TEAMCENTER

Basic and Advanced

Classification on
Active Workspace ─
Usage
Teamcenter 2412
Unpublished work. © 2024 Siemens

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 Contents

Using classification for reuse and standardization 1-1

What is the difference between basic and advanced classification?

2-1

How classification works 3-1

About advanced classification

Overview of advanced classification, ECLASS, and licensing ─────── 4-1
ECLASS and Teamcenter terminology ───────────────── 4-1
About the objects that you work with ───────────────── 4-2
About property blocks, polymorphism, and cardinality ───────── 4-6
Browsing a class with property blocks ───────────────── 4-8
About classification libraries ───────────────────── 4-9

Filtering by classification
Find a classified object by browsing the classification hierarchy ───── 5-1
Find an object by searching for a specific property value ───────── 5-3
View multiple objects in a classification class based on their properties ── 5-5
Find classification objects using the global search ──────────── 5-6
Search for an object based on the properties of another object (search similar)
──────────────────────────────── 5-7
Understanding the classification of assemblies ───────────── 5-8
Search for classes using classification criteria ────────────── 5-9
Include classification properties when you compare search results ─── 5-10

Exploring the classification user interface 6-1

Classifying objects
Classify an object using the Classification tab ────────────── 7-1
Classify an object in a suggested class ───────────────── 7-3
Classify an object using the Classify panel ─────────────── 7-3
Reclassify an object ───────────────────────── 7-6
Edit object properties ──────────────────────── 7-7
Viewing and authoring classification data in your preferred language ── 7-8
Classify an object in multiple classes using the Classification tab ───── 7-8
Classify an object in multiple classes using the Classify panel ────── 7-9
Classifying multiple objects simultaneously ────────────── 7-10
Classify an object based on the properties of an existing classified object 7-10

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 Classify in multiple versions of a hierarchy ────────────── 7-11
About mandatory classification ─────────────────── 7-12
Delete classification information ─────────────────── 7-13

Working with classification objects

Create standalone classification objects ──────────────── 8-1
Working with unit systems ────────────────────── 8-1
Sharing classified objects ─────────────────────── 8-2
Understanding how you can create graphics for a class based on templates
──────────────────────────────── 8-5
Create graphics for a class based on templates ───────────── 8-5

Browsing a class with property blocks 9-1

View audit logs for classification events 10-1

Import classified data for advanced classification 11-1

4 Basic and Advanced Classification on Active Workspace ─ Usage, Teamcenter 2412

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 1. Using classification for reuse and
standardization
New product development and product improvement commonly involve the reuse of existing elements.
This increases efficiency and savings. Digital libraries contain massive quantities of objects that are
unrelated to each other except for how they are used or reused. Classifying these objects using
descriptive attributes that you can search ensures they can be easily found. Teamcenter contains
classification hierarchies, classes, and attributes organized into class definitions so that users can quickly
find objects for reuse.

For example, your company decides on a set of standardized processes for manufacturing your new
product. When the process designers plan new processes, they can search the classes in the classification
hierarchy to find a fitting standardized process to use as a basis for the new one. The designers do not
have to start from scratch.

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 1. Using classification for reuse and standardization

Where do I go from here?

Classification administrator Learn how to install and configure classification.

Business User
Classify my business objects Classify an object using the Classification tab
Navigate the classification hierarchy Find a classified object by browsing the
classification hierarchy
Search for my classified objects Find classification objects using the global
search
Read about classification objects and classified Learn how the classification system works
objects
Share classified objects with another site Look at the different ways in which you can
replicate classification objects and how one
method differs from another.

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 2. What is the difference between basic and
advanced classification?
When using the classification feature, there are two types of data that can exist in your classification
hierarchy — Basic and Advanced. These are some of the differences between these two types of data:

Basic classification Advanced classification

Availability Available on the rich client and Active Available on Active Workspace.
Workspace.
Effectiveness Effective in defining objects uniquely Effective in capturing overall product
with properties for reuse. information for PIM and MDM systems with
support for ECLASS standard class hierarchy
and definitions.
Standard Some of the basic classification Some of the advanced classification features:
Features features:
• Class definition versioning
• Classification hierarchical
representation • Flexible data modeling with attribute
blocks, aspects, cardinality, and
• Flat list of properties polymorphism.

• List of values • Complex data type attributes

• Unit of measure • Native data storage

• Support for views • Support for namespaces

• Limited to 200 Properties in a class • Unlimited number of properties

• No Array limitations
Data model Supports DIN-4000 standard and Supports ECLASS standard and conforms to
standards confirms to underlying specifications DIN 4002, ISO 13584-32, ISO 13584-42, IEC
of ISO/TS-13399 standard. 61360 standards.
Hierarchy and Define custom hierarchy and class Define custom hierarchy and class definitions.
class definitions definitions.
Additionally supports standard based ECLASS
hierarchy spanning more than 48 domains.
Data exchange Supports PLMXML, TCXML, and Multi- Supports JSON, OntoML, BMEcat.
support Site.

There is very little difference between these two types of data in the user interface. These data types
are, however, installed and configured differently. If you have questions, contact your classification
administrator.

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 2. What is the difference between basic and advanced classification?

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 3. How classification works
A classification system functions as a type of filing cabinet, with each folder representing a class. Objects
are sorted into classes based on their properties or attributes. If there is, for example, a class of screws,
there may be many different sizes and shapes of screws in this class, but they all share the many
attributes such as diameter and length. In Teamcenter, each unique description of a screw is contained
in a classification object. To illustrate, you may have three different screws in the screw class:

Screw 1 Screw 2 Screw 3

Diameter (mm) 8 6 5
Length (mm) 50 40 30

The classification system saves each of these descriptions as a classification object with its own unique
ID.

Class = Screws Class = Screws Class = Screws

Classification Classification Classification

object ID: object ID: object ID:
screw_001 screw_002 screw_003
Diameter (mm) 8 6 5
Length (mm) 50 40 30

When you classify an item into this class, the classification object is associated with the item. If a
classification object does not yet exist for your item, it is automatically created in the background and
associated with the item being classified. After classification, the item is referred to as the classified item
(or object).

There are situations where your classification system contains classification objects that do not classify
any items. These are referred to as catalog items or standalone classification objects. These are useful,
for example, when importing catalog items or automatically creating graphics for a class of objects.

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 3. How classification works

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 4. About advanced classification
Overview of advanced classification, ECLASS, and licensing
Advanced classification is based on the classification standard taxonomy (CST) framework. This
framework supports using standardized classification hierarchies and data so that classification data
can easily be shared between customers and suppliers. In particular, the framework supports the ECLASS
standard that describes products and services across a wide range of industries through the use of
classes and properties with unique identifiers.

For more information about the ECLASS standard, visit their website:

https://eclass.eu/en/eclass-standard/introduction

For information about what versions of ECLASS are supported, see ECLASS version support for the
current version of Teamcenter.

Teamcenter Classification for ECLASS introduces CST to support ECLASS structures. CST classes are
available in the classification hierarchy, and if desired, alongside traditional classification classes (ICS)
to classify your data. Using Teamcenter Classification for ECLASS, you can import and export ECLASS-
compliant data.

The use of the ECLASS standard requires registration and licensing.

Advanced Classification can also be used as generic classification system where you can build your own
hierarchy and classification definitions by using the new features and data constructs. Most of the new
features and data constructs are supported in Advanced Classification even without ECLASS.

If you want standards based classification system then ECLASS Standard is supported in Advanced
Classification by importing ECLASS taxonomy and classification definitions.

Classification standard taxonomy features (CST) are available with a regular classification authoring
license. Reading, authoring, and browsing of a custom CST hierarchy is possible.

If, however, you download and use hierarchy data from ECLASS, you require a cls_eclass_user named
user license. With this license, you can perform create, update, and delete operations on an ECLASS
hierarchy and data.

For complete information about licenses required, contact your Siemens Digital Industries Software
representative.

ECLASS and Teamcenter terminology

The classification standard taxonomy objects and concepts have different nomenclature than the ECLASS
objects.

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 4. About advanced classification

The ECLASS website provides in-depth explanations of ECLASS objects:

https://eclass.eu

The most commonly used objects are as follows.

ECLASS CST Traditional classification (ICS)

Value list Key-LOV definition Key-LOV
Property Property definition Dictionary attribute
Classification class Node definition --
Application class Class definition Group/class
IRDI IRDI ID
Property block Property block --
Application data Classification object ICO
Aspect Aspect --

About the objects that you work with

IRDI
The International Registration Data Identifier (IRDI) originates from the ECLASS standard. This
identifier is used by the classification standard taxonomy to uniquely identify all classes, properties,
and key-LOVs. Most importantly, using an IRDI supports:

• Unique namespaces

• Revisioning

In CST, the IRDI is displayed using the following format:

aaaa...a#bb-cccccc#nnn

Example:

XMPL#01-CLS001#001

Where:

IRDI Description
components

aaaa...a Unique alphanumeric namespace

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 About the objects that you work with

IRDI Description
components

Numeric namespaces are reserved as companies and organizations can register

them with ISO. For example, the following namespaces are reserved:

0173 is reserved by the ECLASS organization

0175 is reserved by Siemens

Choose a namespace that is unique to your organization. This is particularly

important if you plan to share data with other organizations.

# Separator character

bb Data type

01: class

02: property

09: list of values (key-LOV)

cccccc Object identifier

This identifier uniquely identifies the object within the object data type. This
identifier can have up to six characters.

nnn Revision number

The revision number must have three characters.

Node hierarchy
The classification hierarchy consists of nodes of differing types.

• A group node is used for organization and cannot hold data.

• A master node references an application class that holds data. Master nodes can have other
master nodes as children.

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 4. About advanced classification

A node hierarchy can be revised.

Class
There are three types of classes in CST:

• Application class

An application class is referenced by nodes and can be used to store data. They hold the
properties used to define the class. An application class can reference properties and aspect
classes.

• Property block class

A property block class groups sets of properties together. You can group properties that are
frequently used, avoiding the need to repeatedly assign each property to a class. For example, a
milling tool generally comprises a holder, an adapter, and an insert. Each of these components
is described by many properties. The insert, for example, can be described by properties such as
thickness, cutting length, grade, and material. Because these properties apply to every insert, you
can group them into one property block class called Insert and reuse this property block like a
simple property in every class that contains an insert.

• Aspect class

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 About the objects that you work with

An aspect class groups properties that pertain to overarching aspects of many objects and
can be reused across multiple object types. They often group such parameters as commercial
information, for example, supplier contact information, that have nothing to do with product
definition. Aspect classes can only be referenced directly by application classes.
Key list of values
A key list of values (key-LOV) holds selection lists.

These lists can be nested.

Key-LOVs are referenced by properties.

Property
A property is used to describe attributes of a class. It can have multiple data types:

• String
• Integer
• Double
• Boolean
• Reference

Reference property types point to another object such as a key-LOV definition or a property block
class.
Property group
A property group is the user interface representation of a property block class. It is a group of
properties that you can navigate using the Property Groups pane.
Classification object
An internal classification object (ICO) is used to classify Teamcenter data.
View
Used to display all or a subset of the properties in a class in the user interface. There are two types of
views used in classification classes:

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 4. About advanced classification

• Base view

• User, group, or role view

About property blocks, polymorphism, and cardinality

If the classification hierarchy is configured to use classification standard taxonomy (CST) classes, the data
stored may include property blocks for which cardinality and polymorphism is enabled.

Property block

Frequently, there is a group of properties that is always used together. For example, the following sets of
properties describe a car seat:

Front seat:

Material
Color
Adjustable headrests
Electrically adjustable seats
Lumbar support
Heated seats

Each time you create a class, you could manually add each of these properties to the class to describe a
car seat. However, it is easier to group them and select a single property called Front seat that contains
all of the required properties. This set of properties is called a property block.

In the user interface, a property block is displayed as follows.

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 About property blocks, polymorphism, and cardinality

Cardinality

Cardinality on property blocks allows you to specify the number of times that a property block is used
in a class. For example, a car can have two or three rows of seats. If a cardinality controller is added to
the property block, you can specify the number of times that the set of properties is displayed in the user
interface.

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 4. About advanced classification

Polymorphism

In the preceding example, the same set of properties is displayed for each new seat. Displaying a
different set of properties depending on the type of each seat is referred to as polymorphism. Here, a
property, Type of seat, is called the polymorphism controller.

Polymorphism Front seat Rear seat

controller:

Material Material

Color Color

Adjustable headrests Adjustable headrests

Properties:
Electrically adjustable seats Rear seat entertainment system

Lumbar support

Heated seats

The Type of seat property determines which properties are displayed.

You can also use polymorphism and cardinality together.

Browsing a class with property blocks

When classes contain many properties and property blocks you can quickly and easily navigate these
classes in the following ways:

• Display the Property Groups by clicking .

Tip:
If you have many images or property groups, it may be helpful to hide the display of images by
clicking .

• The complete list of property blocks is displayed on the left. Select one block to display only that
property block on the right.

• Deselecting a property block displays all properties on the right.

• Click in a cardinal block on the right and view the attribute values in a tabular format. In edit mode,
you can modify values, change the order of the columns, or add more columns by modifying the
cardinality controller. If the block also contains polymorphism, the tabular format is not available.

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 About classification libraries

About classification libraries

Libraries are used to organize classified objects with similar characteristics or application, in a hierarchy.
For instance, if you were looking for a bolt, you would start by searching for the bolt library. Once you
find the bolt library, you can perform additional searches, use filters, or browse through the hierarchy to
find the object that meets your criteria.

Libraries are installed on top of classification. If both are installed, filters for both are displayed in the
Filters panel. If libraries are not installed, you see an entry for classification only.

As soon as you begin navigating through one of these filters, the other is no longer visible. This means
that you can search using classification or libraries but not both.

When you navigate through the classification or library facets, the classification attributes are displayed
in the facet list with the other workspace object properties.

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 4. About advanced classification

Library object types

The object and target of the reuse activity (for example, an

Library object item revision that represents a tool or a part) that is referenced
from the library element in the hierarchy.

Used to manage the mapping of a library object to a specific

Library element library hierarchy node in a library. Each library element is
indexed in Teamcenter to provide a thorough search result.

Each library hierarchy contains a set of nodes (for example,

Library node drilling, turning, and milling) that are used to organize library
elements contained in the library.

Note:
If you classify items, item revisions fulfilling the search criteria are displayed in the search results.

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 5. Filtering by classification
Find a classified object by browsing the classification hierarchy
The classification hierarchy is displayed as a tree structure of nested classes that allows you to intuitively
navigate down the hierarchy in search of a classified object. Selecting any class provides you with filters
for all the attributes contained in the selected class. You can use these filters to narrow the search
results.

1. On the Home page, click the CLASSIFICATION tile.

The classification location is displayed. The classification hierarchy is displayed in the Class
Navigator panel.

2. Do one of the following:

• Navigate down the hierarchy and click arrows in the Class Navigator pane to open the hierarchy
or click the class to perform an automatic search in the class.

• Click Class Navigator and select Images to navigate the hierarchy by class image. It is helpful
to make the Class Navigator pane wider when navigating by image to see as many images as
possible simultaneously.

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 5. Filtering by classification

3. Click Filters to narrow your search.

4. Open the desired result by clicking Open and click the Classification tab.

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 Find an object by searching for a specific property value

Find an object by searching for a specific property value

You can find classification objects by searching for the value of a specific property. Filtering is available
to aid the search.

1. In the classification location, navigate to the desired class in the classification hierarchy.

2. Click Filters.

The properties of the selected class are displayed in the Filters pane.

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 5. Filtering by classification

3. Do one of the following:

• Search for the desired filter by typing the name in the Filter by Property box.

• Select the desired value within any of the filters.

The objects that are in the selected class that contain the specified property values are displayed in the
search results.

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 View multiple objects in a classification class based on their properties

Tip:
The behavior of the filters depends on your search settings. Find these in the Advanced Search.

View multiple objects in a classification class based on their

properties
You can view multiple objects in a classification class based on the properties of the objects and the
properties of the classification class.

1. In the classification location, navigate to the desired class in the classification hierarchy.

2. Select the table view.

In the table view, the first column displays the properties and the subsequent columns display
the property value for each object in the class. By default you see the object properties and the
classification properties.

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 5. Filtering by classification

3. To toggle the display of classification properties, click Show Classification Properties .

Find classification objects using the global search

The global search helps you find any object in the database, including classified objects.

Use the following syntax when searching for classified objects in the global search:

To Use this syntax Examples

Search on the classification class "Classification class name":desired-class- "Classification class name":drill
name name

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 Search for an object based on the properties of another object (search similar)

To Use this syntax Examples

"Classification class name":"spot drill"
Search on classification class ID "Classification class id":desired-class-ID "Classification class id":TA_MILL_10_20
Search on a classification property property-name:property-value-or- Company:siemens
keyword
"Resource Description 1":"angle base
plate"

"Step count":4
Search for a numeric range of a property-name:[start-range TO end- "Step count":[0 TO 5]
property range]

Note the following:

• If any part of the search syntax consists of more than one word, it must be enclosed in quotation
marks.

• The global search is not case sensitive.

• Classification class IDs are not visible to business users. However, many business users are familiar
with their hierarchies and know the class IDs. If so, then they can use the global search to search on a
class ID.

Search for an object based on the properties of another object

(search similar)
Sometimes, you want to find an object with similar properties to one you know or to one you currently
have open. This is possible with the Search Similar command.

1. Open an object in the Classification tab.

2. Select Search Similar in the CLASSIFICATIONS pane.

You may have to allow the pop-up blocker permission to open the web page.

The Search Similar pane opens displaying the classification hierarchy of the object.

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 5. Filtering by classification

3. To search in the same class as the currently opened object, click Search. Alternatively, you can
widen your search by clicking any of the parent classes displayed in the hierarchy and then clicking
Search.

A new browser window is displayed containing the Filters pane with the facets of the chosen class.

4. Modify these filters to find the appropriate object.

Understanding the classification of assemblies

When you classify an assembly, you are actually classifying the underlying classifiable object (for
example, the item revision). The underlying classifiable object of each line of an assembly is classified
independently.

This means that each object in an assembly can belong to a different classification class (or none at
all). When you view an assembly, the Classification tab displays the classification properties of the
classifiable object that the selected element in the left panel points to. If no element is selected, the
classification details for the assembly's classifiable object are displayed.

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 Search for classes using classification criteria

Search for classes using classification criteria

In the classification location, you can navigate through the class hierarchy manually.
If you already know the name or ID of the class in which you want to search, you can search using the
following syntax:

Class name:

Class id:

Example:
Class name:Step drill

Do not enter a space between the colon character and the parameter you search for.

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 5. Filtering by classification

Include classification properties when you compare search results

When you select multiple search results, you can compare their properties in a table. Classification
properties are included in this table.

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 Include classification properties when you compare search results

Note:
The comparison of classification properties is available only in the Results panel of the search.
Only classifiable objects are displayed in the comparison table.

Open the Arrange panel by clicking .

Note:
When an object is classified in multiple classes, the most recent (by time) classification properties
are displayed in the Compare table. Older classification properties are not shown but can be seen
in the Selection summary view.

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 5. Filtering by classification

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 6. Exploring the classification user
interface
The Active Workspace client in Teamcenter provides a rich web-based graphical interface for working
with classified objects. The main components are the Class Navigator, the Classification tab, and the
Classify panel.

The classification location

The classification location is the starting point when searching for classified objects. The Class Navigator
helps you find the class you need.

Class Navigator Navigate the classification hierarchy to find the desired

class and then optionally, use filters to narrow your
search.

Search results Select from a list of search results.

Alternatively, you can switch from tree viewing to navigating by image.

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 6. Exploring the classification user interface

Each node in the hierarchy is then represented by an image.

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 6. Exploring the classification user interface

The Classification tab

The Classification tab provides a large area to view, edit, or delete classification data.

Using the full page display improves the process of working with classification data by also allowing
you to search and browse the classification hierarchy during a classify operation. For more space when
working with the classification properties, click Full Screen.

CLASSIFICATIONS Lists the classifications for a selected object.

IMAGES Displays any images associated with the classified object.

PROPERTY GROUPS Displays all property groups used to classify the object.
Navigate the property groups by expanding or selecting
each of them.

PROPERTIES Displays the classification properties of the selected object.

Tab-specific buttons Hide areas of the user interface to provide more viewing
space for other areas.

Property-specific buttons Edit property values.

Show or hide the display of empty properties. This

helps keep the focus on the properties containing a
value.

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 Specify whether you enter metric or non-metric
values. The values are always stored in the base unit
of the class regardless of which unit system you use to
enter them.

Expand or collapse all the property groups.

The Classify panel

The Classify panel provides the option to classify without opening the Classification tab.

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 6. Exploring the classification user interface

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 7. Classifying objects
Classify an object using the Classification tab
When you classify an object (for example, an item revision, document, or model), you add searchable
attributes to the object and relate similar object types. Classifiable object types are set by your
Teamcenter administrator.

1. Select an object to classify.

2. Click the Classification tab.

If a standalone classification object (ICO) exists in the database that has the same ID as the object
you are classifying, you will be asked if the object should be connected to that ICO, and therefore,
classified in the ICO's class.

3. In the CLASSIFICATIONS pane, click Add.

4. Do one of the following:

• In the Filter search box, type the name of the class and press Return.

• Select subclasses from the list of available classes.

• Search for a class based on classification parameters.

5. Enter the classification property values, complete the required and optional information, and click
Classify.

You can enter multiple values for properties for which your administrator set up an array by
entering the values vertically until the set number of entries is reached.

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 7. Classifying objects

Note:
When you enter a date, it is saved in the format set by the classification administrator. This
may not be the format in which you enter the date.

The classification information is saved and displayed in the PROPERTIES section of the work area.

The classification is displayed in the CLASSIFICATIONS pane.

6. (Optional) Edit or delete the classification information if necessary.

7. (Optional) Classify the object in a second class.

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 Classify an object in a suggested class

Classify an object in a suggested class

Note:
This functionality is available only when the AI assisted classification is deployed.

When you classify an object, Teamcenter provides you with suggestions of classes that may be suitable
for classification. The suggestions are based on an artificial intelligence engine that is trained on data in
your database. The AI engine suggests classes based on properties that are specified in preferences.

1. Open the object to be classified in the Classification tab.

2. Click one of the suggested classes.

You see the class with properties pre-populated by the most likely values.

3. Enter property values and click Classify.

Classify an object using the Classify panel

When you classify an object (for example, an item revision, document, or model), you add searchable
attributes to the object and relate similar object types. Classifiable object types are set by your
Teamcenter administrator. The Classify panel allows you to classify objects without opening the
Classification tab.

Note:
The Paste command is not available in the Classify panel. To perform this action, open the
Classification tab.

1. Open the object to be classified.

2. Click More Commands > Manage > Classify.

3. Click Add.

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 7. Classifying objects

4. Do one of the following:

• Type the name of the class to search for.

• Navigate the hierarchy to find the desired class.

• Search for a class based on classification parameters.

When you reach a storage class, the properties are displayed at the bottom of the panel.

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 Classify an object using the Classify panel

5. Select the unit system in which you want to classify the object. If the class you selected is a fixed
unit class, the Metric and Non-Metric options are for information purposes only. If the class you
selected is not a fixed unit class and you switch between units:

• Corresponding attribute values for integers and real numbers are converted to the other unit
system, and the units displayed are also changed accordingly.

• Key-LOVs are converted to the key and value pairs for the destination metric or nonmetric value
system.

• Other attribute types (such as strings) remain unchanged.

6. Enter the classification property values, complete the required and optional information, and select
Classify.

• You can enter multiple values for properties for which your administrator sets up an array. You
can do this by entering the values vertically until the set number of entries is reached.

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 7. Classifying objects

• When you enter a date, it is saved in the format set by the classification administrator. This may
not be the format in which you enter the date.

The classification information is saved and displayed in the Overview tab. If you reopen the
Classify pane, the properties of the classified objects are displayed.

7. (Optional) To browse only the properties in a specific property group, click Property Groups and
select a group, and then click Properties.

Only the properties in that property group are displayed.

Tip:
Click the class tile to view all properties again.

8. (Optional) Edit or delete the classification information if necessary.

9. (Optional) Classify the object in a second class.

Reclassify an object
1. Open the classified object in the Classification tab or the Classify panel.

2. Click Reclassify .

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 Edit object properties

3. Select a new classification class.

4. Click Classify.

Edit object properties

1. Open the object in the Classification tab or the Classify panel.

2. Click Edit properties:

In the Classification tab In the Classification panel

3. Modify the property values.

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 7. Classifying objects

4. Click Save .

Viewing and authoring classification data in your preferred

language
Teamcenter supports adding translations for your classification attribute values. Additionally, you can
mark these with a status such as Approved or Pending. These translations are saved with the
classification object.

The Edit localization feature is available for traditional basic classification classes only. You cannot use
this feature with classification standard taxonomy classes.

Classify an object in multiple classes using the Classification tab

1. Open the classified object that you want to classify in an additional class and click Add.

2. Select the new class, add property values, and click Classify.

When you select the new class, the values of any attributes that are common to both classes are
automatically entered into the same attribute in the new class. If these values are not appropriate
for the new class, modify or remove them by clicking Clear All. To remove them individually, click
in the cell and remove each undesired value.

The object is now classified in multiple classes.

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 Classify an object in multiple classes using the Classify panel

The PROPERTIES section displays information about each selected classification.

Classify an object in multiple classes using the Classify panel

1. Open the classified object that you want to classify in an additional class and choose More
Commands > Manage > Classify.

2. Click in the Classify panel.

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 7. Classifying objects

3. Select the new class and add property values.

When you select the new class, the values of any attributes that are common to both classes are
automatically entered into the same attribute in the new class. If these values are not appropriate
for the new class, modify or remove them by clicking Clear All. To remove them individually, click
in the cell and remove each undesired value.

4. Click Classify.

The object is now classified in multiple classes.

Classifying multiple objects simultaneously

Note:
This functionality is available only when the AI assisted classification is deployed.

A classification administrator can run a utility that classifies multiple objects simultaneously based on
definable properties. This classification process is carried out using artificial intelligence. The process
sends the objects to a workflow. Specified users receive a notification, and they can then decide whether
to accept the suggested classification or, if it is not appropriate, to delete it.

Classify an object based on the properties of an existing classified

object
If an object that you want to classify has very similar properties to an object that is already classified, you
can copy the classification properties of the existing object and use them as the basis for classifying the
new object.

1. Select the classified object with similar properties and click Copy .

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 Classify in multiple versions of a hierarchy

2. Open the new object to be classified and click Paste .

The classification properties of the source object are opened in edit mode. You can now modify
them and save them as the classification properties of the target object.

Classify in multiple versions of a hierarchy

This functionality is only available in Advanced classification and ECLASS.

If your company uses multiple versions of a classification hierarchy, you can set a filter to more easily find
the appropriate class. This filter is available in both the Classification tab and the Classification location.

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 7. Classifying objects

By default, all releases are selected. After choosing the releases that you require, click to update the
hierarchy.

About mandatory classification

If your administrator has configured classification enforcement, then you may see the following symbol
after you create new objects.

This means that your business process requires that you classify this type of object. You must either
classify the object or assign the classification process to a colleague. To do this, submit the object to a
workflow that uses the Review Classifications template and assign it to the responsible subject matter
expert. The object to be classified is displayed as a target of this workflow and can be opened from
within the workflow. After classification, the subject matter expert completes the workflow affirming
that the object is correctly classified and the warning sign is removed from the classified object.

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 Delete classification information

Delete classification information

1. Open the classified object for which you want to delete the classification information.

2. Click Delete .

The classification information is deleted from the object. The object itself remains in the database but is
no longer classified.

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 7. Classifying objects

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 8. Working with classification objects
Create standalone classification objects
Standalone classification objects, also referred to as catalog items, are used for storing unique
classification descriptions but do not necessarily classify an object.

Tip:
See How classification works for some background knowledge.

1. In the Class Navigator, select the desired class.

2. Click Create Classification Object in the primary work area. This button is available in the List
with Summary and Table with Summary views only.

The class attributes are displayed.

3. Enter an ID and the attribute values.

The ID must be unique in the database.

4. Click Create.

The standalone classification object is displayed in the Recent pane until it is indexed, after which it is
displayed in the primary work area.

Note:
The Create Classification Object button is available only when the presentation layer is installed.

Working with unit systems

When classifying an object, you select the unit system in which you want to classify it.

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 8. Working with classification objects

If the class you selected is a fixed unit class, the Metric and Non-Metric options are for information
purposes only. If the class you selected is not a fixed unit class and you switch between units:

• Corresponding property values for integers and real numbers are converted to the selected unit
system and the units displayed are also changed accordingly.

• Key-LOVs are converted to the key and value pairs for the selected unit system.

• Other property types (such as strings) remain unchanged.

You can convert the display to a different unit, or enter a value in a different unit, but the value is always
stored in the base unit specified in the property definition.

If you convert a value from a larger unit to a smaller unit, for example, 5000 kg to 5,000,000,000 mg,
but the format of the property does not support that value (for example, the attribute can only contain 4
digits), the value is not converted.

If the units are configured for optimization, then entering 1000 m, for example, is converted to 1km in
the display. The value is displayed with the least number of leading or trailing zeros for readability.

Sharing classified objects

Use one of the following methods to share a classified object:

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 Sharing classified objects

• Multi-Site

Use Multi-Site to replicate classification object to another site. Additionally, you can transfer the
ownership of the nodes.

You cannot transfer the ownership of classification standard taxonomy objects.

• Briefcase file

Replicate classified object at another site and, optionally, transfer ownership.

All object types for which you want to transfer ownership using a briefcase file must be added to the
Briefcase_ownership_transfer_supported_types preference.

You cannot transfer the ownership of classification standard taxonomy objects.

• PLM XML

Replicate a classification object to another site. Unlike the other two sharing methods, sharing using
PLM XML creates a copy of a classification object at the target site (creates a different UID of the object
at the target site). This prevents you from sharing using the other two methods.

This method is not supported for classification standard taxonomy objects. If you export an object
classified to a CST class with PLM XML, the resulting file is blank.

Share classified object using Multi-Site

1. Search for the classified object that you want to share and choose More Commands >
Share>Share with Sites in the primary toolbar.

2. Select the target site.

3. In addition to the regular transfer options, select the following classification-specific options:

Option Description
Option Set Select MultiSiteExpOptSet.
Transfer Site Ownership Transfers the ownership of the classified object to another site.

4. Click More Commands > Share.

The classified objects are shared to the target site. This is an asynchronous process. You can monitor the
status in the Alerts area.

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 8. Working with classification objects

Replicating the classification object using a briefcase file

1. Search for the classified object that you want to share.

2. (Optional) Mark the object for ownership transferal by selecting More Commands >
Manage>Transfer Ownership in the primary toolbar.

3. Choose Share>Export to Briefcase.

4. Select the target site.

5. In Transfer Option Set, select TIEUnconfiguredLLBCZExportDefault.

6. Click Export.

7. Download and give the exported BCZ file to the target site.

8. At the target site, import the file with the Import from Briefcase command.

The nodes and, if selected, their classification objects, are shared to the target site. This is an
asynchronous process. You can monitor the status in the Alerts area.

Replicating classified objects using PLM XML

Sharing a classified object using PLM XML is a two-step process: first you export the object, and then you
can share the resulting zip file with the second site that imports it using PLM XML.

1. Search for the classified object that you want to export and choose More Commands >
Share>PLM XML Export in the primary toolbar.

2. Select the appropriate transfer mode.

The transfer mode you select depends on your data. For classification objects, you must select
transfer modes that begin with CLS, for example, CLSExportInstance.

Do not use the ICS transfer modes as these are not applicable to classification in Teamcenter.

3. Click Export.

4. Download and give the exported ZIP file to the target site.

5. Import the file with the Import PLM XML command.

If you import a standalone classification object, you must select the ConfiguredDataImportDefault
transfer mode.

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 Understanding how you can create graphics for a class based on templates

Understanding how you can create graphics for a class based on

templates
There are two ways in which Teamcenter can automatically create part files and JT graphics for a
classification object:

• Based on part family templates

Part family templates are used in NX to define a set or family of parts that share similar form, fit, and
function but differ based on parameter values (for example, length, width, or diameter) that typically
control the physical characteristics of the part (or tool). The part families are created with the help of
a Microsoft Excel file that holds a list of all part family members.

• Based on template parts

Any NX part can be used as a template part.

Both part family templates and template parts contain expressions that describe a part parametrically.
For example, L1 represents the length of a drill. If you change the value of L1, you can quickly create
many drills (part family members or member parts) of different lengths. Although the behavior in
Teamcenter when using part family templates and template parts is very similar, the internal mechanics
of how graphics are created for the members varies.

Note:
Revisioning is supported with the template part method only.

You begin by creating a new classification object by entering attribute values. When you start the
process to create graphics, Teamcenter starts the graphics builder executable that communicates with
NX in the background and generates a new part family member or member part using the new attribute
values. The graphics builder executable also creates a 3D model and, optionally, a JT file. These are
stored in the database, and the JT file is displayed in the viewer

To create graphics based on a part family template, you must have write privileges to the template. This
is not the case for creating graphics based on template parts.

Create graphics for a class based on templates

1. Classify an object in a class that has a part family template or template part associated by entering
the appropriate attribute values.

2. In the primary toolbar, click More Commands > Manage > Update Graphics.

The Update Graphics panel is displayed.

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 8. Working with classification objects

3. Select the type of template to use as the basis for creating the graphics.

4. (Optional) Choose to create a part file or JT file.

5. Click Update.

The part files and JT files are added as attachments to the classified object. You can view the
graphics in the 3D viewer. Open the Part Family tab to view the part family and template
members.

The first time you create graphics, the NX executable is started on the server. This can take a few
minutes. Creating subsequent graphics is faster.

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 9. Browsing a class with property blocks
When classes contain many properties and property blocks you can quickly and easily navigate these
classes in the following ways:

• Display the Property Groups by clicking .

Tip:
If you have many images or property groups, it may be helpful to hide the display of images by
clicking .

• The complete list of property blocks is displayed on the left. Select one block to display only that
property block on the right.

• Deselecting a property block displays all properties on the right.

• Click in a cardinal block on the right and view the attribute values in a tabular format. In edit mode,
you can modify values, change the order of the columns, or add more columns by modifying the
cardinality controller. If the block also contains polymorphism, the tabular format is not available.

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 10. View audit logs for classification events
You can view audit logs for classification events.

Procedure

1. Open a component, and click Audit Logs.

The audit logs for classification events appear in the Classification Logs section.

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 10. View audit logs for classification events

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 11. Import classified data for advanced
classification
You can import classified data in BMEcat XML or JSON format in the user interface. The XML files and
supporting documents (for example, images) must be available in a local directory that you compress to
a ZIP file. The import searches the compressed for the correct input file.

1. Compress the directory structure of the data in a ZIP file.

If you download BMEcat files from the Siemens Industry Mall, these are already in the appropriate
zipped format.

2. In your Home folder, choose More Commands > Import/Export > Import Classification
Data.

3. In the Choose File box, select the ZIP file containing the data.

Teamcenter searches inside the compressed file for all eligible import files and presents them to you
in a list.

4. In the Select file to import box, select the XML file containing the data.

If you import BMEcat data, there may be several versions of the XML file in different languages.
These are not localized values. If you import, for example, the English version, and then
subsequently import the German version, the German version overwrites the English values. Each
of these language files represent master locales.

When the import is complete, you are notified in the Alert area where you can view the details of the
import. As soon as the data is indexed, it is available for searching.

This feature requires that both the Subscription Manager and Dispatcher Client are running. If the
Subscription Manager is not running, no notification is displayed in the Alert area, but the operation still
occurs in the background.

If the imported data includes classification objects only, at import they are automatically attached to
existing objects in the database if they have the same ID. This automatically classifies the existing objects
or updates an existing classification on previously classified objects. If there is no existing object with the
same ID in the database, a new object is created.

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