Posted September 29, 2021
Calculated Attributes are an extension of Attributes. Calculated Attributes are used for the same purpose as Attributes. The only difference between regular Attributes and Calculated Attributes is that the latter are associated with a record automatically once a record fits the criteria associated with each Calculated Attribute.
Example 1: Staff attribute is typically configured as a Calculated Attribute because a school can set up criteria that any Contact associated with an active staff record should have Staff attribute. By taking advantage of the built-in automation, a school can streamline its data processes and increase data accuracy.
Example 2: If a school wants to establish different membership levels, it may consider creating Calculated Attributes. For instance, a school may have Silver Level attributed assigned automatically to any Contact who gives greater than $500 and less than $2500 during the current fiscal year for Annual Campaign.
To create an attribute, follow the steps of Creating Attribute.
To record an attribute on a record, follow the steps of Recording Attribute.
When a Calculated Attribute is recalculated
PCR Educator re-evaluates each Calculated Attribute and assigns or removes it as a record begins or stops meeting the criteria. This happens automatically in the following cases:
- Once per day, the first time the Development module is opened that day. This refresh re-evaluates every Calculated Attribute for all records.
- Immediately for a single Contact when you record a gift for that Contact, after the gift is allocated to a campaign and fund. A giving based Calculated Attribute, such as a membership level, is assigned as soon as the qualifying gift is saved.
- Immediately for a single Contact when you record a pledge payment for that Contact, after the payment is allocated to a campaign and fund.
- Immediately for a single Contact when you add an action to that Contact.
- For all records when an administrator edits and saves the criteria for a Calculated Attribute.
- At the start of a new fiscal year, for a Calculated Attribute whose criteria are based on the fiscal year.
Note: Only Calculated Attributes are recalculated. A regular Attribute that was assigned to a record by hand stays on the record until it is removed by hand.
Note: A gift or pledge payment recalculates the Contact only after it is allocated to a campaign and fund. A gift that is left without an allocation is reflected on the next daily refresh.