Linked Components are a simple way to connect resources—such as Materials, Machines, Labors, and Child Assemblies—to an Assembly. By linking these Components, you can clearly define everything required to build or process an Assembly.
This article explains how to access and use the Linked Components screen, including how to add and edit Linked Components.
Table of Contents
Understanding Linked Components
To access Linked Components, navigate to Settings / Components / Assemblies.
1. Select the Assembly you would like to see the Linked Components for.
2. Click on the Linked Components tab.
a. This ellipsis gives you the options to Clone, Set Inactive, or Delete this Assembly. You can also select Add New Assembly here.
b. Use the Search Field to find a particular Component on the list.
c. All Linked Components for this Assembly are listed here.
Note: Clicking on a Linked Component opens up a Side Panel allowing you to make adjustments. More information on the Side Panel is provided below.
d. This ellipsis allows you to open each Linked Assembly in Settings. This opens as a new tab.
Adding Linked Components
Navigate to Settings / Components / Assemblies and open the specific Assembly you would like to link Components to.
1. Select the Form Designer tab.
2. Select an Element you would like to link and drag it into the form designer.
Note: This will bring up a pop-up with information fields to fill in. See example below.
3. Click Save.
Note: The Linked Components tab will automatically display the newly added Element if it is a Material, Machine, Labor, or Child Assembly.
Example:
Each Component has its own unique fields to complete. Fill in all required fields, then follow the prompts by clicking Next Step until you reach the final screen. When finished, click Done.
Linked Components Side Panel
To begin, navigate to Settings / Components / Assemblies and select the correct Assembly.
1. Select the Linked Components tab.
2. Click on the desired Component.
Note: The information available on each side panel will vary depending on the selected Component. All Components include the Details and Data sections, though the specific information shown may differ. Default headings will show on Labors, Materials, and Machines. This example shows the side panel for a Material.
a. This ellipsis allows you to Delete this Linked Component from the Assembly.
Note: Linked Components such as Materials, Machines and Labors are often linked to other parts of the Assembly. They need to be Unlinked before deleting them. Detailed information on Unlinking can be found below, see Example 1 below .
b. Details heading is where you would find basic information about the Component including a Label and Variable Name.
Note: The Variable Name is used in pricing formulas. It must be unique and not include spaces.
c. Data heading includes information such as Component Categories, pricing formulas, property mapping, and advanced settings.
d. This dropdown allows you to filter by specific Component Categories.
Note: Component Categories can be added on each Component under the Details tab of that individual Component. See Example 2 below.
Note: For more information on Component Categories, please see Component Categories Overview, or Managing Component Categories
e. The Default is the value is what will automatically populate in the field.
3. The Save button must be clicked in order to save any changes as the system does not do this automatically.
Example 1:
Unlinking Components can be done with the following steps.
1. Note the Variable Name listed on your Linked Component.
2. Search for that Variable Name on the Form Designer under the Search Element List, or on the tab for Formulas.
Note: This will list all Elements that are referencing that Variable Name within their formulas.
3. Rewrite the formula to exclude the Variable Name or remove the formula completely.
4. Once that processes has been completed on every Element listed, you will then be able to delete the Linked Component.
Example 2:
1. Click on the Details tab within the Component screen.
Note: This is found in Settings / Components then selecting the Type of Component and the individual Component.
2. Use the Categories dropdown to select the Categories you would like that Component associated to.
Note: Changes will be automatically saved.
Note: For more information on adding Categories to Components, please see Managing Component Categories.
