There are two types of features: configuration features and classification features. Use this field to specify whether you want to use the feature as a variable (for configuration purposes), or as a fixed piece of information (for classification purposes).

If you choose 'Configuration (variable)', you will have to fill in the value at a later stage (during the configuration). If you choose 'Classification (fixed)', you immediately assign a fixed value.

In the case of a configuration feature, the Feature type determines the type of options displayed during the configuration of a part. You can choose from the following feature types:

Option:	When configuring the part, a list of options will be displayed. These options are retrieved from the data under the Options button for the relevant feature.
Option + free input:	When configuring the part, a list is displayed with options to choose from, as well as a box to enter a custom option.
Script:	For this feature, enter a script on the Option script tab in which the different options for the feature are defined.
Script + free input:	When configuring the part, you can execute a script for this feature, or you can specify an option.
Free input:	When configuring the part, you can enter custom options for this feature.

In the case of a classification feature, the 'Script' and 'Script + free input' options are not available, because these feature types are not compatible with classification. For classification features, you will usually choose the feature type 'Free input'. This will allow you to manually register all relevant information for the feature, without having to register any underlying options.

This field is linked to the Feature type field.

The feature type determines the type of options displayed on the screen when a part is configured. The field type allows you to refine the type of options even further. For example, if you choose 'Free input' for the feature type, you can specify 'Alphanumeric', 'Numeric' or 'Date' for the field type, amongst other options.

For classification features, the field type depends on the purpose of the feature. The 'Best before' feature, for example, will usually have a 'Date' field type. The 'Engine power' feature will have a 'Numeric' field type, for example with a value of '1500' and 'Watt' as the unit. The field type 'Alphanumeric' can be used for features such as 'Packaging' with the value 'In crate'. An example of the field type 'Boolean' is the feature 'For underwater use?'. This feature can have a value of either 'Yes' or 'No'.

This field can be filled in only if the feature type 'Free input' was selected.

A mask allows you to limit the field input. For example, you could specify that a field value must consist of five digits, a hyphen, and four digits (ZIP+4 code).

If you chose 'Option' or 'Option + free input' for the feature type, this field allows you to enter a default option for the feature.

If you chose 'Boolean' for the field type, this field allows you to select a default setting. This way, when a user configures a part, the check box for this feature will be selected or deselected by default.

Example

If you choose the field type 'Boolean' for the feature 'Car radio', and set the Boolean field to 'No', the question 'Build in car radio?' will not be selected during the part configuration.

If you chose 'Numeric' for the field type, this field allows you to specify a default numeric value.

If you chose 'Date' for the field type, this field allows you to specify a default date.

If you chose 'Alphanumeric' for the field type, this field allows you to specify a default alphanumeric value.

This is the price linked to the feature. If the price varies by option, leave this field empty, click the Options button, and then fill in the price for each option.

If required, you can specify the correct unit of measure. Alternative units of measure can be registered on the Feature units form.

Specify the software component in which you will use the feature. Features can be used in the Sales Configurator, the Production Configurator, and in the Objects module.