Using Restrictions Lookup List and Filtering

Overview

This guide explains how to use the Restrictions field on the customer screen in Cornerstone Billing Solutions. It covers how to set up a standardized lookup list for restrictions, how the Restrictions field works with the Recurring Research Tool, and how to use exact match, partial match, and exclude filtering to manage and review accounts efficiently.

Using a lookup list for the Restrictions field ensures consistent language across all accounts and makes filtering significantly more effective — particularly when reviewing accounts with no recurring revenue on the NO RMR tab.

Setting Up the Restrictions Lookup List

To standardize the text used in the Restrictions line, you first need to create a lookup list. Follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to the customer screen.
2. Click the magnifying glass icon next to the Restrictions line.
3. Create entries for your lookup list.
4. Select an item from the list when needed.
5. Add additional information as needed — for example, "Billed Thru Acct#xxxx".

Using Restrictions with the Recurring Research Tool

The Restrictions field is particularly helpful on the Recurring Research Tool when you are reviewing the NO RMR tab — the tab used to identify why an account does not have any recurring monthly revenue (RMR).

Filtering by Restrictions

The Recurring Research Tool supports three filtering modes for the Restrictions field: exact match, partial match (include), and exclude. Each is described below.

Exact Match Filtering

If you select an item directly from the Restrictions lookup list and use that exact text in the filter, the Recurring Research Tool will filter for an exact match to that text.

Use this when: You want to see only accounts with a specific, standardized restriction.

Partial Match Filtering (INCLUDE)

You can type words separated by the | (pipe) character to filter for restrictions that include any of those words. The pipe character is located above the backslash \ key on your keyboard.

Syntax: word1|word2|word3

Example: If you have multiple "Billed Thru" restrictions entered with different account numbers appended, typing Billed Thru in the filter will return all accounts whose Restrictions line includes that phrase.

Exclude Filtering

If you want to see all restricted accounts except those matching specific text, use the Exclude option:

1. Enter the text you want to exclude in the Restrictions filter field.
2. Check the Exclude checkbox.

The results will show all restricted accounts except those containing the text you entered.

Example: If you know that all "Billed Thru" accounts are accounted for and do not need review, enter Billed Thru, check Exclude, and review only the remaining restricted accounts.

Quick Reference — Filtering Symbols

Practical Examples

Example 1 — Finding All "Billed Thru" Accounts

Example 2 — Excluding Known Accounts

Example 3 — Finding Multiple Restriction Types

Best Practices

1. Create a standardized list of common restrictions in your lookup list before staff begin entering data.
2. Be consistent in how you document restrictions — always select from the lookup list rather than typing free-form text.
3. Use descriptive text that clearly indicates the account status.
4. Document the reason why an account has no RMR using the Restrictions field — this makes the NO RMR tab much more actionable.
5. Review restricted accounts regularly using the filtering tools described in this guide.
6. Train all staff to use the lookup list rather than entering free-form text, to ensure filtering remains reliable.

Benefits

Need Additional Help?

Our Customer Success team is here to assist you.

Phone: 847-405-9517 x1
Email: customer.success@alarmbills.com

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