Object Builder & Custom Fields

What is Object Builder & Custom Fields?

Object Builder is TMS.ai's no-code customization engine that lets you tailor data structures to match your exact operational needs. Think of objects as the building blocks of your TMS: Orders, Quotes, Customers, Carriers, Invoices, and Tasks. Each object comes with default fields, but Object Builder gives you the power to add custom fields, modify existing ones, and capture the specific data points that matter to your business. Whether you need to track special handling requirements, custom reference numbers, or unique compliance data, Object Builder ensures your TMS speaks your operational language.

This isn't about forcing your workflows into a rigid system. It's about building a TMS that reflects how you actually work. When you create a custom field, that data becomes available throughout the platform: in boards, reports, automations, and documents. The system treats your custom fields exactly like native fields, which means your unique data points integrate seamlessly into every workflow without breaking anything.

How Object Builder & Custom Fields works:

1. Navigate to Object Builder: Go to Settings, then select Object Builder from the menu. You'll see a list of all available objects in your TMS (Orders, Customers, Partners, Assets, etc.).
2. Select the object to customize: Click on the specific object you want to modify. For example, if you need to track additional order information, select the Orders object.
3. Add a new custom field: Click "Add Field" and choose your field type. Options include text fields, dropdown lists (single or multi-select), date pickers, number fields, checkboxes, and more. Name your field using clear, descriptive labels that your team will recognize.
4. Configure field options: For dropdown fields, enter the specific values you want available. For example, a "Special Handling" field might include options like "Hazmat," "Refrigerated," "High Value," or "Time-Sensitive." Set whether the field is required or optional.
5. Edit existing fields: Click on any default field to modify its options. While you can't change the field type of default fields, you can customize dropdown options, formatting preferences, and default values to better match your workflows.
6. Organize field visibility: Decide where each field appears by configuring the internal and external data panels. Internal fields show to your team; external fields display to customers, carriers, or partners when you share records.
7. Save and deploy: Once you save your changes, custom fields immediately become available across your organization. The new fields appear in data entry forms, boards, reports, and anywhere else that object is used.
8. Use custom fields in workflows: Your custom fields now integrate with filters, saved views, automations, and documents. When a user creates an order, they'll see your custom "Special Handling" field right alongside standard fields like pickup location and delivery date.

What it means for you:

Your TMS finally captures the data that matters to your specific operations. No more maintaining separate spreadsheets or relying on workarounds. When you add a custom field for tracking detention time, referencing specific customer PO formats, or flagging cross-border requirements, that information lives in your TMS where it belongs. Teams can filter boards by custom fields, run reports that include your unique data points, and build automations that trigger based on your specific criteria.

Custom fields eliminate the gap between what the TMS knows and what you need to track. Your dispatchers see the information they need without hunting through notes or attachments. Your customer service reps can answer questions instantly because the data is right there in the system. And when you're ready to analyze operations or generate reports, your custom data flows seamlessly alongside standard TMS metrics, giving you complete visibility into what drives your business.