Navigating the Relationship Map

Step 1

The relationship map shows the component and product relationships for the selected component in the associated navigator. The base component is the link between components and products, and if a manufacturer or supplier component is selected in the navigator, then the linked base component is used as the anchor from which to create the map (i.e. all components and products linked to this base component are shown).

Step 2

The relationship map can be configured to show a variety of information, such as component quantities and product version information. Changing the options at the bottom of the map will cause it to automatically refresh. Colours used for the various component and product visual elements can be configured in the user settings.

Step 3

Map zoom level can be adjusted from the control at the bottom right of the map. Configuration options are configured at the bottom left. The default configuration options can be changed in the user settings.

Step 4

To open a Bill of Materials for a product version and jump to the base component, right-click on the product and select the desired product version from the menu. When product versions are shown, you can right-click on them and select the open BOM option.

Step 5

Selecting a component, product or version will cause related components, products and versions to be highlighted. For example, if a supplier component is only used on one of the products and product versions shown, then only that product and product version will be highlighted. This makes it easy to see exactly what components are used on what products and versions. The tooltip provides additional information and is shown when the mouse is hovered over a component, product or version.

Step 6

When the show deleted/unlinked option is checked, components, products and versions that have been deleted or unlinked will be shown on the map with a red dotted outline and red drop shadow.

Step 7

When the show merged components option is checked, and if any related merged components exist, source merged base components (i.e. those which have been merged into the base component) are shown below the base component, and the target merged base component (i.e. the target base component which the base component has been merged into) is shown above the base component. Merged components are shown with an orange drop shadow. Clicking a merged component will cause it to be jumped to in the component library.

Step 8

When the show extended properties option is checked, additional attribute information is shown on the components, products and versions. This causes the map to be enlarged and it is no longer auto-fitted to the available space. The zoom control can be used to get an overview of the map and to navigate it.