Search model types

[Agileba]

Is there a way to search model types in EA? For example I want to find a 'pool' but dont want to remember that it is in BMPN 2.0. Is there a search so that I can find this or do I have to memorise it. The search function only seems to be for finding actors entities etc not types of diagramming tools.

This search is to find model entitites to use in a diagram noto to search existing models

[Sunshine]

You can find pool or lane objects in BPMN by using extended search or customised search by searching for "pool" using the stereotype field. If you find yourself doing a particular search a lot then create a custom search with the search builder.
If you feel up to it you can even write your own SQL but I'm afraid it requires you learning where stuff is stored in the database underneath EA. Not something everyone wants to get into.

Unfortunately the search function takes a bit of a learning curve which is slightly technical and not always easy to pick up for non-techie folk. If you're not technically minded find a developer who knows something about databases and they should be able to help.

Hope that helps
 

[Paulus]

Hi Agileba,

If i understand you correctly you are asking if it is possible to obtain a list of element types from diffecrent profiles (like standard UML, BPMN 2.0, ArcGIS, etc) that you can use on a diagram. The answer is: no, there is no easy way to obtain these.

In practice though this should not really be a problem since mixing of (elements in) profiles is in general not a good idea: profiles are intended for modelling specific problem domains or according to specific standards. A well-constructed profile will offer only those elements that should be used on a specific diagram, through a toolbox or through a popupmenu (quicklinker), or both, and often prevents you from drawing 'illegal' relations in diagrams.

Even if you're using EA primarily as a drawing tool i'ts better to stick to a limited numer of profiles, like the standard sparx basic, views, and extended UML profiles. There is always the option of altering the shape of elements through custom stereotypes with  custom 'shape scripts' or using an alternate image for an element.

best regards,

Paulus

[Sunshine]

I should read the original post a bit more.  Especially the last sentence
The short answer is there isn't such a feature in EA.

You can view the list of stereotypes via menu Settings>UML Types however found it doesn't seem to list MDG's unless they've been imported into the model.

Thanks Paulus - good answer.

Best think I can suggest is get a cheat sheet or poster for each notation you use and pin it to the wall near your desk. You can usually down load these from the relevant websites. Just search on something like "BPMN 2.0 Cheat Sheet".

Hope that helps