Guide: Admins Getting Started Part 13 - Custom Fields

Custom Fields enable HR Administrators to define additional employee-level data fields that are not included in SimplyMerit’s standard data set, which is available here: SimplyMerit Data Dictionary. These custom fields that you create can be populated via imports and used for reporting, segmentation, logic, or document generation, depending on your configuration.

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Accessing Custom Fields

Navigate to:

Configuration → Custom Fields

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What Employee Custom Fields Are Used For

Custom fields can be used to store organization-specific data, such as:

• Historical performance ratings

• Eligibility flags

• Benefits-related indicators

• Internal tracking values

• Any other employee attribute not available as a standard field

Custom fields are commonly referenced in:

• Data imports

• Reporting

• Letter logic and templates

• Advanced configuration rules

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Naming Custom Fields

When creating a custom field, you must follow the required naming convention:

• Use lowercase letters only

• Separate words using underscores (_)

• Do not use spaces or special characters

Examples:

• medical_co_contrib

• medical_emp_contrib

• perf_rating_2021

• credentials

This naming convention ensures compatibility with imports, reporting, and downstream logic.

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Adding a New Custom Field

To create a new custom field:

1. Click Add New Custom Field.

2. Enter the custom field name using the required naming format.

3. Click Save Changes.

Once saved, the field becomes available for use across SimplyMerit.

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Editing and Reordering Custom Fields

• Custom fields can be reordered using the drag handle next to each field.

• Reordering affects display order but does not impact data or logic.

• Field names can be edited or deleted after creation.

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Deleting Custom Fields

• Custom fields can be deleted using the trash icon.

• Deleting a custom field permanently removes the field and its data.

• Any imports, reports, or templates referencing a deleted field will need to be updated.

Use caution before deleting fields that may be actively used.

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Using Custom Fields in Imports

Once created, custom fields:

• Appear in the data dictionary

• Can be populated via Dynamic Imports or CSV uploads

• Must match the custom field name exactly in the import file header

Example import header:

perf_rating_2021

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Best Practices

• Plan custom fields carefully before creating them

• Use clear, descriptive naming conventions

• Avoid creating duplicate or overlapping fields

• Confirm whether a standard field already exists before creating a custom one

• Document internal usage so future admins understand the field’s purpose

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Summary

Custom Fields provide flexibility for storing and using organization-specific employee data. Proper naming, planning, and governance ensure these fields integrate cleanly with imports, reporting, and templates across SimplyMerit.

We also have a guide on how to display custom fields on the screen: Guide: Add Custom Fields to Manager Screens with Display Fields (Salary, Bonus, Equity) – SimplyMerit Knowledge Center

→ Next : Guide: Admins Getting Started Part 14 - Active Features