There are occasions where you want a number of components of an item to be unique, aside from its Identifier. Attribute sets allow you to specify combinations of attributes that are to be unique for an item type.
Set Components
They can be defined for requirements and system notes. Each attribute set can contain one or more attributes chosen from:
Key
Category (single value and multiple value categories)
Sets
You can define as few as one or as many as thirty three attributes (all categories and the key) for each set.
An item type can have multiple attribute sets.
In Practice
As an easy to explain concept, this example shows an asset register. The managers of the multiple Town Lodge sites each have assets installed in the building. To aid maintenance and asset recording, they want to ensure combination of:
the Building it’s in
the Location within the building
the Item type for the equipment
and an identifying index
are unique.
By setting each of these components as categories in the ASSET item type, and then selecting Attribute Sets adding an Attribute Set called “Asset identifier” made from these categories, they can check for uniqueness.
Attribute Set – Setup
As the user is assigning new items into the asset register, when they attempt to save the item, a uniqueness check is calculated. In this instance the combination has been used before, so the user is not allowed to save this item. In this case all they need to do is up the index of the ‘routers’ in the reception area. Obviously this can be any meaningful combination for your project.
Attribute Set – Operation
Note:
These Attribute Sets checks are not as restrictive as an item’s identity. You would not be allowed to create a duplicate ID/Version/Draft of an item in the database. It is applied when editing and saving an item. This allows you to freely copy items without having to decide on multiple unique combinations at the instant of copying. On subsequently editing and attempting to save the item, the checks would be performed. In a similar manner to ‘Mandatory Categories’.
A Regex is simply sequence of characters that define a search pattern. This pattern is then compared with the target test string and will produce a match if the pattern allows.
Cradle Queries
When retrieving information from the database, Cradle uses a query to filter the data returned. It looks for many matches against different aspects of the item.
Ending Wildcards and Contains
Wildcard matches are available on the Identity and the Key fields The ones most likely to be identifying a hierarchy.
In the example below a query has been run with three values in the identity field.
REQ-1
REQ-1.
REQ-1*
The results show
Only REQ-1 returned and exact match
REQ-10, REQ-11, REQ-12 …. onwards a text match bringing back the matches greater than the stem. This is really useful for hierarchical numbers, bringing back the children of 1.1 (using 1.1.) say.
REQ-1, REQ-10, REQ-11 a text match where the stem is followed by zero or more characters. This brings back the stem value too.
Wildcard Query
Contains matches are available on Name and Comment fields. They are case insensitive and look for the string of characters anywhere in the component.
In the example below
regulation
Results in
Regulations
CAA Regulations
Airworthiness Regulations
Noise Regulations
This can be a little too wide.
Regex Query
Regex Query
Choose Regex
In order to provide more control it is now (Cradle 7.4) possible to switch to a Regex match. Choose the dropdown at the end of the field and select Regex Match. This will change how the search text is applied.
In the example above
^Regulation
Brings back
“Regulations” only because the “^” at the beginning is a regex anchor to the start of the line.
Expressions
If we were searching for part numbers we might use ^Pt:[AB]+.* to bring back all parts starting Pt:A and Pt:B followed by any other characters.
There are many flavours of Regex, Cradle is based on the PCRE flavour. Instead of documenting the whole set of patterns, it is usually more appropriate for users to use their favourite documentation. We like www.regular-expressions.info/ and www.regex101.com/
Pros / Cons
Databases have a number of keys and indexes. Cradle is designed to work with these to produce results most effectively. Wildcard endings are more efficient as they match the way the data is sorted internally. Regex expressions have to match against all database entries. therefore there is a performance implication to using this more flexible matching. This is why both methods are provided and users can switch whichever they want on.
Under the new GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) we’ve updated our (Structured Software Systems Limited – 3SL) Privacy Policy.
This sets out how we we deal with your information, and how you can get in touch with us.
We fully intend to keep in touch with all our customers, and prospects for which we have a legitimate business interest, or a need to service your contract.
If you believe you no longer fall into these categories, please use the un-subscribe link on any of our emails or write to us at our UK Headquarters www.threesl.com/contact or email privacy@threesl.com.
A man walked into a coffee shop to order himself a drink.
Barista said“Wha’ d’ you want?”, before he’d had time to think.
“I’ll take a cappuccino, please, with sprinkles and a sugar or two”
“No prob’s I’ll have that in a jiffy, ready and tasty for you. Just so I can make sure, you get your chosen drink, I’ll need your name upon this cup, he said without a blink.
“That’s personally identifiable information, mate, which is mine to keep. But if I know you’ll handle it right, a soundly I will sleep. Can you show me your Privacy Policy, that’s in-line with GDPR, if you can’t I’ll go to the drive-through down the road, in my little car”
The policy was provided, all typed up and neat, All twenty six pages of it, hardly what you’d call a treat. At the end the man was happy his named cup in bold, would be retained no longer than necessary, but by then, his coffee, was cold!
According to Wikipedia the Chocolate Chip Cookie has been with us since 1936. It’s an enhancement to an already tasty treat. #ChocolateChipDay
Its a reminder to all designers and engineers, you don’t have to re-invent the wheel to create a new project. Work from something you know and enhance it.
What gooey umpshesness would you add to your product?
It’s not just chocolate chips we want to know about. If you want to make a suggestion to social-customer@threesl.com as to what you would add, we’ll compile a list and may update this post!
Generic suggestions allowed e.g. “I’d add rhubarb to my cookies” but if you want to tell us about your company’s product “We’d like music to play when you draw diagrams in Cradle”, please email from a corporate email address. Include your name or moniker.
An overview of the Toolsuite Products in Cradle Software
Toolsuite is a set of tools which utilises the applications in Microsoft® Office. These tools will only work on a Windows environment utilising MS Office from 2007 and up.
Supported Versions and Platforms
The Toolsuite supported versions of MS Office are:
2007 32‐bit
2010 32‐bit and 64‐bit
2013 32‐bit and 64‐bit
2016, 32‐bit and 64‐bit
Any of the Click To Run (CTR) Office suite is also supported by Cradle Toolsuite.
This can be on any of the following Windows platforms:
7 32‐bit and 64‐bit
8.1 32‐bit and 64‐bit
10 32‐bit and 64‐bit
Also it can be installed on the following servers:
2008 R2 32‐bit and 64‐bit
2012 64‐bit
2012 R2 64‐bit
2016 64-bit
Tools
The different tools within the suite utilise the following Office applications:
Word
Document Loader for loading documents
Document Loader Screen
Document Publisher for creating and printing of official documents
Spellchecker to check the spelling in item frames
Word/document frames for items e.g. .doc and .docx frames
Document Coverage shows the items covered by a document
Document Compare compares different versions of source documents against each other
Word frame to RTF Frame converter
Excel
Add-in for imports
Excel Add-in
Excel frames for files
Project
Add-in for importing and exporting to a project file
Project frames for files
Visio
Plug-in allows import of pages and symbols as items
Visio frames for files
PowerPoint
Allows WorkBench to print diagrams to RTF and convert the file to PowerPoint presentations.
Installing Toolsuite
For a successful install of Toolsuite, the MS Office needs to be of one version and not mixed versions. For example, if the user has Word/Excel 2007 but Visio/Project 2013, the plug-in or frames for Visio/Project 2013 is not installed. The installer automatically checks for the architecture of Word/Excel as each MS Office version needs different library files installed by Toolsuite. All other MS applications versions are disregarded if a different version to Word and Excel.
Upgrading or changing MS Office
If upgrading or changing your Office then you should always uninstall Toolsuite first. Once Office is upgraded or changed, Toolsuite can be reinstalled to allow the correct library files to be installed.
Uninstall Toolsuite not Cradle
The user doesn’t need to download a separate Toolsuite installer but can find the installer within the main Cradle install folder.
Shows the Toolsuite folder within the main Cradle install folder
During the install the InstallShield will automatically pick the version to install based on the version of Word and Excel that are installed.
Once Toolsuite is installed successfully, you can access the plug-ins by opening the relevant MS application and selecting the Cradle tab. Document Loader, Document Publisher and Spellchecker are opened through WorkBench, Project Manager or the start menu.
The ‘Word frame to RTF‘ frame converter is accessed via a command line utility. This will take Word frames and copy the data into an RTF frame. More information for using the converter can be found by entering c_word2rtf into the Search bar of our Help system or online at https://www.threesl.com/cradle/help.
Both Document Coverage and Compare are used inside WorkBench and are started by selecting one or more Source Documents and selecting the option in a context menu.
For information on binary and other frames types check our help section or search our blog.
Trouble Shooting Issues
If you are having issues with the install of Toolsuite, then try the following:
Ensure the installed MS Office is fully up to date and check compatibility with Toolsuitehere
Ensure your old office keys are no longer in the Registry especially if you are using Click-to-Run versions
Check the Compatibility tab in the Properties for the Toolsuite setup.exe. Select Change settings for all users and uncheck the Compatibility mode checkbox at the top of the dialog. Click the Apply button and OK to close Properties.
Make sure you perform the install with System Administrator privileges not just logged in as an Admin user
If you are having issues after install then try the following:
Make sure you have restarted your machine after the install
Check you have opened your Office and registered it if you need to
Check .Net framework and C++ redistributables are up to date
Make sure your Toolsuite version is the same as your server version
If none of the above trouble shooting works then send an email to support@threesl.com with any logs created, exports and screenshots if possible.
For more information either look for blogs about the individual applications or see our online Help.
Whether you are eligible or not to vote in Local Elections 2018, and whichever way you decide to vote, don’t forget you can always vote Cradle from 3SL!
Create a good standing for your requirements and system models from the first concept to the final creation choose the right tool for the job.
We most certainly mean May Day, not Mayday! But have you ever stopped to think of the origins?
May day can be traced back to the Roman goddess of flowers Floralia, whose day was celebrated at the end of April. As secular celebrations became more popular, and with the calendar of the day, the 1st of May marked the first day of Summer.
From flowers to maypoles and crowning of the May Queen, a celebration of fertility and new life is now more commonly linked to the early holiday in May. (BTW the UK office will be closed on the 7th May 2018 as it is a bank holiday). The celebration is also closely aligned in the USA with Labor Day, a celebration of workers rights to fair and just working practice.
On the other hand the Anglicisation of the French m’aider, meaning ‘help me’ is used as a verbalisation of S.O.S. We hope a phrase you never have to use. However, if you do feel your project is having a bit of a Mayday moment, maybe you need to ensure its all in Cradle and you have complete control of your requirements…….
Here at 3SL towers we’re celebrating the ‘New Life’ aspect with the birth of Cradle-7.4!
Cradle Version 7.4
Cradle 7.4
3SL are pleased to announce the release of Cradle-7.4.
There are some really helpful new features to look out for, so watch the blog posts over the next few weeks.
Those with maintenance agreements may request to receive new security codes by email.
Discount code
Those with Single User licences for 7.3 or before, or those wishing to purchase extra licences, may want to keep an eye open for a 30th Birthday discount. I can’t say too much but you might want to take note of this code. Ts&Cs apply
GDPR
GDPR
Time is racing towards final implementations for GDPR.
Watch our website for the final policy updates. If you have any comments please get in touch. social-GDPR@threesl.com !!
Social Media
Twitter
Xenon Catcher tweet
We love keeping an eye on what’s new with our customers and changing in the engineering community. A ‘vacuum cleaner’ for Xenon caught our eye.
We looked at long distance communication BI (Before internet) #AmateurRadio Day 2018 with a SysML (Systems Modelling Language) sd (sequence diagram).
We are pleased to announce the latest Cradle release!
3SL customers with active maintenance have been sent an e-mail notification of this release, and details of which enhancement requests and bug reports are in it.
Cradle-7.4
New Capabilities
This release contains a range of new capabilities that are described in its release notes: https://www.threesl.com/downloads/download.php?version=v7.4§ion=documentation&filename=rm00780-V74ReleaseNotes.pdf
Some of the highlights are:
SMTP support – Cradle alerts on both Windows and Linux can be sent with a new SMTP client.
Email Alert Templates – More comprehensive and tailor-able SMTP emails for alerts produced by Cradle.
Lifecycle Workflows – An extension to the Configuration Management System. This allows items to advance through a number of user defined stages.
Attribute Sets – Allows users to define a ‘unique’ identity based on more than one item attribute
Web Access Views – Now even closer to those you are familiar with in WorkBench
Forms – Collapsible panels, linked item filtering, an run a command button are all new here.
Views – Additional commands, linked item filtering get you the actions and items you need more easily.
Queries – More fields now support Regex formats for more flexibility
Hierarchy Diagrams – More colouring options to highlight the parts of the data you want to draw attention to.
You need a new Security Code for Cradle-7.4, other Security Codes cannot be used. There is a database conversion from 7.3 to 7.4. The converter will run automatically if you install Cradle-7.4 over the top of, in the same directory as, the earlier version of Cradle from which you are upgrading.
You must upgrade all Cradle installations to 7.4. Cradle-7.3 clients cannot connect to a Cradle-7.4 server, and a Cradle-7.4 server cannot serve Cradle-7.3 clients.
We hope that you will welcome the new capabilities in Cradle-7.4!
Celebrate 3SL’s 30th Birthday Year with a Discount
To help celebrate 3SL’s 30th year we’re offering £30** discounts*.
30th Birthday Discounts * terms and conditions apply ** fixed equivalent € and $ available
We hope you’ll agree that Cradle is already a great value package in any of its single user or enterprise versions. It combines a hugely powerful Requirements Management tool for massively scalable requirements engineering, with Model Based Systems Engineering capabilities (MBSE). From the initial inception of your project through the elicitation, analysis, design, testing and documentation phases of your project, Cradle is there to support you. With this birthday offer we’re giving you even better value, or offering to support a charity – see ‘Enterprise licences’.
Single User Product Discount
3SL30 – Discount Voucher
Use the special discount voucher code to get £30** off any single user product. If you’re not already on the latest version of Cradle, this is an ideal opportunity to upgrade.
All you need to do is enter the ‘secret’ £30** discount voucher code in the “Discount Code” field at the bottom of the shop checkout page.
Need help finding a discount voucher? (Look closely!!)
Enterprise Licences
We will offer £30** off EACH licence purchased during the offer period. This may be taken as a discount from your invoice or you can nominate a registered charity of your choice and 3SL will make an equivalent donation. If you find your project is expanding and you add a single REQ licence for another engineer you can claim one £30** discount / donation. If you are buying a new set of licences for a project say 5-REQ, 2-SYS and 1-DASH that’s a total of 8*£30 = £240 off the licence cost, or a lovely donation to a charity of your choice.
Creating link rules in Cradle is performed in the Link Rules section of Project Setup. If you require more information on how to find this please see the previous post Getting Started with Link Rules in Cradle.
New link rules are added by selecting the Add… button to the right of the Project Setup window.
Select the Add… button to create new link rules
Selecting Add… opens the Link Rule Setup dialog. The purpose of this window is to select the attributes for our new link rule.
Cradle’s Link Rule Setup Dialog
Specifying Options and Attributes in Link Rule Setup
When creating link rules, you need to decide their purpose and to what items/aspects you want them to apply.
Rule Control
Firstly decide whether the rule is enabled (this allows rules to be written but whether they are applied or not may depend on the stage the current project is at)
Next decide whether this rule is an ALLOW (Permit the operation) or PREVENT (Prevent operation) action.
Choose whether this is a blanket rule, or whether it only applies to certain Users, or User Teams.
Cross Reference Attributes
Pick the item types that this refers to. (If these are model-based there are further options to fill)
Optionally restrict this to items with a particular ID. (This might be useful if you have an over arching item e.g. “Reference Set External” to which all external references are linked with a special INCLUDES link type which can be made by anyone adding a reference)
The link type can be specified as any of those defined for the project, or <any> which allows all link types to match, or a Link Group which is a set of link types.
Optionally mark this as the default link type between two specific item types. This will then be the link type chosen when creating cross references between items of the specified type, either to set the UI as default or when no UI option is available for the action.
Matched Rule Controls
This defines what the rule will allow in terms of Creation, Deletion or Modification.
Ordering Rules
When creating link rules, remember they are applied in a top down fashion, the first match wins. If there is a narrow case you don’t want to allow, you may choose to PREVENT this first and then add an ALLOW below it. If there is a narrow case you want to ALLOW you would order this first and then PREVENT everything else.
Example:
To allow Requirements to be linked to any Equipment Design item, with any link except CHILD you would define two rules.
PREVENT Requirement ⎯ CHILD → EQUIPMENT DESIGN
ALLOW Requirement ⎯ <any> → EQUIPMENT DESIGN
To allow the Requirements to be linked to other Requirements using the CHILD link, and nothing else a further two rules would be added.
