Custom Field Types in essentry: Overview, Use Cases, and Examples

Custom Fields are a core building block in essentry. They allow organizations to collect, store, and display structured information about guests, appointments, and visits; both during appointment creation and throughout the check-in process (online and on-premise).

Overview of Custom Field Types

essentry supports the following Custom Field types:

  1. Single-line Text

  2. Multi-line Text

  3. Yes / No Question

  4. Single Option from List

  5. Multiple Options from List

  6. Table with Multiple Rows

  7. File Attachment for Download

Each type is explained in detail below.

1. Single-Line Text

Description

A simple text input field for short, unstructured information.

Common Use Cases

  • Vehicle license plate number

  • Badge name override

  • Phone number

  • Internal reference numbers

  • Equipment ID or delivery number

Example Setup

  • Title: License Plate Number

  • Type: Single-line Text

  • Appointment Visibility: Write optional at appointment creation

  • Guest Visibility: Both Online and On-Premise

  • Reception Section: Additional Information

How It Appears

  • As a single input line during online or kiosk check-in

SLoT Redo.png
Custom field as it appears on an online check-in. License Plate Number is not a required field in this instance.

2. Multi-line Text

Description

A larger text area for longer free-form input.

Common Use Cases

  • Visit purpose description

  • Safety-related notes

  • Internal comments for reception or security

  • Special access instructions

Example Setup

  • Title: Purpose of Visit

  • Type: Multi-line Text

  • Appointment Visibility: Write required at appointment creation

  • Reception Section: Guest

How It Appears

  • As a larger text box during appointment creation or online check-in

  • Displayed as formatted text in the Reception Detail View

MLoT.png

3. Yes / No Question

Description

A boolean (true/false) field presented as a Yes/No choice.

Common Use Cases

  • “Requires escort?”

  • “Has safety briefing been completed?”

  • “Carrying hazardous materials?”

  • “IT access required?”

Example Setup

  • Title: Carrying hazardous materials?

  • Type: Yes / No Question

  • Guest Visibility: Both Online and On-Premise

  • Reception Section: Guest

How It Appears

  • As a Yes / No toggle or buttons for guests

  • Clearly visible in the Reception Detail View

  • Can be used in Check-in Flow conditions (e.g. route escorted visitors differently)

Y.N Q Redo.png

4. Single Option from List

Description

A dropdown where exactly one option can be selected.

Common Use Cases

  • Visitor type (Visitor, Contractor, Auditor)

  • Department being visited

  • Access level selection

  • Reason for visit (predefined)

Example Setup

  • Title: Visitor Type

  • Type: Single Option from List

  • Options: Visitor, Contractor, Auditor

  • Appointment Visibility: Write required

  • Reception Section: Guest

How It Appears

  • Dropdown menu during check-in

  • Clearly labeled value in Reception and Guest Log

SOfL.png

5. Multiple Options from List

Description

Allows selecting one or more options from a predefined list.

Common Use Cases

  • Areas to be accessed

  • Equipment being brought onsite

  • Required services (IT support, lab access, training)

  • Safety acknowledgements

Example Setup

  • Title: Areas to Access

  • Type: Multiple Options from List

  • Options: Office, Lab, Data Center, Conference Room

  • Appointment Visibility: Write optional

  • Reception Section: Additional Information

How It Appears

  • As selectable tags or checkboxes

  • Multiple selections shown in Reception Detail View

MOfL Redo.png

6. Table with Multiple Rows

Description

A structured table that allows users to add multiple rows of data.

Common Use Cases

  • Equipment lists

  • Delivery contents

  • Tools brought by contractors

  • Vehicle fleets or shipments

Example Setup

  • Title: Equipment List

  • Type: Table with Multiple Rows

  • Columns:

    • Equipment Name (Text, Required)

    • Serial Number (Text, Optional)

    • Approved (Yes/No, Required)

  • Row Limit: Optional (e.g. 5 rows)

How It Appears

  • As a dynamic table where users can add rows

  • Each row stored and visible in Reception Detail View

  • Fully exportable

Table Redo.png

7. File Attachment for Download

Description

Allows users to upload files that can later be downloaded by staff.

Common Use Cases

  • Insurance certificates

  • Safety documents

  • Access approval letters

  • Work permits

Example Setup

  • Title: Insurance Certificate

  • Type: File Attachment for Download

  • Allowed Formats: PDF, DOCX, JPG

  • Guest Visibility: Online only

  • Deletion Policy: Optional automatic deletion after X days

How It Appears

  • Upload button during online check-in

  • Download link in the Reception Detail View

  • File included in audit exports

FAfD.png
Image above shows an online check-in with the required Insurance Certificate uploaded by the guest.

 

Important Configuration Notes

  • A Custom Field must be used in at least one Check-in Flow or Reception view to appear during appointment creation.

  • Options in list-based fields cannot be deleted once used, only deactivated.

  • Custom Fields can be referenced in:

    • Check-in Flow conditions

    • Automated actions

    • API integrations

  • Optional deletion policies help enforce data minimization and privacy compliance.

Summary

Custom Fields give essentry its flexibility:

  • They adapt the platform to your security, compliance, and operational needs

  • They enable automation, routing, and reporting

  • They ensure structured, auditable data collection

By selecting the right Custom Field type for each requirement, organizations can build highly efficient and compliant visitor workflows.

 

 

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