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Difference between Subform and Relationship

I. Subform and Relationship​

Scenario: Add data for reimbursement details to a claim form.

Method 1: Add details in the Reimbursement worksheet through the field in subform Reimbursement Detail.

Method 2: Associate the Reimbursement worksheet with the Reimbursement Detail worksheet to add detail items.

1. Relationship with the main worksheet Reimbursement

  • Although this subform contains multiple fields, it is still a field of the main worksheet. The subform is contained in the main worksheet instead of being related. When the records of the reimbursement form are deleted, the data of the subform also disappears.
  • The Reimbursement Detail worksheet is associated with the Reimbursement worksheet. The data in the two worksheets can be unlinked and exist independently.

2. The way to add data is different

When filling out the reimbursement form, you need to add multiple reimbursement details.

  • For the subform field, you can add them one by one within the page, without opening a new window.
  • For the relationship field, you must open a new window to add them one by one.

II. Conversion of subform and relationship​

In use, there is no strict distinction between adding data through a subform or relationship, both can meet your needs. The following are some notes.

  • If the data to be added is not entity data, but derived data, which has no independent existence, you can use the subform, just like adding reimbursement details in the reimbursement form.
  • If the data to be added is itself a business object that can exist independently, it is created by association, and you can choose associated records. For example, the company worksheet and the contact worksheet, are two business objects. A contact may also stand alone as an individual, in this case you can choose associated records.

Even if it is not clear whether you should choose a subform or an associated record, it does not matter, HAP supports the conversion of subforms and associated records to each other without affecting the existing data.

Conversion

The conversion details are mentioned above.

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