About attribute propagation

Attribute propagation allows you to automatically populate the values for an assembly from the structure, instead of manually re-entering component attribute values in each new assembly.

When you assign a propagation start point (PSP), Teamcenter copies attribute values from individual components to the root node of the assembly. You can then focus your Classification searches on the assembly class to find the resource data you need to manufacture a particular process or operation. Because selected component attributes are stored in the assembly class, you do not need to search the entire component list to find the attribute information you need.

A PSP defines where in the resource structure the component attribute propagation begins. You can set a PSP at any level in the resource assembly structure. Teamcenter looks to the assigned PSP component for the attribute value to propagate. If the attribute is not found in that component, the application moves up the structure hierarchy toward the root node one component at a time, until it finds the attribute. After the attribute is found, its value is added to the root node and saved with the assembly.

A resource component assigned as a PSP is identified with the PSP icon . When the component is selected in Classifications, the color of the PSP icon changes to yellow to indicate the attribute values for that item are being used.

Note

The associated attributes for the Drill, identified as the PSP, will propagate to the Twist Drill tool assembly.

A tool assembly can only have a single PSP assigned to the tool assembly structure. A multitool assembly can have one or more PSPs assigned to the tool assembly structure. A Root node is selected (1).

• Icon indicates that a PSP with a single classification is assigned to the tool assembly (2). Used with a tool or multitool assembly.

• Icon indicates that a PSP with multiple classifications is assigned to the multitool assembly, but the classification is not selected in the Classifications panel (3). Used with a multitool assembly.

• Icon indicates that a PSP with multiple classifications is assigned to the multitool assembly, and the classification is selected in the Classifications panel (4). Used with a multitool assembly.

• For more information on assigning a PSP to a tool assembly, see Add a propagation start point to a tool.

• For more information on assigning one or more PSPs to a multitool assembly, see Add an initial propagation start point to a multitool or Add additional propagation start points to a multitool.

Using the PSP attribute values, Teamcenter identifies and populates the attribute values for the tool assembly. Propagated attributes used for the resource assembly structure are identified with an icon next to the attribute in the Properties view.

Note

The MRMPropagationAlternateAttributes preference allows you to specify alternate attributes for propagation.

In some cases, the highest component in the structure contains the attribute that should be propagated to other components in the structure. You can use a particular preference to identify specific attributes that should propagate downward rather than upward. For more information see About reverse attribute propagation.