function readOnly(count){ }
Sign Up ›
Starting November 20, the site will be set to read-only. On December 4, 2023,
forum discussions will move to the Trailblazer Community.
Learn More

Browse by Topic
ShowAll Questionssorted byDate Posted
+ Start a Discussion
JC-UK-TPJC-UK-TP 

How do I calculate a default value but allow users to over-write it?

My organisation is a consultancy, and we have a number of different "rate sheets" which we use to price jobs. 

We record in Salesforce which rate sheet applies to each Opportunity.

We also record in Salesforce the projected margin which we expect to make on the Opportunity if we win it.

For each different rate sheet, we have estimated what a typical/average margin would be.

What I'd like to do is this.  When an Opportunity is created, the margin will be set automatically within Salesforce as a function of the rate sheet which has been selected.  But then the user can over-write the margin - typically, when the bid is submitted - with a number that has been calculated specifdically relating to that Opportunity.

I know I can use the CASE statement in a Custom Formula field, but I don't think that can be made editable.

I know I can create default values for Custom Fields, and I know that the default value can be calculated using a formula, but I don't think the formula can refer to other Opportunity fields.

Have I overlooked something?
Thanks in advance for your help.

JC-UK-TPJC-UK-TP
In fact, what I want is to duplicate the way the Probability% field works: it is automatically assigned a value, based on the Stage field, but the user can over-write it.
MSheridanMSheridan
What about using workflow rules. Write the rule with your criteria then do a field update. I haven't tested this but I believe the users will still be able to edit the field.
JC-UK-TPJC-UK-TP
Thanks for the suggestion, MSheridan, but I'm using the Professional Edition and Workflow Rules aren't available to me.

Any other ideas...?
Nicole-FranceNicole-France
Hello,
 
did you get any answer to your question?
I am asking because I am interested in it.
I would also like to create a field that works exactly the same way as the Probability field.
I need to have a field that is a "percent field" but would be dependent on a picklist values.
I can only choose to create a percent field but then it cannot be dependent on another field or create a picklist but then it cannot display a percentage.
If the probability field could be cloned, that would be perfect but it can't.
 
Thanks for your help.
HerosHeros
When you create a new field you have the option of creating an Default Value.  You can find more information on this here.

Message Edited by Heros on 09-24-200704:48 PM
benderbender
Looks like this issue is still pending... :smileysad:
http://community.salesforce.com/sforce/board/message?board.id=general_development&message.id=12913