Default Field VS Custom Field - What's the Difference?

What is Default Field and Custom Field?

Default fields are standard, pre-configured attributes built directly into the system architecture to manage core business processes. Custom fields are flexible, user-defined inputs configured in settings to capture specialized operational data customized to your organization.

Benefits of Default Field

Ensures strict data standardization across all users and system dashboards
Eliminates setup time through pre-built field configurations and pre-population rules
Drives core platform features, progress tracking, and built-in dashboard analytics

Benefits of Custom Field

Customizes forms to capture industry-specific details, compliance requirements, and unique workflows
Offers versatile element types including text areas, date-time selectors, dropdowns, checkboxes, and attachments that are tied to specific categories
Provides granular control over field enablement, display order, and allocated field limits

How it works in all the different data levels

Both field types work together to manage data across the core hierarchy (Customer → Project → Job) and supporting entities. Default fields handle system-critical tracking, while custom fields capture level-specific operational details.

Customer Level

Default fields store standard client info like names, phone numbers, and addresses. Custom fields let you track specific client details, like their industry, payment terms, or special service rules.

Project Level

Default fields keep big picture details organized, including the project name, current status, and key dates. Custom fields hold specific project info, like gate codes, contracts, or assigned account managers.

Job Level

Default fields track daily tasks, such as who is doing the work, the schedule, and job progress. Custom fields capture precise job details, like issue description, site conditions, or urgency level.

When to use Default vs Custom?

Considerations	Default Fields	Custom Fields
Primary Purpose	Driving core platform features, dashboard analytics, and standard workflows.	Capturing organization-specific, industry-customized operational data.
When to Use	Use for universal data points required for fundamental tracking across all projects/jobs.	Use when capturing unique compliance details, specialized workflows, or customer preferences.
Flexibility	Pre-configured and fixed directly within system settings.	Fully adaptable with customizable input types (dropdowns, checkboxes, dates, attachments).