How to Change the Lookup Table for an Enterprise Custom Field in Project Online
Question details
The administrator needs to change or correct the lookup table assigned to the built-in Team Name enterprise custom field.
- Product
- Project Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The built-in Team Name custom field is connected to the wrong lookup table, and the administrator wants to assign a different table or use another field for Team Details in Edit Resource.
- Observed behavior
- The lookup-table assignment for the built-in Team Name field cannot be changed directly through the database, leaving the administrator stuck with incorrect team values.
Ensure you have administrator privileges in Project Web App (PWA) before attempting to modify enterprise custom fields or lookup tables.
Rename and Update the Existing Lookup Table
Since you cannot directly change the lookup table assignment for built-in fields like Team Name, the safest method is to repurpose the currently attached table by updating its contents.
In Project Online, architecture restrictions prevent administrators from changing the lookup-table assignment for certain built-in fields through the database.
You must not delete the Team Name field to start over, as the Team Resources feature strictly depends on it. Instead, you can rename the incorrectly linked table and replace its values.
Log in to Project Online and navigate to PWA Settings. Under the Enterprise Data section, click on 'Enterprise Custom Fields and Lookup Tables'.
Scroll to the Lookup Tables for Custom Fields section and find the lookup table currently assigned to the built-in Team Name custom field.
Click on the lookup table to edit it. Change the 'Name' field to accurately reflect the correct team data you intend to use.
In the Code Mask and Lookup Table grid, delete the incorrect values. Input the correct team names, then click 'Save' to apply the updated values to the Team Name field across Project Online.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete the Team Name custom field in Project Online and create a new one?
No, deleting the built-in Team Name field is highly discouraged. The Team Resources feature depends heavily on this specific field, and deleting it can cause permanent functional errors in your PWA environment.
Why can't I just assign a new lookup table to the existing custom field?
Project Online's architecture locks certain built-in enterprise custom fields to prevent structural data corruption. This restricts administrators from changing the lookup-table assignment directly through the database.
How do I create a new enterprise custom field in Project Online?
Go to PWA Settings, select 'Enterprise Custom Fields and Lookup Tables', and click 'New Field'. You can then define the field properties, choose the entity type (Project, Resource, or Task), and link it to a new or existing lookup table.
