Creation of Object Dependencies for Characteristics 

Use

You can use the wizard in the modeling environment for Variant Configuration to create preconditions or selection conditions for a characteristic. This is particularly useful if you are unfamiliar with the syntax and want to ensure that the object dependency is created consistently.

Integration

You use the wizard to create object dependencies for a characteristic. Depending on your selection, the wizard generates a local, non-reusable, or global, reusable object dependency.

Prerequisites

You need a classified material to create preconditions or selection conditions for a characteristic.

Features

You can use the wizard to create the following, alternative conditions:

·        The characteristic can be assigned a value if …

·        The characteristic must be assigned a value if …

·        If the characteristic can be assigned a value, it is also required

This condition is a combination of the two mentioned above. For this reason, two conditions are created: The first specifies the conditions under which the characteristic can be assigned a value, while the second specifies that the characteristic must be assigned a value under these conditions.

Activities

To create a condition for a characteristic using the wizard, proceed as follows:

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       1.      Select the characteristic in the model tree and choose Create Dependency Using Wizard… from the context menu.

The wizard is displayed in a separate window that has two parts:

¡        The area on the left shows the sequence of steps you need to follow to create the constraint, as well as the current status. To go back to a step you have already completed (for example, to correct an entry or change a decision), all you have to do is click it.

¡        Each step is explained in the top right of the window.

¡        The area on the right is used to select the dependency parameters and edit descriptions.

¡        You can navigate through the step sequence using the  Continue and  Back pushbuttons. You complete each step by choosing  Continue.

       2.      Choose the type of precondition or selection condition.

       3.      Choose the influencing characteristic – for example, a characteristic whose value assignment should allow a value to be assigned to the characteristic for which you are creating an object dependency.

       4.      Choose the type of assigned value.

       5.      Choose the values that must fulfill the condition when set.

       6.      Enter a description of the dependency as well as an explanation that is displayed if the dependency is involved in a configuration conflict.

       7.      Decide whether the dependency is to be reusable; if so, you have to enter a name for it.

       8.      Check the details you entered for the dependency. Choose  Complete to create the dependency.

Model Tree

The dependency is now displayed in the model tree, under the characteristic for which you created it.

You can use the context menu to remove the dependency from the characteristic.

If you created a reusable object dependency, you can also assign it to another characteristic, even if it has been removed from the characteristic for which it was created.

Detailed View

To check or edit the object dependency, open the detailed view.

Tab Page	Function
Basic Data	Here, you can edit the description, type of condition, status, group, and authorizations.
Editor	Use the editor if you want to edit the source code of the dependency; see also Editing of Dependencies.
Texts	Here, you can edit the language-dependent descriptions.
Usage	Here, you can check where the object dependency is used in the model – if the dependency is a reusable, global dependency.

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