A category is a QAD-provided definition of a set of data that can be signed as a unit in certain menu programs. For example, it identifies a set of tables and fields, as well as the menu program or programs from which this data can be signed.

Because records in a given table can be updated by more than one program, a category can be associated with more than one menu program. Conversely, a program can update more than one table; multiple categories can apply to a single menu program.

Users cannot update category definitions. Instead, QAD provides a default profile for each category. You can refresh the workbench profiles with these defaults and modify them based on the specific needs of your environment.

Category definitions include a default set of filters that can be used to determine whether a signature is required based on a given value for a site, item number, or other data element. Although filters are defined for each category, their use is optional; control how filters apply to your implementation by updating the category profile using the workbench.

See Filters.

QAD-Defined Categories lists the electronic signature categories, as well as the default menu programs associated with them. If for some reason you do not want a particular program to generate electronic signatures, you can deselect it in the workbench profile.

See Apply Profile to Menu Programs.

Use E-Sig Category Master Report (36.12.14.11) to view information about the QAD-defined categories.

Current signature data for category 0007, Transaction History, is never shown as part of the latest electronic signature when you access a previously signed record from one of the programs listed in QAD-Defined Categories for category 0007. When setting up this category, you should ensure that the fields and filters selected match for programs associated with two categories—such as Inventory Detail Maintenance—to avoid confusion regarding which data the signature is applied to.

See Recording Electronic Signatures.