Set contact last name not required and set first name required

[korazy]

I have a problem trying to change the required fields for Contacts. I need to set the first name as required and set the last name as not required. I have read previous posts about changing the Contacts 'vardefs.php' file. If I look at that file, the last name field is not set as 'required' but the application still required it. How can I make this adjustment? I am new to Sugar and PHP so details are appreciated.

I am using:
Version 4.5.1 (Build 1197)

Thanks.

[driftingtraveler]

look at the bottom of the 'modules/contacts/field_arrays.php' file.

Change "'required_fields' => array("last_name"=>1)," to "'required_fields' => array("first_name"=>1)," or add more required_fields to the array as needed

[kpit]

Warning using the method above will make your installation not upgrade safe. On the next upgrade you will have to change it again.. don't forget to change it after each upgrade. Also you might want to consider re-labeling and using studio to move them around as well this will make it upgrade safe using this method. Sugar does have some dependencies on last name so if it is not there may cause some problems.

[korazy]

Thanks for the responses.

Is there a document that I can read or can you provide more information on possible problems with not using contact last names? We are phasing Sugar CRM into our office and we are currently using the system for Accounts, Cases and Tasks. We want to start using it for customer contacts. We take support calls from our customers and we want to start attaching contacts to cases to log who called from the account. From these responses it sounds like my best option is to start getting last names the first time someone calls, but I would like to weigh my options.

Thanks again.