Metis Smart Modeling - Models

The current section describes how a model works and how one can create and maintain it. Based on that information, the following sections describe model building blocks like rules, groups of rules, variables and masks. For consistency purposes, all aspects of the creation of models are based on a full featured example.

When an offer is initiated in Metis Smart Quote, '''modeled positions''' are “calculated” based in the information provided in modeling masks. These values represent the customer’s needs. Through the execution of the [[#Material|material]] model, the application creates a list of positions which basically represents the customer’s desired items and all of these products are listed in a structured way.

For example, in the case of a company selling computer [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|systems]], requirements will be provided in the modeling masks and after calculation will result in a list of components like computers, servers and network appliances.

In Metis Smart Quote, models appear in different forms, based on their type. For [[#Material|material]] models, the linked masks will be displayed the application in the offer window when selecting the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|system]].

Now that the ground work of the model concept is laid down, it is necessary to understand a bit how such a model works in the Metis environment. As described in figure [[:File:Model_Exec_1.png|Model execution overview]], outside of the masks, a model is built on specific objects. Each model includes at least one “group of rules”, which is a container for individual rules. Those rules are the logic part of the models. Each rule uses input values ([[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variables]], [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|attributes]], positions) coming from the masks, default or calculated information to process a logic “formula”. A Group of rule can include as many rules as necessary, with the only constrain that the result of a given rule will only be available in the next group of rules in the process. As described in figure [[:File:Model_Exec_2.png|Group of rules execution overview]], a Group of rules feeds on input values which are instantiated before its execution. Once inside, all rules will use those values to process the formulas. When all rules are processed, the resulting [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variables]] and/or material positions are prepared for the next Group of rules.Before starting the execution of the next Group of rules, the engine instantiates the new input values and lets the various rules included in the group feed on them.  

A model defined as being of type "material" is defined in Metis Smart Modeling to generate a list of material in Metis Smart Quote based on input masks, rules and logic. The result will be displayed in the latest.

| Masks cannot be used in conjunction with service models, as they are calculated based on a list of positions.

The tables below allow the user to define the two main parts of the model, those being the “masks” and the “groups of rules”

For the masks table, click on the add button.

A window opens where masks and groups of masks can be selected and linked to the model.

Select the desired masks, for example, “D-Basic Hardware” and “D-Peripherals” and then confirm to continue.

A window similar to the masks window opens, but for groups of rules.

The green up and down arrows found above each table allow the user to modify the display order of the masks as well as the execution order of the groups of rules.

A model is basically constructed of 3 main information. Basic properties will define such information as description, type and versioning. The logical part is made of "Group of rules" which will be used to run the calculation and masks which will be displayed in Metis Smart Quotes to allow for input in the model.

* '''Masks''' :

List of [[Description_of_the_Sub-Menu_Masks|masks]] used in this model. Once the model is linked to a [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|system]], the listed mask will appear in Metis Smart Quotes when configuring the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|system]] in the "Design" section.

| Creation of a new model, selection of linked groups of rules and masks.

| A model service or material model doesn't have influence on a configuration without fully configured groups of rules and in the case on material models masks.

A model can be deleted by using the "Delete" button on the main screen. When deleting a model from there, the masks and group of rules which were linked to it are not deleted. The reason for this is that those parts could be used in other models or re-used in a new one. This way only the binding object is removed from the application.

| Deleting a model only removes the "container" form the Metis Database, all masks and groups of rules which were linked to it will not be deleted!