--- title: "Using Flow Inline Fields to Extend Report Data" slug: "using-flow-inline-fields-to-extend-report-data" description: "This document shows how to extend Report data by using Flow Inline Fields to combine multiple data fields into a single column. This is achieved, by creating a Report Inline Field Flow, and then setting the created Flow Inline Field as a Data Field in the Report Designer." updated: 2025-06-06T14:38:25Z published: 2025-06-06T14:38:25Z --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.decisions.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Using Flow Inline Fields to Extend Report Data System Impact Warning**Flow Inline Fields** should be avoided with larger Reports as they can severely impact performance. ALWAYS test Flow Inline Fields in development before deploying to production.  --- ## Overview **Flow Inline Fields** are [**Calculated Columns**](https://documentation.decisions.com/v9/docs/calculated-column-overview) that output a String value provided by an attached Flow. These can extend data from other **Data Fields** on the Report. This can be useful in instances that require a glance, such as an application process for a loan or health insurance that requires verification that an applicant has sent their proof of residency. This value can be checked by reporting against values present in a [Database Structure](https://documentation.decisions.com/v9/docs/creating-a-database-structure). ### Prerequisites - Preconfigured [Database Structure](https://documentation.decisions.com/v9/docs/creating-a-database-structure) that contains a **FileData**data field - Preconfigured [Report](https://documentation.decisions.com/v9/docs/create-reports) that utilizes the Database Structure as its **Data Source** each data field from the structure --- ## Example This example will make a Report that shows a list of Decisions accounts and how long ago they were created. The data of the Report, and how that data is manipulated within the Flow can be customized however you wish. 1. Create a [Report](/v9/docs/create-reports) using the Account Data Source, with Email Address and Created On Date as the Data Fields. 2. Above the Report, select VIEW SQL. From the resulting **SQL Statement** window, copy the name of the Data Field that will be used in the Flow. In this example, the field is "created_on_date". ![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2024-08-02_10h23_52.png) 3. Under Data Fields, click **Add**. Then, under **Calculated Columns**, select **FlowInlineField**. 4. From the **Add Calculated Column** window, provide a name for the column's **Title**. Then, under DATA, click PICK OR CREATE FLOW, and CREATE a new **Report Inline Field Flow.** ![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2024-08-02_10h34_10.png) ### Report Inline Field Flow The Report has been set, and now we move to the Flow Designer to manipulate the data. While in the Flow Designer, setting up Input Data to pull data from the Report is unnecessary as the Report data is already available as "Report Row [DynamicDataRow]". - From the Flow Designer, attach a **Get Cell By Name** step from **Toolbox > DATA > LIST > DYNAMIC ROW** to the **Start**step. - From the **Properties**tab of the newly added step, paste the value from the VIEW SQL dialog in the Report Designer into the **Name**Input, in this case, "created_on_date". Then, map **Report Row** to **Row**.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2025-02-07_11h08_53.png) - Add the Get Time Span Between step to the workspace from the Toolbox in the Data > Dates category. - In the Get Time Span Between Properties panel, under INPUTS > First Date, choose GetCallByName1_OutputDateValue. - In the Get Time Span Between Properties panel, choose Current Date Time under INPUTS > Second Date.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2025-02-07_14h39_38.png) - Select the Output step. In the Properties panel, under Data > Output Type, choose String. - Under INPUTS > Output, choose Merge Plain Text as the mapping type.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/Screenshot%202025-02-07%20144554.png) - In the Merge Text Editor, add GetTimeSpanBetween1_OutputDays as the dynamic content. Then type 'Days' behind the dynamic content to indicate that this number displays the account's age in days. - Save the Merge Text Editor. Save and close the Flow Designer. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2024-08-02_12h47_20.png) Back in the Report Designer, the Flow Inline Field will display the age of each Report in the new Calculated Column. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2024-08-02_13h22_10.png) - As of v9.7, a Display Icon property has been added to the **RunFlowInlineField** Calculated Column. This new feature enables Users to choose an image/icon to display on the column. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2025-03-25_14h57_58.png) Once an Icon is chosen, it will be displayed on the Report Column. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2025-03-25_15h34_47.png) --- ## Feature Change | Description | Version | Release Date | Developer Task | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Warnings now appear on Report Inline Field Flows about their performance impact. | [9.7](https://documentation.decisions.com/v99/docs/version-97x-release-notes) | February 2025 | [DT-028324] | | A Display Icon property has been added for the RunFlowInLineField Calculated Column. | [9.7](https://documentation.decisions.com/v99/docs/en/version-97x-release-notes?highlight=DT-026789) | February 2025 | [DT-026789] | For further information on Reports, visit the [Decisions Forum](https://community.decisions.com/categories/Reports).