> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.tillit.cloud/tillit/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.tillit.cloud/tillit/knowledge-base/setting-up-tillit/configuration/option-groups.md).

# Option Groups

**Option Groups** are reusable lists of choices that can be applied across multiple entities in TilliT — including activity template items, downtime selections, and boards items. They allow you to define structured choice lists once and reference them wherever a selection is needed.

## Navigation

***Settings*** > ***Configuration*** > ***Option Groups***

## Creating an Option Group

1. Click ***Create***.

<figure><img src="/files/491idbvBYmQhW34WEI1i" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Fill out the following fields:

| Field      | Description                                                                            |
| ---------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Name**\* | Name of the option group                                                               |
| **Type**\* | The structure of the choice list. See [Option Group Types](#option-group-types) below. |

\* Required field

3. Add option items to the group and click ***Save***.

## Option Group Types

| Type                 | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Single**           | One layer, single choice list. The user can select only one option.                                                                                                                                                                     |
| **Multiple**         | One layer, multiple choice list. The user can select more than one option.                                                                                                                                                              |
| **Tree**             | Multi-level hierarchy. The selection at each level narrows down the choices available at the next level. Useful for structured classifications such as downtime reasons.                                                                |
| **Downtime Reason**  | A Tree-style group used to populate the **eventReason** and **downtimeType** fields on a downtime record. Represents the business classification of a stoppage (e.g. Machine Fault, Unplanned Downtime).                                |
| **Downtime Machine** | A Tree-style group used to populate the **machine**, **component**, and **component fault** fields on a downtime record. Supports three levels of hierarchy: the Machine, the Component of the Machine, and the Fault of the Component. |

{% hint style="info" %}
**Downtime Reason** captures *why* the stoppage happened from a business perspective. **Downtime Machine** captures *what* piece of equipment was responsible. Both can be configured as separate option groups and assigned to an asset.
{% endhint %}

## Examples

### Downtime Reason Tree

A Downtime Reason Tree group provides a hierarchical selection for classifying stoppages by business category.

<figure><img src="/files/u8C1DczxGvGV96BP2TAj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Single Type

A Single type group presents a flat list where the user selects exactly one option.

<figure><img src="/files/ogWnL2R2OdkiVCBCEig1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Tree Type

A Tree type group allows multi-level selections, where each level narrows the available choices.

<figure><img src="/files/doo5TbjoNV646rXFkNnM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Multiple Type

A Multiple type group presents a flat list where the user can select more than one option.

<figure><img src="/files/ZeGn1INldrm2Y2tQNyrT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Downtime Machine Type

A Downtime Machine group provides a hierarchical selection for identifying the equipment responsible for a stoppage. The hierarchy follows three levels:

| Level            | Description                  | Example         |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------- | --------------- |
| **First level**  | The Machine                  | Labeller        |
| **Second level** | The Component of the Machine | Film Wrapper    |
| **Third level**  | The Fault of the Component   | Bearing Failure |

<figure><img src="/files/CrGO9kkjEIaeYWztIT6U" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/HWXLhPXc8PwJRV4NRERk" alt="Example Downtime Machine option group showing three-level configuration"><figcaption><p>Example configuration showing a three-level Downtime Machine option group</p></figcaption></figure>

## Where Option Groups are Used

| Entity                      | Usage                                                                                       |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Activity Template Items** | Assign an Option Group to an OPTION-type activity item to define its available choices.     |
| **Assets**                  | Assign Downtime Reason and Downtime Machine groups to an asset for downtime classification. |
| **Boards**                  | Use an Option Group to define the choices available in an option-type board column.         |