Metis Smart Modeling - Rules

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.  

Link to the execution process of [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]].

Once the rule has been saved, the ID field will automatically be completed by Metis Smart Modeling. The generated identification code is unique worldwide and can be useful for searching for a rule or debugging it, if necessary. (mandatory, but generated automatically upon validation)

A long description ca be given to all rules defined within Metis Smart Modeling.

If this checkbox is ticked, any fractions of output resulting from a rule will not be taken into account. This means that the result will only be composed of whole units. This applies in particular when using a formula based rule.

Mandatory Controls, simply by the presence of a system name, are considered to be applied on the offer level. The influence in Metis Smart Quotes is that it will still be possible to view and print offer documents for the Metis Smart Quotes end user until an external configurator control can be performed. There is no icon to represent the Mandatory Control applied on the offer level.

Mandatory Controls, simply by the presence of a system name, are considered to be applied on the order level. The influence in Metis Smart Quotes is that the ordering process will be blocked for the Metis Smart Quotes end user until an external configurator control can be performed, but it will still be possible to view and print offer documents. There is no icon to represent the Mandatory Control applied on the order level.

Mandatory Control intended for [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|systems]] which do not have system names. They require Metis Smart Quotes end users to perform a mandatory control of [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|system]] configuration. The mandatory controls of [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|systems]] will have to be performed manually by an especially authorized user as opposed to being handled by an external configurator control like Mandatory Control. Will be applied on the offer level. It is basically the same as the Mandatory Internal Control (Order) with the added restriction that it will not be possible for the end user to view and print offer documents.

Mandatory Controls intended for [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|systems]] which do not have system names. Similar to the above Mandatory Control, they also require Metis Smart Quotes end users to perform a mandatory control of [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|system]] configuration. The mandatory controls of [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|systems]] will have to be performed manually by an specifically authorized user as opposed to being handled by an external configurator control like White Flags. Will be applied on the order level, meaning that the ordering process will be blocked for the Metis Smart Quotes end user until a manual control can be performed. It will still be possible for the end user to view and print offer documents, however.

| Whether the Grey Flag has been placed on the order level or offer level, there will be no difference in the display in QSBW. The same small yellow icon will be displayed for either one.

| Only one type of Grey Flag can be active on a rule at a time.

| The White Flag (Offer) and a Grey Flag can be active on the same rule at the same time. However, Grey Flags will not have any influence on a [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|system]] which has a system name. [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|Systems]] which have a [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|system]] name will only take into account whether or not the White Flag (Offer) has been applied. Conversely, the White Flag (Offer) setting will have no influence on [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Systems|systems]] which do not have a system name.

| When specifying output, you will only have the choice between “Product” and “Variable”, as it is not possible to set the value of a [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|group of variables]] or an [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|attribute]].

4. '''Add-On's'''' : Based on the result provide by the Formula part, a rule can be set-up to add implied positions or define new values in [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variables]]. Additional results from the rule based on the result of the "formula"

(input only) [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|attributes]] values added over the complete offer can be used as input for rules

| [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|Attributes]] do not hold any values in material [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]].

Click on add. A window opens where the new rule will be created.

Then click on the “Add” button. A window opens where the rule will be created.

Click on the “add” button for the “filter” section.

To do so, click on the “add” button for the “Input” section.

Click on the “add” button for the “output” section.

Click on add. A window opens where the new rule will be created.

The rule now states that based on the number of licences, various solutions are possible. When executed, the rule looks up the prices of the various outputs to determine the cheapest and most suitable option.

Click on add. A window opens where the new rule will be created.

Click on the add button near the “input” field. A window opens where it is possible to select positions, [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variables]], and [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|attributes]].  

Click on the add button near the “Output” field.

On the left, in the “Groups of rules” dropdown list, select “Server Software 1.”

Click on add. A window opens where the new rule will be created.

In the “Type” field, select “Maximal” from the dropdown list. In the “comment” field, enter a name for the rule, for example “Determine number of MS licenses.”

Click on the add button near the “input” field. A window opens where it is possible to select positions, [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variables]], and [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|attributes]].  

Click on the add button near the “Output” field.

Click on add. A window opens where the new rule will be created.

Click on the add button near the “input” field. A window opens where it is possible to select positions, [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variables]], and [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|attributes]]. Select “[[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|Attributes]].”

Click on add again. Select “[[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variables]]”. Search for the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variable]] “$Shipping_Type.” Select it and click on confirm.

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Click on add. A window opens where the new rule will be created.

Click on the add button near the “input” field. A window opens where it is possible to select positions, [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variables]], and [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|attributes]]. Select “[[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|Attributes]]”.

Click on the add button near the “Output” field. The same window from before opens, but it is only possible to select positions or [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variables]]. In this example a position is added. Select “[[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Variables|variables]]”.

A window opens. Click on the add button. The “select a file…” window opens.

One simple example to described the importance of planning in advance the structure of the rules within a group or the groups themselves is in the scope of the configuration of a computer the calculation of the memory modules required. One way to accommodate this situation is to let the user input the requested amount of memory he would like to have configured in his machine.

* '''ID'''

Search for a rule directly by entering its identification number.

* '''Comment'''

Search for a rule by entering the "Comment" (name) of a rule.

* '''Mandatory Control'''

Refine to search to rule which enforce mandatory controls.

 

By using the ADD button [[File:MetisSmartModelingAddButton.PNG|link=]] search for rules which contain a specific position, variable or [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|attribute]]. Using the '''Used as''' options it is possible to refine how this object is used in the rule looked for. Either as a filter, an add-on value or as input or output values. In the case of objects being used in the rule itself, the application allows to specify exactly where it is used in the rule.

=== linking a rule with another group of rules===