How To Work With Models With Metis Smart Modeling

Metis Smart Modeling allows the definition of models, which are then used in Metis Smart Quote to establish offers containing automatically generated positions (material and services) according to predefined parameters, rules and user input.  

A model is the building block of Metis. It allows the application to generate a list of material, service items and configure maintenance based on logic rules defined by the business.

| How to define models ?

| The Metis environment supports and enables the use of three different types of [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|Rules]]. Overall, the type of the model will determine the "moment" the model will be executed and information it can base itself on.

* type "material" is defined in Metis Smart Modeling to generate a list of material in Metis Smart Quote based on input [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|Masks]], [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|Rules]] and logic. The result will be displayed in the latest.

* type "service" will feed on the generated or manually input list of material in Metis Smart Quote to generate service items. The result will be displayed in the latest.

* type "tax" will feed on the generated or manually input list of material in Metis Smart Quote to generate various taxes. The result will be displayed in the latest.

Related topics include :

* Creating[[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|masks]]

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|Models]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

In Metis Smart Modeling, masks are one of the building blocks of the modelisation. Masks are defined in terms of layout and functionalities in Metis Smart Modeling and are then used in Metis Smart Quote for the users to define input values which will be then be used by the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]] (logical part) to generate positions in an offer.

| How to create a mask ?

| Metis Smart Modeling includes a complete WYSIWYG editor in order to create and design the masks which are going to be used in Metis Smart Quote. This editor includes all commonly used tools and formatting option which can be found in user interface design tools.

Related topics include :

* Defining model related settings in a system

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|Masks]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to insert a picture in a mask ?

| Pictures added to mask allow to give it a more professional look and ease the task of the Metis Smart Quotes user.

Related topics include :

* Importing pictures into Metis Smart Modeling

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|Masks]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to insert a rectangle shape in a mask ?

| The use of shapes in masks allows to give the a more professional look and ease the task of the Metis Smart Quotes user.

Related topics include :

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|Masks]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to insert titles and input fields in a mask ?

| Input field in masks allow the Metis Smart Quotes user to enter values which will then be used to calculate the conetnt of the selected system.

Related topics include :

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|Masks]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to insert a drop-down list in a mask ?

| Drop-down lists provide the end-user with a list of possible values to use within the calculation of the model.

Related topics include :

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|Masks]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to insert a check-box in a mask ?

| Ckeck-boxes provide the end-user with switches for setting values to use within the calculation of the model.

Related topics include :

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|Masks]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to insert a radio button in a mask ?

| Radio buttons provide the end-user with a list of possible values to use within the calculation of the model.

Related topics include :

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|Masks]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to conditional display of objects in a mask ?

| <mediaplayer width='400' height='300' image='http://www.xpert-technologies.ch/mediawikidev/index.php/File:VID_ActivationRule.PNG>File:Activation Rule OK.mp4</mediaplayer>

| Enable or disable specific parts of masks with display rules.

Related topics include :

* [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks#Pictures|Insert a picture in a mask]]

* [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks#Rectangles|Insert a rectangle shape in a mask]]

* [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks#Circles|Insert a circular shape in a mask]]

* [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks#Lines|Insert a line in a mask]]

* [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks#Inserting_titles_and_texts|Insert titles and texts in a mask]]

* [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks#Input_fields|Insert an input field in a mask]]

* [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks#Drop-down_lists|Insert a drop-down list in a mask]]

* [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks#Check-boxes|Insert a check-box in a mask]]

* [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks#Radio_Buttons|Insert a radio button in a mask]]

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|Masks]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to create a group of masks ?

| Group of masks are used to define tabbed masks which are related.

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|Masks]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

In the Metis environment a Group of Rules is a container for [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|rules]]. Those containers are also the main building block of a [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Modeling|model]]. As described in this section, it is based on those Group of Rules which [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Modeling|models]] can sequentially execute [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|rules]] and the full logic behind them. From a more technical point of view, Group of Rules are made of a name and the rules it contains.

| How to define a group of rules ?

| <mediaplayer width='400' height='300'>File:CreatingAGroupOfRules OK.mp4</mediaplayer>

| In order for a fully configured Group of Rules (named and containing [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|rules]]) to be executed it needs to be part of a [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|model]]. This task is done on the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|model]] level. Either when creating one or when modifying it, Group of rules can be added to one or more [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]].

Related topics include :

* Building blocks of a model

* [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules#Moving_a_rule_to_another_group_of_rules|Moving rules from one group to another]]

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Group_of_Rules|Group of Rules]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

In the Metis environment, a rule is a determinate method for performing a logical or mathematical operation and obtaining a certain result which is the building block of the modeling part (configurator). It is based on a simple structure and logic which can be used in an endless number of cases and will suit most of the requirements for material and service configuration.

| How to define a single selection type rule ?  

| The single selection rule tests an input and calculates the defined output based on a simple logical relation.

Related topics include :

* Creating and working with positions

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|Rules]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to define a table selection type rule ?  

| The goal is to determine an output quantity within several ranges of input values. The rule allows to enter several 'Q from' and 'Q to' to determine those ranges. They each then induce a specific 'Q out' which will be used as a quantity for the output.

Related topics include :

* Creating and working with positions

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|Rules]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to define a optimal selection type rule ?   

| This very performing rule enables the automatic selection of the best alternative depending on the output quantity required and the related price. This rule is particularly appreciated in selecting products when one input corresponds to several possible output results.  

Related topics include :

* Creating and working with positions

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|Rules]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to define a maximal selection type rule ?   

| This type of rule can be used when several input values influence a specific output. Each line will be used as a single criterion and Metis will return the highest result possible.  

Related topics include :

* Creating and working with positions

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|Rules]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to define a formula type rule ?   

| This type of rule can be used when a mathematical formula required to obtain a specific output. Each line will be used as a single criterion and Metis will return the highest result possible.

Related topics include :

* Creating and working with positions

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|Rules]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to define an external selection type rule ?   

| For very complex rules, an external file might be used to implement them in Metis Smart Modeling. The purpose of this rule type is to allow the development of algorithms which may not be handled in Metis.

Related topics include :

* Creating and working with positions

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|Rules]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

| How to test rules ?   

| All rules which have been created in Metis Smart Modeling can be tested in various ways, either on their own or as part of the group they belong. This section of the manual will focus on testing a rule by itself, for more information about other tests please refer to Checking Rules.

Related topics include :

* Creating [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules#Single_Selection|single selection type rule]]  

* Creating [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules#Table_Selection|table selection type rule]]  

* Creating [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules#Optimal_Selection|optimal selection type rule]]  

* Creating [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules#Maximal_Selection|maximal selection type rule]]  

* Creating [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules#Minimal_Selection|minimal selection type rule]]   

* Creating [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules#Formulas|formula type rule]]  

* Creating [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules#External_Selection|external selection type rule]]  

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|Rules]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

A variable is a symbolic name given to some quantity, for the purpose of allowing the name to be used independently of the information it represents. The scope of a variable is local to the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|model]] it is used in. On the other hand, its extend is limited to the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Group_of_Rules|group of rules]] its used as an input or output. The value linked to a variable may change during the execution of a [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|model]].

| How to create variables and groups of items ?  

| A group of items represents a higher level than variables. It may contain variables, materials, and most importantly groups of items themselves.

Related topics include :

* Using Variables as input/output in [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|rules]]  

* Using variables in [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|masks]]  

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|Variables]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

The Linked Values section allows the definition of values to be linked to basic Metis elements like the types of offers, [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|systems]] and variants used in [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]]. These values affect the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|masks]] and [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|rules]] used by the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]] and allow them to use for example the type of an offer as an input in a [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|rules]].

| How to define linked values ?   

| A linked value is basically a value given to a Metis Offer element in order for it to be used as an input for [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Rules|rules]] or [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|masks]].

* Defining offer types

* Defining [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|systems]]

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Linked_Values|Linked Values]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.

A debugger or debugging tool is included in Metis Smart Modeling. It is used to test and debug [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]] . The debugger also offer more sophisticated functions such as running a [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|model]] step by step (single-stepping or program animation), stopping (breaking) (pausing the program to examine the current state) at some event or specified instruction by means of a breakpoint, and tracking the values of some [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variables]].

| How to test ?   

| Using Metis Smart Quotes to test a full [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|model]], importing the environment in Metis Smart Modeling and running the step-by-step execution on the it.

* Creating [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|model]]  

| Please refer to the section about [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Debug|Debug]] from the Metis Smart Modeling Manual for additional information.