FAQ - Rich Data Types in Custom Metadata
Q: What data types does Custom Metadata support?
A: Beyond simple text fields, Custom Metadata supports:
- Select (Single Value) - Gold/Silver/Bronze SLA
- Multi-Select - Multiple compliance tags (GDPR + HIPAA + PCI)
- Links - URLs to documentation, runbooks, approvals
- Tables - Version history, configuration matrices
- Checkboxes - Boolean flags (Approved, Production-Ready)
- File Attachments - Diagrams, runbooks, certificates
- Mermaid Diagrams - Visual workflows, data flows
- Dynamic/Calculated - Runtime values from web services
Q: How do I use Select for SLA level?
A: Define SLA Levels as a global list:
- Gold (4-hour response, 99.9% uptime)
- Silver (8-hour response, 99% uptime)
- Bronze (24-hour response, 98% uptime)
Then select one value per Integration. Benefits: Consistent SLA definitions, automated alert routing based on selection.
Q: How do Multi-Select fields work?
A: Multi-Select allows multiple values:
Example - Compliance Tags:
- GDPR (EU personal data)
- HIPAA (Patient health)
- PCI DSS (Payment cards)
Apply to Integration:
- Integration "Payment-Processing": [GDPR, PCI DSS]
- Integration "Healthcare-Claims": [HIPAA]
- Integration "Employee-Directory": [GDPR]
Benefits: Single integration can have multiple compliance requirements. Filter queries like "Show all GDPR AND PCI integrations" work instantly.
Q: Can I attach files to metadata?
A: Yes. Attach any file:
- Architecture diagrams (PNG, PDF)
- Runbooks (Word, PDF)
- Approval certificates
- Configuration matrices (Excel)
Files are displayed in Web Client and linked in alerts (not embedded in emails to save bandwidth).
Q: How do Mermaid diagrams work?
A: Embed live diagrams directly in metadata:
Example: Integration approval chain shown as Mermaid diagram
→ Displayed in Web Client
→ Updated when metadata changes
→ Provides visual documentation
Benefits: Visual documentation stays current with operational reality.
Q: What are Dynamic/Calculated fields?
A: Fields that pull data from external sources at runtime:
- Web Service Call - Current temperature, exchange rates, stock prices
- Database Query - Latest deployment count, SLA uptime calculation
- Formula - "Days until compliance audit" calculated from today's date
- Plugin - Custom logic (e.g., "Owner on vacation right now")
Benefits: Live, always-current operational context without manual updates.