Populating data in fields added to layout

[sarahpeel]

Hi

We have a field called 'Company Description' in the Company part of the database.  I'd like to add this field to contacts - I've added the field using the design layout box and it says it is linked to the Company Description but existing records are empty on the Contacts view.  Can I automatically populate this field with the same information that already exists in the Company profile?

[Gary W]

Hi Sarah,

Yes you can. Open the Company detail view for the company you would like to update contact records from, then from the 'Companies' menu, click Update Linked Contacts.

Here's a Knowledgebase article that goes in to more detail on managing Linked Company and Contact Fields: http://kb.act.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/19170

[sarahpeel]

Thanks!  Is it possible to do this as a bulk action for all companies?

[Gary W]

No. It should be done for each company individually.
How many companies do you have in your database?

Once the data in a linked company field is changed and save is clicked, you will be prompted to update all linked contacts.

[sarahpeel]

2438...it's going to take me a while!

[Gary W]

Hi Sarah,

I've just learned of this free addon you might find useful!
http://www.freeactaddons.com/free-addons/company-updator

[sarahpeel]

Thanks again - I'll give it a go and hopefully it will save me loads of time!

S