Overview
Special Columns allow admins to create an alternate value for an existing residual report column. This value can then be used in Residual Template calculations . Special Columns are useful when the value supplied by the processor in the imported Excel file is not suitable for the calculation you need to perform.
- Combine multiple columns: Replace a column's original value with the sum of two or more mapped columns.
- Use the alternate value in template calculations: Reference the resulting value when applying Residual Template rules, such as calculating fees based on processing volume or other merchant activity.
- Preserve the imported data: A Special Column does not modify the original processor data. It creates a separate value that can be used in template calculations when needed.
- Support custom fee calculations: For example, you can combine the Visa/Mastercard, Discover, and American Express volume columns to create an alternate Total Sales Volume value. A Residual Template can then use that value to calculate a volume-based agent fee.
Use this feature when a residual pricing or fee calculation requires a value that differs from the value provided directly in the processor's report. Special Columns provide greater flexibility without requiring you to modify the source file manually.
How to use Special Columns
In this example, we will create an alternate value for the Total Sales Volume field by adding the Visa/Mastercard Volume, Discover Volume, and American Express Volume fields.
- Open the report's field-mapping page.
- In the Special Columns section, click Add, and then select the field whose alternate value you want to create. In this example, select Total Sales Volume.
- Click the plus (+) icon next to the selected field, and add the columns that should be included in its alternate value. In this example, add Visa/Mastercard Volume, Discover Volume, and American Express Volume.
- The alternate value for Total Sales Volume will now be calculated as follows:
Visa/Mastercard Volume + Discover Volume + American Express Volume - Map the Total Sales Volume field to the Volume section as usual. When a Residual Template references this field, it will use the alternate value created by the Special Column.