To prevent data entry redundancy on Opportunity and Payment records, what steps should a user take?

Creating custom fields on the Payment object allows for the collection of specific data that might not be included in the standard fields. This is essential for ensuring that all relevant information related to payments can be captured without having to duplicate data entry across different records. By tailoring the fields to your organization's needs, you can avoid unnecessary redundancy and streamline the process of entering payment-related information.

For instance, if your organization often requires additional details specific to payments—such as payment method, transaction ID, or specific notes—custom fields provide a way to gather that information directly on the Payment records without needing to recreate data already associated with Opportunities.

Furthermore, tailored fields assist in better reporting and analysis, as they can be customized to align with the specific metrics that your organization tracks. This alignment not only reduces the likelihood of duplicate records but also enhances data integrity and usability across the NPSP platform.