Changing the data type of a field in Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM is a common requirement, especially when you need to ensure data consistency and enforce specific data entry rules. However, directly changing a field\u2019s data type from a string to an option set (picklist) is not possible in Dynamics 365 CRM. Instead, the process involves creating a new field with the desired data type and then migrating the existing data to this new field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we will walk through the steps to achieve this change, including creating an option set, migrating data, and removing the old field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before making any changes, it\u2019s essential to back up your data to ensure that you have a restore point in case something goes wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If `StringField` = \"Option1\" then set `NewOptionSetField` = \"Option1\"\nIf `StringField` = \"Option2\" then set `NewOptionSetField` = \"Option2\"<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n\n- Run the Migration Process<\/strong>:\n
\n- Test the migration with a few records to ensure data is mapped correctly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Run the process to update all relevant records.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Update Forms and Views<\/h5>\n\n\n\n\n- Update Forms<\/strong>:\n
\n- Open the forms where the old field is displayed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Replace the old string field with the new option set field.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Save and publish the form changes.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n - Update Views and Reports<\/strong>:\n
\n- Ensure that the new field is included in all relevant views and reports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Remove any references to the old field.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Step 6: Remove the Old String Field<\/h5>\n\n\n\n\n- Delete the Old Field<\/strong>:\n
\n- Go back to the Fields<\/strong> area of the entity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Select the old string field and click Delete<\/strong>. Ensure that all dependencies (such as scripts, workflows, etc.) are updated or removed before deleting the field.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Publish the Changes<\/strong>:\n
\n- Click Publish All Customizations<\/strong> to apply your changes to the system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Example Scenario<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Consider a scenario where you have a custom field called “Customer Type” of data type Single Line of Text<\/code> (string) on the Account<\/code> entity. You want to change this field to a Option Set<\/code> with predefined values like “Individual”, “Corporate”, and “Government”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Create a New Option Set Field<\/strong>:\n
\n- Name:
New Customer Type<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n- Option Set Values:\n
\n- 1 = Individual<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2 = Corporate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 3 = Government
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n - Use Power Automate to Migrate Data<\/strong>:
- Create a flow that reads the value from the existing “Customer Type” field and sets the corresponding value in “New Customer Type”.<\/li><\/ul>Example Power Automate Flow Condition:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
If 'Customer Type' = \"Individual\" then 'New Customer Type' = \"Individual\"\nIf 'Customer Type' = \"Corporate\" then 'New Customer Type' = \"Corporate\"\nIf 'Customer Type' = \"Government\" then 'New Customer Type' = \"Government\"<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n\n- Update All Forms and Views<\/strong>:\n
\n- Replace the old “Customer Type” field with “New Customer Type”.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n - Remove the Old Field<\/strong>:\n
\n- Delete “Customer Type” after ensuring no references exist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
In Dynamics 365 CRM, changing a field’s data type requires careful planning and execution. Make sure you take a backup before making any changes. Following these steps will allow you to convert a string field into an option set, ensuring your data is consistent and your users have a better experience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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