Creating Object Templates
You can create new objects:
An object template is a predefined form, from which you can create new object instances. When you create an object using a template, a copy of the template is made, and this copy (the new object instance) inherits the attribute values, relationships, and security definition of the template. While it is similar to copying an existing object, the copy operation lets you select which attributes and relationships from the original object you want to include in the new object; whereas when using a template, all attributes, relationship links, and security information is copied to the new object.
You can use a template to create most types of objects in AssetWise, except for the following:
- deviations/waivers
- entity metadata
- interfaces
- modifications
- serialized items
- surveys
- virtual items
- work tasks
You can designate an object to be a template during the creation of the object. You can also create a template by copying an existing object.
Each AssetWise class can have multiple templates which differ in properties, relationships, and security. All attributes associated to the class are inherited to each template. However, different values for attributes set in different templates are copied to the respective documents.
The prime identifier for the new object is determined by the mask. The mask is a field on the template with a user-defined pattern of characters used to generate unique alphanumeric identifiers for objects created from the template. The mask can either be a simple mask or it can be calculated using properties, attribute values, and relationships from the object instance. (See Calculated Masks .)
The Mask field lets the user define how the unique identifier should be structured. The user can enter any alphanumeric and special characters (avoid % and * characters) together with number signs (#) that represent the number of digits to be used in a system generated sequential numeric identifier. A sample mask might appear as SAN##### which would produce the number SAN00001 for the first object created from the template. the dollar sign (?) may also be used to represent letters.
Templates are stored under the object class name assigned to the object type and are therefore scope-specific. You can find the templates available for use by selecting .