array vs bit fields for masking

I am building an app with core tables in a central schema and user access via views in separate schemas. I have to manage versioning and system configuration at the row level. My initial thinking was to have a bit field for each quality: version BIT(20), config(20). Each view would mask based on those fields. Then (multi-dimensional) arrays crossed my mind. Any performance / maintainability thoughts in using arrays vs bit fields?

Thanks,

Chip