Meta Properties
Found in: Settings > Meta Properties- Meta Properties
- Entities to Which Properties Apply
- Difference Between Product, Booking-Product, and PO-Product Properties
- Where Properties Can Be Configured
- Shared Attributes
- Property Types
- Special Cases
- Need Help?
Meta Properties
Meta Properties in SynControl are custom fields you can set up to record information that matches your processes. They enable you to capture and organize the data needed for inspections and compliance. Examples include product dimensions, certification codes, or supplier details.
These properties can be text, numbers, dates, dropdowns, checkboxes, tables, or text areas.
Entities to Which Properties Apply
Meta Properties can be set up for these entities in SynControl. Each entity can have its own set of fields:
| Entity | What It’s For |
|---|---|
| Product Properties | Details about products, like specifications or codes. |
| Booking Properties | Information specific to inspections or bookings. |
| Supplier Properties | Fields for supplier details. |
| Factory Properties | Fields related to factory information. |
| Technical Folder Properties | Metadata for compliance documents and technical folders. |
| Workflow Process Properties | Properties for tracking entire workflows. |
| Workflow Step Properties | Fields tied to individual workflow steps. |
| Standard Properties | Common fields shared across multiple entities. |
| Purchase Order Properties | Fields specific to purchase orders (POs). |
| File Properties | Metadata about uploaded files, like test reports. |
Difference Between Product, Booking-Product, and PO-Product Properties
The following table explains when and why to use each type of property:
| Property Type | What It’s Used For |
|---|---|
| Product Properties | Apply directly to the products themselves. Shown on product detail pages. Use when data stays the same across bookings or orders. |
| Booking-Product Properties | Apply to products within a booking (e.g., an inspection visit). Use when you need details specific to a product during one booking. |
| PO-Product Properties | Linked to products on purchase orders. Use when you need details specific to a product in a specific order. |
Where Properties Can Be Configured
Step 1: Log in to your SynControl account at your organization’s URL (e.g., [acme.syncontrol.com](acme.syncontrol.com)).
Go to Settings → Meta Properties from the top menu to manage property configurations.
Note: Your organization URL follows this format: [customer_name].syncontrol.com
Step 2: In Meta Properties, select the entity you want to view or edit (e.g., Product Properties).
Shared Attributes
Every property has common attributes that define how it behaves. Below is each attribute with a simple description.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Name (Custom Label) | The label users see on forms and reports. |
| Code | A unique system code for each property within its entity. |
| Field Type | Defines the kind of data: text, number, date, dropdown, etc. |
| Description | Optional help text shown under the field. |
| Sort Order | Controls the display order on forms (lower numbers appear first). |
| Display Options | Choose where the property is visible: tables, invoices, reports. |
| Access Matrix | Set permissions for who can create, read, or edit the field. |
| Use as an Identifier | Marks the field as a unique reference (e.g., SKU). |
| Editability | Determines if admins can edit/delete it; changes apply platform-wide. |
| Role Restriction | By default, everyone sees all properties; Access Matrix can limit visibility. |
| External Integration | Properties are internal only; not synced to other systems. |
Property Types
In SynControl, each property type serves a specific purpose and appears differently on forms. Below is a description of what each type looks like, when it should be used, and important details about how it behaves.
Dropdown Properties: These properties are best when you want users to select from a list of predefined options. These fields appear as dropdown menus in forms, allowing either a single selection or multiple selections if multi-select is enabled.
Dropdowns can be based on a fixed list of options manually entered by an admin or on a dynamic collection that automatically pulls options from SynControl’s data, such as a supplier list. When using dynamic dropdowns, users need permission to access the linked collection.
Table Properties: These properties are ideal for collecting structured data, like measurements or inspection checklists, where you need multiple fields organized in rows and columns. On forms, these properties are displayed as tables with columns defined by the admin.
Users can dynamically add or remove rows as needed, which makes tables flexible for recording varying amounts of data. Columns remain fixed while the number of rows adjusts to the information entered.
Note: Rows are added by clicking the ‘+’ (plus) icon and removed by clicking the ‘–’ (hyphen) icon next to each row directly in the table.
Checkbox Properties: These properties are simple fields used for yes/no or true/false responses. They appear as checkboxes on forms, providing a quick way for users to confirm or decline an option.
Textarea Properties: These properties, also called multi-line text fields, are designed for capturing longer, free-form text such as comments or detailed notes. On forms, these fields appear as large text boxes where users can write multiple lines of information.
Special Cases
“Use as Identifier” Attribute
If checked, this makes the property a unique reference, like a SKU. It will show in dropdowns and lists wherever this entity is used. Using clear identifiers makes it easier for teams to search and filter records quickly.
Important for Checkpoints / Technical Folders
Certain properties can be flagged for use in inspection checkpoints or technical folders. This ensures the right details are collected during inspections or compliance documentation. Flagging properties reduces the risk of missing important information in critical workflows.
Important for Defects
Properties flagged as important for defects are used in defect-tracking workflows. This helps technicians and quality teams focus on key fields when recording or reviewing defects. Highlighting defect-related properties helps teams act faster and improve issue resolution.
Access Matrix
The Access Matrix lets you control who can create, read, or update a property based on user roles.
- Roles: Admin, Client, Technician, Supplier, etc.
- Permissions: Create, Read, Update, Update Own.
- Behavior: If a property has an Access Matrix, it overrides old visibility checkboxes (like “Is visible to technician”), which are being deprecated. Regularly review Access Matrix settings to keep permissions aligned with team changes or role updates.
Example of an Access Matrix for property-level role permissions.
Note: Legacy visibility checkboxes like “Is visible to technician” are deprecated and will be removed soon. Use Access Matrix instead.
Need Help?
If you have questions or need assistance, contact SynControl support at: https://www.syncontrol.com/contact-us/