XML Catalog Item Definitions
A catalog item can have parametric variable definitions that define associations between the DataGroup System and the individual placement tools. The catalog item property definitions are presented as a series of item properties and values that are displayed in various DataGroup System dialogs and Building application tool settings windows. This data is stored with each item instance as items are placed. The data is also available for schedules and reports when those articles are generated.
There is an XML definition file for each item type. These files create an association between a unique DataGroup Catalog item name and the actual parametric item. The XML file also organizes the catalog items used by the placement tools (Place Door versus Place Window), by catalog type (doors versus windows), when a tool is selected.
A default set of XML definition files are delivered with the Building applications. When individual users and firms setup the DataGroup System to manage custom parametric items and cells, new and additional catalog files need to be created and established for each item type.
Note: Two very important pieces of information are gathered by the DataGroup System during the filtering process:
This information is passed to the active placement tool where parametric items and cells are made available for selection. This information is established in catalog files (XML) which are created using the DataGroup Catalog Editor.