User Free Text entry is an exception not the rule
Workers/Users believe they're work is unique and filled with exception paths. What does this mean(Exception Paths)? Running an organization(Operations resource) we adopt names and use terms which are often unique to an industry.
There are countless reasons to avoid using Free Text fields. Let me share a worse case scenario(true story)
1. A rapidly advancing Audio Video Systems Integrator had accelerated its growth from 35 million to 200 million in 3.5 years. Allowing the Initial Public Offering (IPO) to begin a year and a half early.
The organization had internal growth and acquired four competitors across the Western and Central states in the US.
This former Mom and Pop box selling shop had hired or acquired some of the industries most impressive design and build(deliver) workers recognized to this day.