How do I relate (link) records together?
Use the Relate tool in the form view to link records for easy access and context.
Linking related records in GovPilot allows you to create a visible connection between records that are part of the same process or have shared context. This feature works across modules or within the same module. Once records are linked, they remain bidirectionally connected—so either one will show the other in the Related Records panel, making it easy to reference and switch between them.
Example Use Case:
Let’s say your municipality requires Planning Board approval before a Construction Permit can be issued. By linking the Planning Board Approval record to the Construction Permit, staff reviewing the permit can quickly access and confirm that planning has been completed—without needing to search for the earlier submission. This relationship keeps the workflow transparent, reduces back-and-forth, and ensures nothing gets missed.
Steps to Link Records
-
Navigate to the form view of the record you want to start from.
-
At the bottom right of the form, click the Related button in the menu bar.
-
In the popup window, click Add Related Record.
-
Choose the Module
Use the dropdown to select the module that contains the record you want to link to. -
Search for the Record
Use a unique field value to find the record—like the Reference # or Control #.
→ Avoid searching broad terms (like common last names) that might return too many results. -
Verify the Correct Result
In the search results, you'll see a table that includes:-
Record #
-
Last Modified Date
-
Record Source (the originating module)
-
Field Title (the field where your keyword was found)
-
Field Contents (the matched value)
Review these columns to confirm that you're selecting the correct record before linking it.
-
-
Click the chain link icon next to the result. The selected record will be instantly linked.
View or Unlink Related Records
-
Once records are linked, the Related button updates to show the number of linked records (e.g., Related (1)).
-
Click the button again to:
-
Add another related record.
-
Open any linked record by clicking the form icon.
-
Remove the link by clicking the chain link icon again.
-
Note: The relationship is bidirectional—if Record A is related to Record B, both will show the connection.
Other Examples of When to Relate Records
-
Two Landlord Registrations for the same property.
-
A Lead-Based Paint Inspection related to a Landlord Registration.
-
A Certificate of Continued Occupancy (CCO) linked to a past registration or code enforcement action.
Related search terms:
relate button, link records, relate records together, same module link, cross-module link, connected records, related record, record relationship, how to link modules, relate permit to planning, unlink a record, chain icon, form view relate, view related forms