How-toInfor LNTools / Domains and Display Formats

Format Codes in Infor LN: Data Formats and Masks

Question
format code infor ln

Also searched as

  • infor ln display format domain
  • infor ln number format mask
  • infor ln date format code

Short answer

In Infor LN the way a number, date or code is displayed comes from the format attached to its domain, not from the table column. A format code or display mask (for example separators, decimals, leading zeros) is defined on the domain in the Tools data dictionary, and every field that uses the domain inherits it. Change formats on the domain, in development, and test affected sessions and reports.

Applies to: Infor LN 10.x and ERP LN 6.x; the Domains session is commonly ttadv4500m000, confirm in your release

How to define or change a format

  1. 1Identify the field and its domain in the data dictionary (the field definition names the domain).
  2. 2Open the Domains session in Tools (commonly ttadv4500m000, or search for domain).
  3. 3Check the domain's type, length and display format (mask), for example how many decimals and whether thousands separators show.
  4. 4Change the format on the domain only if every field using it should change; otherwise create a new domain for the new need.
  5. 5Convert and compile the affected dictionary objects as your change process requires, in a development VRC first.
  6. 6Test the sessions, forms and reports that use the domain, including exports.
  7. 7Transport the change through your normal release route.

Format versus storage

A display format changes how a value looks, not how it is stored. A quantity stored with four decimals can be shown with two, but the stored precision is set by the domain definition itself. Mixing these up leads to rounding questions that are really storage questions.

Changing the stored length or decimals of a domain is a structural change that needs table conversion. Changing only the display mask is lighter, but still touches every field on the domain.

Date, number and code formats

Dates follow the user or system date format and language settings, so two users can see different layouts for the same stored date. Numbers follow the decimal and thousands separators of the language setting. Code fields (such as item or order codes) use masks that control case and allowed characters.

If users complain about a layout, first check their language and user data before changing a domain.

Reports and exports

Report layouts can apply their own format on top of the domain. When a value looks right on screen but wrong in a report, check the report field's format property. For exports to Excel, prefer exporting raw values so the receiving tool applies its own format.

Keep a record of custom domains so upgrades do not overwrite or lose them.

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Infor LN Session and Module Code Reference

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Searchable list of the Infor LN / Baan package and module codes (tisfc, tdsls, whinh and others) with what each one covers.

Common pitfalls

  • !Editing a shared domain to fix one field and altering every field that uses it.
  • !Confusing display format with stored precision.
  • !Changing domains directly in production instead of a development VRC.
  • !Not retesting reports and exports after a format change.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a format code in Infor LN?

It is the display mask or format attached to a domain that decides how a number, date or code is shown. Fields using the domain inherit it.

Can I change the format for just one field?

Not on a shared domain without affecting others. Give the field its own domain, or format it in the report or form layer.

Why do dates look different for different users?

Date layout follows the user's language and regional settings. Check the user data before changing the domain.

Does changing the format convert stored data?

A display-only change does not alter stored values. Changing length or decimals is structural and needs a table conversion.

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