Types of User-Defined Variables
When creating user-defined variables (UDVs), you need to determine the category of data you are collecting (service, account, or customer) and then determine the data type for the UDV (integer, real, or string).
Account versus Customer or Service UDVs
UDVs can be created to collect information on the account, the customer, or the service. For example, if you need to store the customer’s birthdate, you would create a customer UDV. If you need to store the last time a debit card was issued on this account, you would use an account UDV.
When you create a UDV, ensure that you are in the proper UDV Management group.
UDV Data Types
- Real
- Integer
- String
Real UDVs are numeric values that may have a decimal point associated with them. For example, if you are storing transaction amounts that may have fractional amounts (such as, $27.99), then you would use a Real UDV.
Integer UDVs are numeric values that do not have a decimal point associated with them. One example is a counter. If you are counting the number of transactions that occur between 18:00 and 23:59, you would use an Integer.
String UDVs are text values such as SIC codes or Merchant Country Codes.
Depending on your rule narrative, you need to use the data type that is appropriate for your situation.