Variables and Attributes
In COSMO Discrete Manufacturing, Variables/Attributes are characteristics that describe an item. Attributes can be pre-defined or changed, and/or be assigned during the configuration though the Dynamic BOM.
Within a BOM calculation, variables are only valid in the current BOM level and the sub-levels. Likewise, a "normal" variable in different BOM levels can possess different characteristics. If, however, in the Variable/Attribute Types page, the Global Variable checkbox is selected, then this variable has only one value within the BOM. With such variables, sums can be calculated for the entire BOM.
Each attribute can be assigned attribute terms. These are pre-defined values that an attribute can assume. For example, the attribute type "CL_LENGTH" can be assigned individual possible lengths as attribute terms. The use of attribute/variable is described in greater detail in the description of the configuration feature through the dynamic BOM in Dynamic Master BOM.
Available options can be entered in a checklist as Selection Options. With this feature, the structure of the checklists can be simplified. This is an alternative to using checklist lines with the Type field set to Selection Option. Options for a variable can be assigned to the Variable/Attribute Type by choosing the Options action. Pictures of the options can be added using the Variable Options Picture FactBox.
Instead of setting up Selection Option type answers in a checklist, variables can be assigned to a Question type in the Variable for Dynamic BOM field. Options are assigned to the variable and the input and option order is defined. When the document checklist is opened, the options are available in the Input field using the ellipsis button. Added pictures are visible in the Variable Options Picture FactBox.
Variable Options can be shared amongst variables via the Option Reference field in the Variable/Attribute Types page. This allows you set options on one variable that can be used on many, but are maintained in a single place.
The Test Value and Test Value (alphanum.) fields can be used to set default values to make test calculations in the Formula Editor. If some variables are used in the Formula Editor and the Calculate function is run, the input of both fields will be used.
Each variable option can be defined with Variable Option Allocations by choosing the Allocations action. If one of the options is selected or entered manually in a checklist, the values defined in the Variable Option Allocations page are assigned to all variables in this checklist. Therefore, preliminary considerations for certain variables can be defined by only one entry in the checklist.
The following table describes a sequence of tasks, with links to the topics that describe them.
| To | See |
|---|---|
| Learn about assignment and use of attributes/variables. | Assignment and Use of Attributes and Variables |
| Analyze calculations using array variables. | Array Variables |
| Set options on one variable to be used with many variables. | Share Variable Options |
| Calculate values in a checklist using variable default allocations. | Variable Default Allocations |
| Search and replace attributes/variables in fields and formulas. | Search and Replace Attributes and Variables |
See Also
Translations for Variable Options
Pre-Defined Variables
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