Every database must have one system domain, indicated by a domain type of SYSTEM. The initial system domain is created when the database is created, for both a new installation or a conversion. The initial system domain code is QAD. You can change the domain name and short name—but not the domain code—using Domain Maintenance as needed.

The system domain includes default data that is required to begin implementation, such as control program settings, rounding methods, default accounts, and generalized codes.

See Tables Copied for New Domain.

The system domain is used as a template for new domains. When you create a new domain associated with the current database, default data is copied from the system domain. This default data is not added to connection records, which reference another database that contains the actual data associated with a domain.

Since the system domain is used as a template, you may want to add data to it or tailor defaults before creating new domains based on it.

The system domain is typically not used for maintaining active transactions. You can prevent users from updating it by setting its Active field to No and by restricting access in User Maintenance (36.3.1).

See Giving Users Access to Domains.