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The next step in setting up IMSMANG is to customise the data elements that are tracked. Using the information about additional data fields documented in Chapter 1, information managers can begin modifying existing data fields and creating CDFs. The objective of this step is to ensure that all data elements necessary for programme operations are available in IMSMANG. This step must be completed prior to designing forms for data entry so that these changes are reflected on the data entry forms. IMSMANG does not automatically change data entry forms when data elements are changed.
Using the IMSMANG Data Inventory Manager, information managers can create new data elements or modify existing elements to map to their programme’s information needs. Because IMSMANG comes with more than 1,000 data elements in its initial configuration, it is important to review these elements to determine if these adequately address the data entry needs of the programme. Where there are elements that are not included in the initial configurations, information managers can use the Data Inventory Manager to create them. The Data Inventory Manager categorises all data elements by the type of item they belong to so that information managers can quickly navigate to the desired data elements. The Data Inventory Manager window lists all IMSMA item attributes and allows you to group the item attributes into meaningful categories. The Data Inventory Manager window also allows you to manage custom defined fields (CDFs) and custom options. The Data Inventory Manager window has two panes. The pane on the left displays a list of all items and the item attributes within them. The pane on the right displays the item attributes in the selected item or data category on the left. [[File:Data Inventory Manager Window.png|440px|''Figure 140. Data Inventory Manager Window'']] [[File:Icons in the Data Inventory Manager.png|440px|''Table 45. Icons in the Data Inventory Manager'']] [[File:Icons in the Data Inventory Manager Window .png|440px|''Table 45. Icons in the Data Inventory Manager Window'']]
==Create New Data Elements==
Information managers can create CDFs for those data elements not predefined in IMSMANG. IMSMANG does not limit the number of CDFs that can be created for each item; however, it is recommended that information managers use CDFs judiciously because the collection and management of unnecessary data is a substantial contributor to system performance and staff productivity issues in many programmes.
