Archimate elements used multiple times

[P Robert]

Hi,

I'm trying to put together a Archimate 2.0 diagram in which I would like to have multiple instances of the same element.

A good example is a data element: I have multiple systems in my whole IT landscape which use the part data object. So for each system, I would like to display that the software either realizes (create) or uses (consume a local copy of the data) the part data object.
However, when I try to drag the Parts data object more than once on my diagram, I'm getting an error message saying:

 "The diagram already contains an instance of the element you are trying to paste. Currently, only one instance is supported, so you cannot paste the element here."

I don't want to have the element only once and linking all systems to it for 2 reasons:
1) it will quickly become unreadable
2) I want to be able to show the difference between a system which gets a local copy of the data and system which accesses the part data directly into another system

I've seen that I can create local copies of an linked element which allows me to have it multiple times, but they really are distinct element afterward... This does pollute the model a lot and prevents traceability afterward (I wouldn't be able to do an analysis of what systems are using part data because I would then need to check each copy of the part data object to see what it is relating to, so this becomes a nightmare to manage).

Any idea how we can (or if we can) change that setting to allow multiple instances of the element in the same diagram?

[qwerty]

You can't place the same element more than once on a diagram (except with a bad hack via automation which is not recommended). You can only place multiple instances of an element on a diagram which then are different elements.

q.

[adama]

Well, it would be REALLY NICE if we could have two instances of an element on a drawing. But, given the fundamental principles of the product, I don't have any concrete suggestions.

[qwerty]

You can have multiple instances but not the same element more than once.

q.

[Glassboy]

You can have multiple instances but not the same element more than once.

Archimate doesn't have instances.

[qwerty]

Well, in that case adama's proposal should be questioned. I have not really an idea about Archimate and was speaking from a general UML view.

q.

[adama]

All, regrets on the sloppy language. Per Qwerty, I meant "the same element more than once".  Have that capability would greatly enhance my ability to model using something akin to IDEF0, which is already sufficiently difficult in EA.

For example, the role Assembler might participate in twodistinct functions/processes in the model. Thus, I need the ability to show it as a mechanism two times, once for each process that it enables.

Code: [Select]

PROCESS A------>PROCESS B------->PROCESS C
       ^ -----------^ --------------^
       |------------|---------------|
   Assembler ----Quality--------Assembler

[Paolo F Cantoni]

See:
Virtual Connector Ends.  It's not yet fully working but it may be the way forward for you.

I found them a bit problematic, but ultimately I used them on a couple of diagrams.

There are some posts on the topic in the forum.

HTH,
Paolo

[Geert Bellekens]

See:
Virtual Connector Ends.  It's not yet fully working but it may be the way forward for you.

I found them a bit problematic, but ultimately I used them on a couple of diagrams.

There are some posts on the topic in the forum.

HTH,
Paolo

Yes, that is Sparx's half assed solution to this very common problem we are complaining about for as long as the product exists I guess.
I recommend to avoid it as it brings more confusing then it adds value (in my opinion anyway).

BTW, using scripting you can perfectly add another DiagramObject for the same element on the same diagram. Technically there's nothing preventing EA from doing it, it more a design/usage  decision.

Geert

[qwerty]

BTW, using scripting you can perfectly add another DiagramObject for the same element on the same diagram

Yes, but with very strange side effects. Especially when this element has connectors (which is why people want to have it multiple times). So REALLY not recommended.

q.