An object type is a reusable entity that defines all product instances’ properties, such as fields and attributes, as well as layouts. They are similar to Salesforce record types but have more capabilities. Object types can be used to group products with similar characteristics and ensure consistent behavior and rule application.

Object Types Inheritance

Hierarchical inheritance is supported by object types. You can create a child object type from the object type and assign specific attributes to it. Any product linked to the object type will automatically inherit the parent object type’s attributes as well as any child object type’s attributes.

In the diagram below, for example, the Unit Rate Component object type inherits attributes from its parent, Commodity Component, and its grandparent, Base Commodity.

img src: Salesforce

Important considerations when creating an Object type

During the initial setup, Salesforce (Vlocity) recommend creating a base object. This is the primary object in your product catalogue from which all other objects descend, and it should include all fields (but not attributes) in the product catalogue.

Create child object types only after the base object type’s attributes, fields, and layouts have been defined. This order ensures that the basic settings are passed down to the children, which you can later change.

Attributes and fields inherited from the parent object type cannot be deleted, but must be unassigned. Attributes are unique to products and product classes and cannot be removed.

New attributes and fields assigned to an object type are dynamically inherited by its subtypes. When you add new attributes to an object type, those attributes are dynamically assigned to all object subtypes and products that are linked to the object type hierarchy.

Each object type can have only one layout.

Each layout has sections and elements.

The General Properties facet can have different sections to organize your elements.

Hope this information helps you guys.

Cheers!!!

Mukul Sharma