Block Definition Diagram - Summing a value from part association blocks

[DanaMaxwell]

I am creating a Block Definition Diagram in order to model a system hierarchy. One of the goals is to track the sum of some properties of the parts, for example weight.

Leaf nodes would have a weight value while moving up the hierarchy would result in a sum of the weights of the aggregate parts.

Ideally, I would track both a weight and a budget weight at each level and flag the user when a budget has been exceeded (or run a report to find where weight budgets have been exceeded).

So, where and how do I record the weights (attributes, properties,...)?

How do I get the tool to sum the values based upon the part association?

Would be happy to get a pointer on where to find this in the documentation.

Thanks

[PeterHeintz]

Hi Dana,
to store your weights I would uses tagged values.
For the calculation you need to write a script, you have to call maybe from time to time.

[DanaMaxwell]

Why would you choose tagged values as opposed to attributes or properties? I would like to be able to see the values on the block in a block diagram.

I like attributes because I can define all my the aspects I wish to track (weight, volume,...) as attributes is a block and then have all the rest inherit.

Pros/cons to each approach?

[PeterHeintz]

Hi,
you could do it with attribute as well.
I personally would us tagged values, because by doing so, it is easy to define a stereotype having those tags. And by assigning the stereotype to a block or property you get the tags created by EA.
Depending on your kind of element it is possible to see the tags in the diagram as well.

[DanaMaxwell]

"Depending on your kind of element it is possible to see the tags in the diagram as well."

Can you elaborate? How would I go about having the Tagged Value visible in the <<Block>> of a Block Definition Diagram. Assuming that I extended <<Block>> to <<myBlock>>.

[PeterHeintz]

Use "Feature and Compartment Visibility".

[DanaMaxwell]

Thanks!