Additional_contexts

[Peter Bergström <peter.bergstrom@eurostep.com>]

I have been editing the Representing_parts Capability, and have made one possibly significant change compared with previous version. It has to do with the use of the attribute additional_contexts of entity View_definition_context.

 

A Part_view_definition must always have a context in which it is valid. The problem may start when a p_v_d is valid for several contexts, because then it hampers change. If a change is required (e.g. structural change) within one context, but not in the others, the additional contexts must be removed, and a new p_v_d must be created for that context. The trace of changes becomes blurry.

 

Therefore, the new edition of representing_parts states the following:

 

Even though AP239 allows the definition of additional contexts for a Part_view_definition, it is recommended that any Part_view_definition is only related to one, single View_definition_context (as the initial context), and that no additional contexts is instantiated. Instead of defining an additional context for a Part_view_definition, a new Part_view_definition is created (copied) with the new context related as the initial context.

NOTE    This recommendation has to do with change management. It is not uncommon that part defining information (e.g. structures, properties and documents) that was first believed to be identical between contexts (which would cause the "additional context" relationship to be instantiated) later on is revised, changed or restructured in one context but not in the other. To make that change, the additional context has to be removed, and a new Part_view_definition must be created for that context. Instead, by instantiating two (or more) separate Part_view_definitions, with the same part defining information, but each with only one (initial) context, such changes are possible from the start and becomes traceable.

 

 

The other changes made are not changing any technical parts of the capability.

Peter Bergström

This message contains information that may be privileged or confidential and is the property of Eurostep Group. It is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not authorized to read, print, retain, copy, disseminate, distribute, or use this message or any part thereof. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete all copies of this message.