Object Dependencies for Characteristics
Use
Preconditions for characteristics:
You can define a precondition for a characteristic to determine when a characteristic appears on the characteristic value assignment screen. For example, you can define that characteristic TACHOMETER for a bicycle only appears if a specific model of bicycle, such as racing bicycle, is selected.
You can display a characteristic that is hidden by a precondition by choosing the Hidden characteristics button.
See Characteristic Preconditions (Example) .
Selection conditions for characteristics:
You can use a selection condition to make a characteristic into a required characteristic under certain circumstances. The characteristic then behaves as if the Entry required indicator is set. You cannot exit the characteristic value assignment screen without assigning a value to the characteristic or assigning Incomplete status to the characteristic.
You can use a selection condition in conjunction with a precondition. For example, if characteristic Tachometer appears for a bicycle (possibly because a precondition was fulfilled), you can define a selection condition for characteristic TACHOMETER to ensure that you assign a value to this characteristic.
See Characteristic Selection Conditions (Example.) .
Actions for characteristics:
Actions are used to infer characteristic values. An action is processed as soon as the characteristic to which it is assigned has a value assigned.
For example, if a value is assigned to characteristic EXTRAS, the value $100 is automatically assigned to characteristic SURCHARGE.
If an action sets a value, this value cannot be overwritten either manually or by other actions.
See Characteristic Actions (Example.) .
Procedures for characteristics:
You can use a procedure in the same way as an action, to infer a value for a characteristic. The values are determined by calculations, sums, or analysis. Unlike actions, procedures can overwrite values that another procedure has set. For this reason, you can define several procedures that infer different values for a characteristic.