Introduction to Custom Fields Data Synchronization
Custom fields in AcceleratorApp allow you to standardize and reuse specific data across different areas of the platform, including application forms, submission forms, feedback forms, user profiles, and startup profiles. Synchronization ensures that data stays consistent and up-to-date across all these sections automatically, so when a field is updated in one place, it reflects everywhere it's connected.
This feature is available to Accelerator/Incubator administrators only.
Where to Find Custom Fields
Navigate to the menu icon in the top-left corner of the page and select Custom Fields. From here, you can manage and apply custom fields to multiple entities, including applications, users, startups, and feedback forms.
Learn more about managing custom fields.
Step-by-Step
1. Sync Data from Application Forms
When an applicant fills out an application form that includes a custom field and is later accepted into a program, AcceleratorApp automatically stores their submitted data in their profile.
Example: If an applicant provides their LinkedIn profile URL in the application form, that data is saved to their user profile once they are accepted into the program.
2. Sync Data from Submission Forms
Submission forms are standalone units that can be added within courses and learning modules. Configure them to update user and startup profiles by synchronizing relevant fields.
Example: If a startup founder submits a business model update through a submission form inside a course, the new information syncs to the startup profile, as long as the same custom field is used in both sections.
3. Sync Data Across User and Startup Profiles
If a custom field is linked to a user or startup profile, any updates made through a form, application, request, or submission, can sync back to that profile automatically.
Example: If an applicant selects "Series A" in a funding stage field during an application, then later updates it in a feedback form, the startup profile will reflect the most recent value.
4. Sync Data from Request Forms
Custom fields in feedback forms can be configured to either collect independent inputs or sync with existing profile data. When set to synchronize, changes made in the feedback form will overwrite the corresponding fields in the user or startup profile.
Example: If a mentor creates a profile but leaves required fields incomplete, you can send them a request form containing those missing fields. Once submitted, the data automatically syncs to their profile.
Best Practices
- Always use the same custom field (not a duplicate) across forms and profiles to ensure synchronization works correctly.
- Review which fields are set to sync before sending feedback forms — synced fields will overwrite existing profile data.
- Test synchronization in a staging program before rolling it out to active cohorts to avoid unintended data overwrites.