Most of the standard reference tables that are delivered with the software have an associated template file. Each template file is a simple .xml file whose purpose is to provide a set of instructions to the software regarding the options and lists that are available when you edit a specific standard reference table.
Because list tables do not have an associated template files, the Reference Table
Template Editor is only relevant to the standard reference tables.
While you typically do not need to be concerned with these templates, the Reference Table Template Editor serves three primary purposes:
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Provides basic information that is useful in helping you understand the various lists and dialogs that the software displays when you edit a standard reference table.
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Allows you to edit a template file and thus tweak how the software behaves during the editing process.
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Allows you to create a new template file. In those rare cases in which you create your own standard reference table, you must first create a template. It is this template that defines which fields are present in the standard reference table.
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Because the templates that are delivered with the software are sufficient most purposes, you do not need to add, delete or edit reference table templates. Use the reference table template editor for information purposes only.
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If you do not have permissions to add, edit or delete reference table templates, Save on the Reference Table Template Editor is unavailable. For assistance, contact your system administrator.
The following examples point out the relationship that exists between a standard reference table (as viewed on the Reference Tables tab) and its associated template file (as viewed in the Reference Table Template Editor).
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The FlangeSelect table column headings (A) are defined by the table definitions in its associated template file (A).
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The units of measure that you can specify in the Bore_Units list (B) are defined as part of the template Field Definitions (B).
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The PrimaryComponentType filter in the Field Definitions section of the FlangeSelect table template (3) defines what components display in the Select Component Type dialog. When you select Browse
in the PrimaryComponentType field (4), the software applies the PrimaryComponentType filter which limits the components that are displayed in the Select Component Type dialog to only flanges (5) whose bore is between .5 and 1.5 inches (6).
Tree view
Displays the template.
Table Definition
Displays all the fields that exist in the table. A field can either hold numeric or textual data. When you view a standard reference table on the Reference Tables tab, the fields defined in the template correspond to the column headings in the table. The table definition can also include a modal field, which does not appear in the table itself but as a list above the table. A modal field allows you to specify additional conditions that apply to the field definitions. In the following example, the Flanges list is a modal field that impacts the ItemCode field definition.
Commands to add, edit, or delete a field are available on a shortcut menu when you right-click Table Definition or one of the field names.
Field Definitions
Controls how Material Editor behaves when you edit a standard reference table. You must add a field definition to each field that is to display a list or a dialog when you click in the reference table cell. Field definitions can include any of the following:
Filter
Enables you to define a filter using the Filter Builder. If you define a filter for a field, the software automatically applies the filter
on the current data in the material database when you click in the appropriate cell.
After you select Browse , the software opens a dialog that contains the filtered data.
Field list
Specifies what is displayed, a list or a dialog, when you select in a reference table cell. The field list can include any of the following:
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ItemGroups displays a list of all item groups.
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ComponentTypes displays a list of all component types within a particular group or all groups.
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EndPreparations displays a list of all the available end preparations.
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MaterialDataBrowser displays Browse
in the cell. Clicking the browse button opens the Material Data Browser and prompts you to select either an SKEY or a component type.
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CurrentFilter displays Browse
in the cell. Clicking the browse button opens the Select <Object> dialog and prompts you to select an item code, component type, or SKEY.
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Defined displays a list of user-defined values.
Commands for creating a field definition are available on shortcut menu when you
right-click Field Definitions.
Clear
Clears out the current display in the tree view so that you can create a new template. By default, the software names the template Template1.
More
Displays the More Templates dialog. You can use the dialog allows to load a new template into the Reference Table Template Editor, delete or rename a template.
Templates
lists the templates that exist in the current database. Templates are listed alphabetically. To load a new template, click its name in the list and then click OK.
Update
Renames the template selected in the Templates list according to what appears in the Template name box.
Delete
Removes the template selected in the Templates list.
Template name
Displays the name of the template selected in the Templates list. To rename a template, type a new name in the Template name box and then click Update.
OK
Closes the More Templates dialog and returns to the Reference Table Template Editor.
Cancel
Closes the More Templates dialog and returns to the Reference Table Template Editor.