---
id: ADR-CRM-DQ-016
title: Keep Data Quality work records free of custom fields
product_area: crm
module: data-quality
revision: 1
status: proposed
design_intent: confirmed
source_sha:
  services-crm: a8d1364f1dd44b723bb5f9acba12f983e9ec8d69
decision: >-
  Duplicate and merge work records declare no custom-field capability; merge
  previews resolve the custom values already owned by their contact or
  organization participants.
constrains:
  - DOM-CRM-DQ-001
  - DOM-CRM-DQ-003
  - DOM-CRM-DQ-004
origin: 'R2-ARCH-001 v1.0 (Andrew, 2026-10-19), as applied in ADR-CRM-ENT-007'
alternatives:
  - option: Add custom fields to rules and merge history
    why_not: >-
      The cited capability standard requires explicit object support, which
      these records do not declare.
consequences:
  - >-
    Duplicate groups still need metadata registration for attention, with
    custom-field capability kept separate.
supersedes: []
evidence:
  - >-
    services-crm at a8d1364f: modules/duplicates and modules/merges (no metadata
    object registration, no custom-value tables).
---

# Keep Data Quality work records free of custom fields

## Context

Custom values belong to designated business records rather than duplicate-processing state.

## Decision

Duplicate and merge work records declare no custom-field capability; merge previews resolve the custom values already owned by their contact or organization participants.

## Alternatives Considered

Add custom fields to rules and merge history. The cited capability standard requires explicit object support, which these records do not declare.

## Consequences

Duplicate groups still need metadata registration for attention, with custom-field capability kept separate.