Central lets you combine fields from the base table and from master data in a single view. You can show standard fields from the item card or customer card alongside custom master data information fields in the same matrix.
You define the columns in a template. Each template specifies which table it belongs to, such as table 27 for items or table 18 for customers. For each column you choose whether it pulls a value directly from the table or from a master data information field.
You can create as many templates as you need, and you can edit values directly in the matrix by entering a field and typing a new value.
Combining base table fields and master data in one view
One of the big advantages of the information matrix is that you can view data from the base table and your master data in the same view.
Take an item as an example. The item card holds a large number of standard fields. The standard application includes around 250 fields or even more on the item card, and you can of course modify any of them.
On top of the standard fields, an item can also carry master data information such as specifications, text, or files. On item number 1000, for instance, you can have different master data information attached. This list can be as long as you prefer, so you can define as many extra fields as you want for your items.
When you open the information matrix, the whole idea is that you can combine fields from the item list with fields from the master data information. The description field, for example, comes from the item list. If you opened the matrix from the customer card instead, you would see fields from the customer list combined with fields from the master data information.
Switching between templates in the information matrix
The information matrix works with templates, and you can switch between them as needed. You can create as many templates as you want.
Take a basic setup template as an example. The description and base unit of measure both come straight from the item table. The product area, on the other hand, is a master data information value. If you scroll to the right, the product type is also a master data information value, while the wheel diameter is a value as well.
You can use both the information value from master data and the value from master data side by side. You can change a value directly in the matrix by entering the field and typing a new value, for example changing a wheel diameter from 29 to 28.
How columns are defined in the master data template card
You set up the columns in the master data template card. The template is tied to a specific table. For a basic item setup, that is table 27, the item table, and you define all your columns there.
For the wheel diameter, you can specify that column number seven should be a master data information column with the value taken from the wheel diameter field. That is one way to set up a column.
You can also point a column directly at a table field. For example, column number two can come directly from the base unit of measure field in the table.
If the template was built for the customer instead, the table reference at the top would show table 18. You could then pull any field from the customer table, or again use master data information. This is how you combine the two different types of fields in one view.
Q&A
What is the main advantage of the information matrix in Business Central?
You can view data from the base table and your master data in the same view. For an item, that means standard fields from the item card and custom master data information fields appear together in one matrix.
How many fields does the standard item card have in Business Central?
The standard application includes around 250 fields or even more on the item card, and you can modify any of them.
Can you add custom fields to an item beyond the standard fields?
Yes. Each item can carry master data information such as specifications, text, or files, and the list can be as long as you prefer. You can define as many extra fields as you want.
How do you define columns in the information matrix?
You define columns in the master data template card. Each template is tied to a specific table, such as table 27 for items or table 18 for customers. For each column you choose whether it takes its value directly from the table or from a master data information field.
Can you edit values directly in the information matrix?
Yes. You can enter a field in the matrix and type a new value, for example changing a wheel diameter from 29 to 28.
Can you create more than one template for the information matrix?
Yes. You can create as many templates as you want and switch between them in the matrix.