Best Practice for Changing a Field Type

Published Date: June 17, 2024

Audience: Everyone,

Products and Versions Covered:

Cloud/CVC,
Self-hosted
Replicated - KOTS

Summary

This article explains the best practice for changing a field type in Jama Connect® when the field already contains data.

Jama Connect does not allow direct conversion of a field type when data exists. For example, you cannot convert a text field into an integer field if it contains non-numeric values. To safely change a field type, you must create a new field and migrate the data using an Excel Round Trip export and import.

Following this process helps preserve data integrity and prevents data loss.

Resolution

Follow these steps to change a field type safely:

Create a New Field

Navigate to Admin > Item Types.
Select the relevant item type.
Select Add Field.
Create the new field using the desired field type.

Before creating the new field, review the data stored in the original field. Ensure the new field type is compatible with the existing data. For example, an Integer field can only store numeric values.

Make the New Field Visible in List View

You must make the new field visible before exporting.

You can do this in one of two ways:

Option A (Admin configuration):

Navigate to Admin > Item Types.
Select the item type.
Select View.
Add the new field to the visible fields list.

Option B (Personal view only):

In List View, select Show/Hide Fields.
Add the new field to your view.

Export Items Using Excel Round Trip

Use a filter or open the appropriate container to locate the items you want to update.
From List View, open the Export menu.
Select View all export options.
Select and run Excel Export for Roundtrip.

The system generates the export in the Reports history view.

Update the Data in Excel

Download and open the exported Excel file.
Copy the data from the original field column.
Paste the data into the new field's column
Save the spreadsheet.

Excel Export for Roundtrip

Import the Updated File

Import the updated Excel file back into Jama Connect.
Select the Round-Trip option during import.
Complete the import process.

All items included in the import file will be updated, regardless of the selected project during import.

If the data is compatible with the new field type, the values will populate successfully. If the data is not compatible, the new field will remain empty.

Remove the Old Field

Please make sure to carefully read these important notes before deleting the field: Add, Edit, or Delete Fields.

Before deleting the field, review field management guidance to ensure no reports, integrations, or workflows depend on it.

After confirming that the data migrated successfully:

Validate several items to ensure the new field contains the correct data.
Remove the original field from the item type.

Additional Resources

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