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The MetaKON DoMS module is based on the Metaphase module OMF. It manages extensive document files in the form of a document master record (metadata) and a document (data file). By data management, MetaKON understands the management of a logic data and/or information unit, which may consist of a large number of objects. The document master record is the object with the general description which applies to all file objects (documents). By means of links, several documents (e.g. calculations, guidelines or function plans) can be assigned to a document master record (DMR). The links between these objects are either produced automatically during the creation of a document via the selection of a DMR, or via subsequent assignment by means of a drag-and-drop action. Here, the user may also use the complete range of functions of the metaphase basic system in addition to the MetaKON configuration. Further objects such as notes, text files, papers, graphics, product information etc. can be attached to a DMR object. For each DP system connected to MetaKON, the program request, the symbol (icon) to be used and the rules for the structure of the file names can be freely defined. In addition, all the features and/or attributes (e.g. document number) of the document master record and the document can be provided in an action-controlled manner in a STEP-conforming format by means of MetaKON-GIF (Global Interface). Through expansions of the applications (e.g. macros), the features can be used in the application systems, for example in order to automatically fill company templates with PDM data. It is also possible to adopt features from the application in MetaKON, i.e. documents which were initially produced without MetaKON can be registered in MetaKON and the features (e.g. the creator) of the document can be entered in the MetaKON database. The Microsoft Office interface is based on this technique. Symbols and configurations are supplied for the applications:
In addition, the applications are controlled via OLE and/or DDE functions. This function can easily be configured and expanded to work with any Windows applications. In connection with the Metaphase module LCM (Life Cycle Manager), the document and drawing master records and all the associated documents and drawings can be put through complex sequential and/or parallel operational processes, whereby LCM will automatically write the process log. Test and release steps are available. In addition, the functions required for document management can be initiated automatically. A configurable control system makes it possible to achieve an access concept which is dependent on the document type and status. Files in PDF, TIFF and other formats can be viewed in the standard metaphase document viewer. This means that documents cannot only be processed in their original format (e.g. DOC file in the case of MS Word), but also in a neutral format. Viewing is a very helpful application both in the case of paper documents which have been scanned in and in the case of automatically converted documents for archiving purposes.
In a similar way to a "lever-arch file" for paper documents, MetaKON has a virtual file. Any documents can be assigned to this file via links (drag-and-drop). In contrast to a paper document, in MetaKON-DMS a document may be in several files without the need to physically copy it. Amongst other things, this has the advantage that when a document is modified it is possible to indicate in which files the document is logically located. It is then possible to decide which files are to contain the new version. In addition, file structures can be copied in full or in part. For example, the logical structuring of files (e.g. file, chapter, tag) makes it possible to establish the topic-related classification of documents and drawings (in conjunction with MetaKON-ZVS), which ensures more targeted access to the entire set of documents and drawings. The system automatically keeps track of document versions and graphically marks old versions. The file objects can also be used to place several documents in a workflow or to distribute them. MetaKON-DMS makes it possible to create company-specific basic structures as a kind of template, which can then be copied in full as models at the beginning of new projects. In this way, completeness checks are also provided for complex projects.
In relation to documents, and also drawings, MetaKON offers a comprehensive range of functions for communicating with digital reprographics systems. This includes the aspects of printing, plotting, converting and distributing of documents. The digital reprographics functions are available both by means of dialog and in batch operation. For each configuration, a range of important presets are possible to cover company-specific requirements, such as determining which documents (e.g. TIFF) are to be taken into account during a particular print job. For the correct distribution of documents, it is possible to define so-called distributor objects, to which special users and user groups can be assigned. Via the link between the distributor and the user, it is possible to determine how many printed copies a user is to receive, for example. The selection of documents for printing or plotting jobs can take place both at component level (parts master record) and at document level (drawing or document master record). In the case of access via an assembly, all parts which have at least one drawing or document master record with a relevant document are taken into account. WAMware and its affiliates are authorized resellers of MetaKON, a product developed by ECS GmbH, Germany. WAMware is a registered trademark of WAMware Ltd., MetaKON a registered trademark of ECS GmbH, and Metaphase a registered trademark of Metaphase Technology, Inc. Drawing Management | Parts Management | Classification Tool | Bill-of-Material | Interfaces | MetaKON main page |
