Data Type Modifications

 

Use this chart to understand which data types can be converted to other data types and if there are any ramifications. The ability to convert depends on the current index field values entered. While most of the information on this chart are SQL Server constraints, it applies to both ILINX Capture and ILINX Content Store index values.

As an example, if you wish to convert a string type to an integer, and a value currently applied to a document is “PO 42”, the conversion will fail. Once the value is modified to match the new type, or emptied, the conversion will be successful.

Warning: When converting data types there is always a chance to lose or corrupt data.  Do this only if completely necessary.

Note: A picklist data type cannot be converted to any other data type.

Current Type
Target
Available
Comment
String Integer Yes, if there is any current value other than an integer, the modification will fail. Once all values meet the integer format, modification will succeed.
String Date Yes, if any current value is other than a date format, modification will fail. Once all values meet date format, modification will succeed.
String Decimal Yes, assuming this index field is void of any values or current values or current values meet the decimal specification. N/A
String Picklist Yes, all current values will be honored, and the converted value available for that document only. N/A
Integer String Yes, once modified, all values will appear as originally entered. If, when converting to a string, the maximum length is less than an entered integer value, the new value will be an asterisk (*).
Integer Date Yes, assuming this index field is void of any values or a value exists that can be interpreted to a date value. After conversion, values may have to be updated. As an example, if the indexx field had 1 as its value, when converted to a date type, the value is now 1/2/1900.
Integer Decimal Yes, once modified to decimal, any current integer value will convert with zeroes in the decimal position. N/A
Integer Picklist Yes, once all current values will be honored, and that value will be available in the picklist for that document only. N/A
Date String Yes, once modified, all values will appear as originally entered, including decimal values. If, when converting to a string and the maximum length is less than an entered decimal value, an error message will appear. Be sure to make the maximum length fit for the current values.
Date Integer No, an error message will appear when this conversion is attempted. N/A
Date Decimal No, an error message will appear when this conversion is attempted. N/A
Date Picklist Yes, once modified to picklist, any currently entered value will be converted and created outside of the picklist values. As an example, if the date value was 10/10/2001, upon change, this value now becomes Oct 10 2001 12:00AM
Decimal String Yes, once modified, all values will appear as originally entered, including decimal values. If, when converting to a string and the maximum length is less than an entered decimal value, an error message will appear. Be sure to make the maximum length fit for the current values.
Decimal Integer Yes, once modified to integer, any decimal value will be dropped. N/A
Decimal Date No, will convert but data is not useable after conversion. N/A
Decimal Picklist Yes, once modified to picklist, any currently entered value will be converted and created outside of the Picklist value. N/A