Logistical Database Layout

Logistics > Logistical Database Layout

Change the layout of the logistical database and convert the databases accordingly.

These settings can only be modified when the general project data (Hull project general) and all the blocks are checked out and no other users are present in the blocks. After making the changes and clicking OK, the general project data and the construction data are saved to COS.

Important: When the system manager is modifying the logistical database layout, the HCA and other users are not able to access the project.

Note: If you only want to modify Description, or want to change one of the Visible, Editable, ShowType or Groupable properties, it is recommended to use the Logistical Fields Options function, because that function does not convert the database unnecessarily.

Once the function is started, the project will be locked for other users until the function is closed, and the databases have been converted.

In the Logistical Database Layout dialog, use the Add, Modify and/or Delete buttons to change the logistical database layout. Click Import to import the logistical database layout from a file, for example the logistical database layout file dbase.log from another project.

Important: The system uses and handles logistical fields in many ways. To prevent invalidating data and other problems, do not use the following characters in logistical field names:
space + ' " / : ; . , * # % ? ! < > { } ( ) [ ] | @ $ ^ & ~ =

Click OK to save the changes in the logistical database layout file and to start the conversion of the logistical databases. You are then asked if you want to start an automatic Settings Check function or not.

Logistical database layout table

Lists the fields currently included in the logistical database layout and their properties and options.

Description – Defines the unique descriptive name of the logistical database field. The field is referenced by this name when the field is included in various other settings.

Data Type – Sets the way how the values of the field are stored in the logistical database. The possible data types are: Integer (number), Real (floating point), or Character (string).

Length – Sets the maximum length a value for the field can have.

Field Type – Sets the internal logistical database field type. See Appendix: Logistical database fields in the Managing Production Information Administrator's Guide for a complete list of possible field types, their (default) properties, and how their values can be set (semi-)automatically.

Visible – Indicates whether or not the field should be included in Hull Viewer's Item Information dialog.

Editable – Indicates whether or not users are allowed to change the value of the field in either Hull Viewer's Work Breakdown Structure or Item Information dialog.

ShowType – Indicates how the value of the field should be presented in Hull Viewer's Item Information dialog when multiple parts have been selected. The possible presentation types are as follows:

• Summarize – The values of this field for all selected parts will be added together.
• Minimum – The lowest value of this field of the selected parts.
• Maximum – The highest value of this field of the selected parts.
• Average – The average of this field for all selected parts.
• Equal – The value of this field when all selected parts have the same value for this field, otherwise the text "Different values" is displayed.

Groupable – Indicates whether or not the field should be included in Hull Viewer's Item Information dialog when multiple parts have been selected.

Note: If the project is name based, and users must be able to create templates for shell plates, you must set the fields for Description: Block as follows:
Data Type – Character
Length – 10 at the minimum

Adding, modifying, and deleting logistical database fields

To add a new logistical field, enter new values in the input boxes above the table. You can also select an existing field, edit Description, and change the other values. To add the field to the logistical database layout, click Add.

To modify a property or option of a logistical field, select the field, and the properties and options will be shown in the input boxes above the table. Make the desired changes, and click Modify.

To delete a field from the logistical database layout, select the field, and click Delete.

Importing a logistical database layout

To import a logistical database layout from a file(.log), the logistical database layout file (dbase.log) from a different project for example: Click Import, and browse for the file.

The logistical field and its properties in the selected file are displayed on the list. The logistical field options are taken from the file with the same file name but with the extension .cfg. When this file is not present in the same directory as the selected file, you will be asked whether to import the logistical database layout with default values for the options, or whether to cancel the import process.