Using Defined Fields with Database Functions in VDM

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Article Goal

Learn how to use defined fields with database functions in VDM to return user-specific values in views and filters.

What Are Defined Fields?

Defined Fields are custom values associated with WebReports users. These values can be inserted dynamically into a VDM view using a database function, allowing user-based filtering or data personalization.

Tip: Defined Fields are often used to restrict data for specific users, return custom display values, or pass credentials dynamically to filters or report content.

Why Use Defined Fields in VDM?

• Tailor reports to the user running them

• Dynamically pass login/user-specific info into a view

• Eliminate hardcoded values and reduce maintenance

• Create secure filtering by user roles or regions

Use Case: You want a manager to only see sales records from their assigned region. By using a defined field like RegionFilter, you can filter results dynamically based on who is logged in.

Where Can You Use Defined Fields?

Defined Fields returned via database functions can be used:

• In the data results (detail, Finished Reports, Visualize)

• As filter criteria within the FSGS section of the view

Steps to Use Defined Fields with a Database Function

Step 1: Open or Create a View

• Open VDM

• Create a new view or open an existing one

Step 2: Add a Custom Field/Function

• Right-click in the Tables and Fields section

• Select Add Custom Field/Function

Step 3: Enter the Database Function

In the function box, enter your defined field query identifier
(This was configured in WebReports)

Tip: Wrap the defined field in single quotes if it is a string value.
Example: 'UserNameUDF'

Step 4: Name the Column

Provide a name for the column you’re adding
(e.g., Username or LoggedInManagerID)

Step 5: Set the Connection

Ensure the Database Function connection is set to your WebReports connection profile

Step 6: Click Add

Click Add to insert the custom database function into your view

Tip: You can repeat this process to add multiple defined fields as needed

Step 7: Run the View

• Click Run View

• Confirm the returned values match the expected defined fields per user

Troubleshooting
If the data isn’t returning correctly, verify:

• The defined field is correctly set up in WebReports

• The function syntax is correct in VDM

• The object identifiers match your database’s requirements (e.g., single quotes for strings)

Article Summary

Using defined fields with database functions in VDM enables personalized, user-aware reporting. By dynamically injecting values tied to a user’s WebReports profile, you can securely filter data or display custom content without duplicating views. These fields can be reused in Finished Reports, Visualize dashboards, or applied directly to filters for efficient, scalable reporting logic.