Chapter 3: Searching and Working with Objects

In this chapter, we will discuss how to create new objects using 4G:PLM. The users are capable of creating the following objects:

·        Searching

·        Creating and working with Object

·        BOM

·        Parts, Documents, Attachments

3.1        Searching

4G:PLM contains a very easy to use search interface. On the right-hand side of the window, if you navigate to the area that says “Search”, a search pane will open up for you:

Figure3.1.a: Searching using the Left Pane

The “Object” drop-down menu contains a list of various object types and their common attributes. For example, to search for the part number of a part, you would select “Part Number” under “Parts”:

Figure 3.1.b: Searching by Objects

Next, you define one or more conditions as search criteria by clicking the “Condition” drop-down:

Figure 3.1.c: Searching by Condition

You can choose from a number of operations (note that spaces and capitalization are significant):

Condition

Matches if

Matches

The attribute is an exact match

Starts with

The attribute begins with the entered value

Ends with

The attribute ends with the entered value

Contains

The attribute contains the entered value anywhere in it

Is null

The attribute is empty

Is not null

The attribute contains data

Does not contain

Opposite of “Contains”

Does not end with

Opposite of “Ends with”

Does not begin with

Opposite of “Begins with”

Does not match

Opposite of “Matches”

 

Once you have defined a single criterion, you can search by clicking the “Search” button in the bottom of the “Search” pane. Doing so automatically causes your single criterion to be added to the criteria list and the search begins.

You can also define additional criteria, and add them each time by clicking the “Add” button. This allows you to define multiple criteria, which by default are connected with the Boolean “Or” operator. By clicking on the down-arrow next to the Boolean operator, this can also be changed to “And”:

Figure 3.1.d: Advance Search

 

When you run a search, it may take some seconds to complete, but then a “Search Result” window will open:

Figure 3.1.e: Search Result Window

Note that search results are paged to increase performance. You can page through the results in this window, or you can modify the criteria and re-run the search. Double-clicking on a result opens it in a new window.

There are other means to do a search.

1.      You can click on the shortcut button, from the shortcut menu. This open the “Search Result Window”.

2.      You can also perform a more custom search using the Search menu form the Menu bar.

Figure 3.2.a: Search Menu

From the search menu, there is an option for you to do a complete search. There are also options for custom searches in respect to the objects categories. Such as Searching Part, Document, MCO, Stop Ship, Deviation, etc.

3.    In case of an object search, e.g. Part, a new dialog will appear with two options:

           i. Search by base attributes

           ii. Search by object type

Figure 3.3.b: Search Dialog

“Search by base attributes” will allow to search on all attributes common to all parts.

“Search by object type” is a more advanced search tool which will require you to pick subclass to search on the additional attributes specific to that subclass, e.g. part or assembly.

Figure 3.3.c: Search Dialog