GEMS helps maintain consistency and standardization across different data fields through Lookup Lists. A Lookup List is a set of predefined values, known as Lookup Items, that you can enter into related fields.

Each Lookup List serves a specific purpose, and contains items such as jurisdictions, addresses, or other relevant categories. If needed, you can add new items to these lists to fit your requirements.

When a field is connected to a particular Lookup List, you will see a Lookup List icon that looks like binoculars next to the field.

You cannot simply type a value into a field connected to a Lookup List. Instead, you must click the Lookup List icon then select a Lookup Item.

Many Lookup Lists allow you to set Lookup Items as Favorites. Favorite Lookup Items appear in drop-down menus in fields connected to Lookup Lists, allowing you to select an Item without opening the entire List.

In this scenario, we’re updating the status for the company CT Mass Management in GEMS. The business is active, so we want to set Status to Active. Since Status is a Lookup List field, we can't manually type Active.

1. Navigate to the field you wish to update and click the Lookup List icon to the right of the field.

2. The Lookup List connected to the field opens in a new browser window. In this scenario, GEMS opens the Status Lookup List.

3. Enter the name of the Lookup Item you’re looking for in the Search For field, then click Search. In this scenario, we’ll type active.

4. Click the appropriate Lookup Item. In this scenario, we’ll click Active.

5. The Lookup List window will close, and your selected value will now appear in the original field.