How Cross-Validation Works

When a user finishes entering segment values in a flexfield pop-up window, the flexfield checks whether the values make up a valid combination before updating the database. If the user entered an invalid combination, a diagnostic error message appears, and the cursor returns to the first segment assumed to contain an invalid value.
Cross-validation rules control combinations of values within a particular key flexfield structure. Cross-validation applies to combinations users attempt to create using either the combinations form or foreign key forms (using dynamic inserts).
Cross-Validation Rules and Existing Combinations
Cross-validation rules have no effect on combinations that already exist when you define your cross-validation rules.
Suppose you define a new cross-validation rule, but have existing entries in your combinations table that violate the rule. Since the existing combinations pre-date the rule, your flexfield continues to treat them as valid. However, if your end user tries to create a new combination that violates your new rule, your flexfield returns an error message and rejects the combination.
If you want to prevent users from using previously-existing combinations that are no longer valid according to your cross-validation rules, you can always manually disable those combinations using the combinations form.
Dynamic Insertion and Cross-Validation
Your use of cross-validation is separate from (and in addition to) your use of dynamic inserts.
By allowing dynamic inserts, you can let users create new combinations automatically upon entering the combination in a foreign key form (any form other than the combinations form) and in the combinations form itself.
If you want greater control, you can disallow dynamic inserts. You can thus restrict the creation of new combinations to certain authorized people who have access to the combinations form on their menu. You simply turn dynamic insertion off using the Define Key Flexfield Segments form. Depending on the key flexfield you use, you can still create new combinations using one of your product setup forms (the combinations form). For example, if you use the Accounting Flexfield, you can enter new combinations using the Define Accounting Flexfield Combination form.
In either case, however, there is no inherent protection against a user creating an invalid new combination. Cross-validation rules ensure that nobody can create invalid new combinations from either foreign key forms or the combinations form, regardless of whether you allow dynamic inserts.
As you consider the controls you want over your key flexfield combinations, determine whether you need cross-validation rules at all. To provide an extra level of security, use cross-validation rules even if you turn dynamic insertion off. This allows you to double-check new combinations that even your authorized personnel enter using the combinations form.
Changing your key flexfield structure after defining rules
Changing an existing key flexfield structure may adversely affect the behavior of any cross-validation rules you have for that structure, so you should be sure to manually disable or redefine any cross-validation rules to reflect your changed structure. Flexfield structure changes that make your existing rules invalid include:
          o changing the order of segments
          o adding a new segment
          o disabling a segment
          o changing segment lengths
For example, if you change a six-segment structure to contain only five segments, you would not be able to use any new five-segment code combinations since any rules existing for the old six-segment structure would be violated.
Cross-Validation Rules Window
Your flexfield checks cross-validation rules while attempting to create a new combination of flexfield values (for example, a new Accounting Flexfield combination). Your cross-validation rules have no effect on flexfield combinations that already exist. If you want to disable an existing combination, you must disable that combination specifically using the appropriate window. For example, you can disable an existing Accounting Flexfield combination using the Define Accounting Flexfield Combinations window.
    Suggestion: We recommend that you define many rules that each have few rule elements rather than a few rules that each have many rule elements. The more rules you provide, the more specific you can make your error message text.
Your flexfield checks cross-validation rules only if you set Cross-Validate Multiple Segments to Yes using the Define Key Flexfield Segments window.
If you make changes to your cross-validation rules, you need to either change responsibilities or exit from your application and sign on again in order for the changes to take effect.