Using Custom Attributes on Information Assets

Using Custom Attributes on Information Assets

Overview

Custom Attributes let you store additional structured metadata on each Information Asset using the Custom Attributes section in the Information Asset dialog.

Use this when the standard fields (for example Name or Summary) are not enough, and you need extra fields such as record owners, review dates, reference links, or internal tags.

Where to find it

  1. Open Asset Registry.
  2. Open Information Assets.
  3. Create a new Information Asset, or edit an existing one.
  4. Expand the Custom Attributes accordion section.
The same Information Asset dialog can also be opened from related asset pages (for example Systems, User Accounts, the assessment and guide pages) when editing an Information Asset.

Type
Input Control
Required Contstraints
Notes
String
Single-line text box
Value is required and cannot be blank
Best for short labels/codes
Text block
Multi-line text area
Value is required and cannot be blank
Best for notes or longer descriptions
URL (HTTPS)
URL editor with link preview
Value is required, must be a valid HTTPS URL, and must include a host
'http://' is not accepted
Boolean
Checkbox
Stored as 'true' or 'false'
Always treated as valid
Number
Numeric input
Value is required and must be a valid number
Decimals are supported
Date
Date picker/text
Value is required and must be a valid `YYYY-MM-DD` date
Must be a real calendar date
Date/time
Date-time input
Value is required and must be a valid date/time
Saved as an ISO-8601 timestamp


General constraints for all rows

  1. Every row requires a Key.
  2. Every row requires a Type.
  3. A value is required for all types (Boolean is automatically 'true' or 'false').
  4. Keys are not currently enforced as unique, but unique keys are strongly recommended for clarity and reporting.
  5. If you change a row's type, the value control is rebuilt and the previous value is cleared for that row.

How to add Custom Attributes

  1. Expand the Custom Attributes section.
  2. Select Add Attribute.
  3. Enter a Key.
  4. Select a Type.
  5. Enter the Value.
  6. Repeat for each additional attribute.
  7. Select Save on the Information Asset dialog.

How to edit Custom Attributes

  1. Open the Information Asset for editing.
  2. Expand Custom Attributes.
  3. Update the Key, Type, and/or Value on any row.
  4. Select Save.

How to remove Custom Attributes

  1. In the Custom Attributes section, select Remove on the row you want to delete.
  2. 2. Select Save.
To remove all Custom Attributes from an Information Asset, remove all rows and then save.
Information Asset Custom Attributes Editor

URL type nuances

The 'URL (HTTPS)' type has specific interaction behaviour:
  1. A URL row includes:
    1. a link display area, and
    2. an Edit / Done toggle button.
  2. New URL rows open in edit mode so you can type immediately.
  3. Existing valid HTTPS URLs display as clickable links.
  4. Existing invalid/legacy values open in edit mode so they can be corrected.
  5. While typing, the display updates live:
    1. if the value is a valid HTTPS URL, the link becomes clickable;
    2. if invalid, the link is shown but disabled.
  6. Selecting Done only switches between edit and display mode.  
  7. The value is not persisted until you select Save on the Information Asset dialog.
  8. URL links open in a new browser tab.

Validation feedback users may see

If a row fails validation, save is blocked and a validation message is shown. Common examples include:

  1. 'Custom attributes require a key on row X.'
  2. 'Custom attributes require a type on row X.'
  3. 'Custom attributes require a value on row X.'
  4. 'Custom attributes require a valid number on row X.'
  5. 'Custom attributes require a date in YYYY-MM-DD format on row X.'
  6. 'Custom attributes require a valid HTTPS URL on row X.'

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