How to link a payable to multiple cost centers using a many-to-many relationship
In Jestor, a "many-to-many" connected table lets a single payable be linked to more than one cost center at the same time — and a cost center, in turn, can have several payables linked to it — without duplicating the record for each combination.
Why does a many-to-many relationship between tables matter?
Not every expense belongs to a single department. A tool subscription used by both marketing and operations at the same time, for example, needs to show up in both cost centers so that the split and the financial report come out correct.
How to build a many-to-many relationship in Jestor?
- When adding a new connected-type column, there are two options: simple "connected" or "connected tables" with a two-way connection — that second one is the many-to-many relationship.
- A payable can belong to more than one cost center at the same time, and a cost center can have several payables linked to it, in the same column.
- When creating a new record, you can select more than one cost center at once.
- One important detail: the connected table should display the name as the label, not the record's internal ID.
| Connection type | Possible links |
|---|---|
| Simple connected (1:N) | One record to many, in one direction |
| Connected tables (N:N) | Multiple links in both directions |
To configure a many-to-many relationship:
- In the source table, add a column and choose "connected."
- Select "connected tables" (n:n relationship), pointing to the destination table.
- In the destination table, mark the name field as "select as label."
Why choose Jestor to model complex data relationships?
Well-configured many-to-many relationships avoid duplicating a record for every possible combination — a payable linked to two cost centers stays a single record, with full traceability.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a simple connection and an n:n connection?
In an n:n connection, both sides can have multiple links to each other, not just one to one.
Why does the selector show numbers instead of the cost center name?
Because the label field wasn't set; you need to mark the name field as "select as label."
Can a payable have more than two linked cost centers?
Yes, there's no limit to how many links can be selected in the same column.
Do I need to duplicate the record to link it to more than one cost center?
No, the n:n relationship allows multiple links on the same record.
Reference video
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