Test Object Types & Properties
What is it?
Test object types (Settings → Test Object Types) group test objects with shared characteristics (e.g., "Sensor", "Control unit") and define freely configurable fields (properties) for that type. There are also global properties that apply to all test objects regardless of type — as well as the built-in part number and serial number fields, which exist as their own columns on the test object.
How to use it
- Creating a type: Settings → Test Object Types → Add type. This opens a two-step dialog: first just the type's name, and only after "Next" does the second step follow, where any fields (text, number, choice, …) can be defined — a progress bar at the top of the dialog shows both steps.
- Global properties: Apply in addition to the type fields, for every test object — even test objects without a type.
- Customizing built-in fields: In the "Global properties" section, part number and serial number can be renamed (e.g., "Serial number" → "Batch number") and hidden if they aren't needed in your lab. Both fields can be hidden — unlike a station's name, there's no identity field here that must stay forced visible. The customization applies organization-wide and affects the create/edit form, the test object list, and the detail page.
Common issues
"Part number/serial number disappeared from the form." The field was hidden in the test object type settings. Already saved values remain and are shown again once you unhide it — hiding doesn't delete data.
"The column is missing from the list/CSV export." The overview and detail page display follows the configuration; the CSV export is independent of that and always contains all columns.
"A type with this name already exists." Test object type names are unique within the organization, regardless of capitalization. Either use the existing type or pick a distinguishing name.