Metis Smart Modeling - Systems

In the Metis Smart Suite, a System is a logical entity which is the building block of an offer in Metis Smart Quote. It holds most of the basic configuration information for the material and the services which will then be listed in the quote. On its own the system doesn't include any type of position, but will be a container for them. They will be added through either [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]], or manual input by the Metis Smart Quote End-user. Through its role in Metis Smart Quote it is one of the most important aspect of Metis Smart Modeling as settings and information will be defined there to use [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|Models]]. System can be of three type (System, Group of systems and Applications) all with there specificity.

The main screen of the system section in Metis Smart Modeling is built as pictured below.

 

 

 

On the left-hand side of the main window, a '''Search''' feature is found. It allows the user/administrator to find Systems based on various criterion. The search is triggered by typing a keyword or only a letter in the fields above the "Search" button and then click on it. The results are then displayed in the main table.

 

In a System, the following information can be provided and fully described.  

 

[[File:MetisSmartModelingSCSystemsGeneral.PNG|center|600x400px]]

 

 

 

Each system, group of systems or application can be completed with a picture. The procedure is similar to selecting a picture for a product. First the picture needs to be added from the [[Description_of_the_Sub-Menu_Cliparts|Clipart]] section and then linked to the system.

[[File:MetisSmartModelingSCSystemsPictures.PNG|center|600x400px]]

With the same idea as for [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]], pictures can be set as conditional to values set in the offer. Defining rules for pictures is a quite straightforward process. Conditions can be defined to automatically choose which image will be displayed to represent a system in Metis Smart Quotes. In order to set this up, it is required to fill in a line of the table on the lower part of the pictures tab. By click the "Add" button [[File:MetisSmartModelingPLUSButton.PNG|link=]], the list of available pictures appears and one can be selected by double-clicking on it. The next step is to define the filter which will be used to determine whether this picture will be displayed. Double-clicking in the cell will bring up the list of all variables, selecting one and validating the window will set it as the filter variable. The last step is to select the appropriate condition and to set the value against which the variable should be weighted.

| When the condition for displaying one or another picture is based on a variable which will be instantiated only through an input field in a [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|mask]], it requires the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|mask]] to be validated in order for the picture to change in Metis Smart Quote.

 

 

[[File:MetisSmartModelingSCSystemsEditModel.PNG‎|center|600x400px]]

 

 

The second tab, above the table, allows to set [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models#Service|Service models]] which will be executed when using the system in Metis Smart Quotes. When selecting this tab the list below will be refreshed an display all the defined service models which have been created in Metis Smart Modeling. In order to link a service model to the system, simply validate the checkbox in front of the appropriate [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|model]]. Because service calculation can be used for many purposes, the green arrows on the left of the table allows the user to select in which order the selected service models should be executed, as one of them could require the result of another to be valid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This section allows to assign limits (Positions, [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Attributes|Attributes]], or Variables) to each system, group of systems or application. Those limits will then be used when comparing several system in order to highlight the limits which have been crossed by the input given in the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|masks]].

[[File:MetisSmartModelingSCSystemsLimits.PNG|center|600x400px]]

[[File:MetisSmartModelingSCSystemsComparison.PNG|center|600x400px]]

 

 

 

This section allows to determine default configurations for systems, groups of systems and applications using variables. Those value are closely linked to the use of [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]] to work with the system, group of system or application. The concept is that they will be automatically used as input for the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]] without requiring input from the Metis Smart Quotes user. It is especially practical when requiring base value for a specific system. For example, in the case of a small business server, the number of users; or for an entry-level computer to the set number of screens.

[[File:MetisSmartModelingSCSystemsDefConf.PNG|center|600x400px]]

{{Note| Throughout the execution of [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]], default configuration values are never modified and cannot be used as outputs for rules.

Applications are systems which are linked to other systems and which can can only be used in Metis Smart Quotes if a "main" system is inserted in the offer. They are often also called "subsystems". The linked with tab will show the links between the selected system and "subsystems". Applying changes is done be using the two arrows between the two lists. The left one shows what is linked to the current system and the right one what is compatible for being linked to it. Moving entries from one list to the other is all that is required in order to configure the links.

[[File:MetisSmartModelingSCSystemsLInkedWith.PNG|center|600x400px]]

 

 

Groups of System are intended to be used to group together Systems which can be compared. When applying a [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|model]] to the group, Metis Smart Quote will access all of the information available within the group of systems to choose the “best option” depending upon the client's needs (“best option” meaning the one which fits all requirements and has the lowest price).

 

 

 

[[File:MetisSmartModelingSCSystemsGrpofSys.PNG|center|600x400px]]

| Limits and default configurations of every systems included in the group will be used when executing the group in Metis Smart Quote.

| When Metis Smart Quote executes the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|model]] linked to the group, it basically executes it on all systems it contains. This will result in several configurations. The tool then allows the user to select the one required or most suitable. When displaying the resulting configuration, Metis Smart Quotes also displays for each system the defined limits. When one of those is crossed, it renders the system invalid for the offer based on the input provided through the [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Masks|masks]] of the group of systems [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|model]].

* '''Description''' (mandatory) : description for the application, usually a name, can be added in all of the active languages.

* '''Remark''' : Remarks are intended for internal use only and will not be accessible in Metis Smart Quotes.

* '''Product Name''' : An application can also be assigned a name using the text field. This information is also known as the "Internal Product Name", and is limited to 8 characters. All systems which have an "Internal Product Name" will bear a White Flag. When an offer contains a system with this White Flag, the system must comply with defined processes in order to be valid.

* '''Disable''' : An application can also be disabled. Once disabled, the System will appear in red in the various lists of Metis Smart Modeling.

* '''Hierarchy''' : A default hierarchy can be linked to an application. This setting will pre-select the defined hierarchy by Metis Smart Quotes when an item is added manually to an offer.

* '''Pictures''' : (same as for systems)

* '''Models''' : (same as for systems)

* '''Limits''' : (same as for systems)

* '''Default Configuration''' : (same as for systems)

* '''Linked With''' : This list of all (main) systems to which the application is linked. meaning that it needs to be added to an offer before being able to add the application.

[[File:MetisSmartModelingSCSystemsSubSys.PNG|center|600x400px]]

| In the execution process of [[Metis_Smart_Modeling_-_Models|models]] in Metis Smart Quote, applications are executed first and "main" systems afterwards. This allows to pass information from a "sub" to a "main" system.

 

 

===Creating a System===

 

In the '''Systems''' sub-menu, the "Add" button [[File:MetisSmartModelingAddButton.PNG|link=]] located above the main table allows the user/administrator to create a new System. When it is clicked, a small window opens asking which type of system to create. System is selected by default. Click on confirm to continue. The '''System''' creation window opens, it allows to define all related information. Name the system for all available languages. For example, name it “Custom Desktop.” Select a system family from the drop-down menu, for example “Desktops.”  Then select a hierarchy from the drop-down menu, for example, “hardware.” Move on to the Pictures tab. To add a graphical representation for the system, click on the Add button. This opens a window with all the system pictures previously inserted from the Data Management menu. Select a file then double click on it. The picture is added. Click on confirm to save the changes. The system has been created and now appears in the list of systems.

| <mediaplayer width='400' height='300' image='http://www.xpert-technologies.ch/mediawikidev/images/5/54/VID_Creating_a_system.PNG'>File:Creating a System OK.mp4</mediaplayer>

| <mediaplayer width='400' height='300' image='http://www.xpert-technologies.ch/mediawikidev/images/7/7f/VID_Managing_system_model_properties.PNG'>File:Managing_the_system_modeling_properties_OK.mp4‎</mediaplayer>

In the '''Systems''' sub-menu, the "Add" button [[File:MetisSmartModelingAddButton.PNG|link=]] located above the main table allows the user/administrator to create a new Group of Systems. When it is clicked, a small window opens asking which type of system to create. System is selected by default. Select "Group of systems". Click on confirm to continue. The '''Group of Systems''' creation window opens, it allows to define all related information. Name the group of system for all available languages. For example, name it “Desktop Automatic Selection”. Select a system family from the drop-down menu, for example “Desktops”. Then select a hierarchy from the drop-down menu, for example, “hardware”.

Move on to the Pictures tab. To add a graphical representation for the group of systems, click on the Add button. This opens a window with all the system pictures previously inserted from the Data Management menu. Select a file then double click on it. The picture is added. Click on confirm to save the changes. The group of systems has been created and now appears in the list of systems.

| <mediaplayer width='400' height='300' image='http://www.xpert-technologies.ch/mediawikidev/images/f/fd/VID_CreatingGroupOfSystems.PNG'>File:Creating Group of Systems Truncated OK.mp4</mediaplayer>

 

In the '''Systems''' sub-menu, the "Add" button [[File:MetisSmartModelingAddButton.PNG|link=]] located above the main table allows the user/administrator to create a new Application (subsystem). When it is clicked, a small window opens asking which type of system to create. System is selected by default. Select "Application". Click on confirm to continue. The '''Application''' creation window opens, it allows to define all related information. In the Description field, name the subsystem for the available languages. For example, type in “Application Server”. Click on the “Hierarchy” drop down menu and select the appropriate hierarchy. For example, choose “software". Click on the “Linked With” tab. In this tab, the systems to link with the sub-system are defined. Under the Description column, select “Large Business Server". Using the green arrow, move “Large Business Server” to the “member” column on the left. Click on confirm to save the changes. “Application Server” now appears in the systems list. To check to see if “Application Server” is linked with “Large Business Server,” select “Large Business Server” and click on the “Preview” button. This opens the “System” window. Click on the “Linked With” tab. In the “Member” list, all the “subsystems” linked with “Large Business Server” are shown. “Application Server” is part of the list and therefore linked with “Large Business Server”.

| <mediaplayer width='400' height='300' image='http://www.xpert-technologies.ch/mediawikidev/images/a/af/VID_Creating_a_subsystem.PNG'>File:Creating_a_subsystem_OK.mp4</mediaplayer>

In the '''Systems''' sub-menu, the "Edit" button [[File:MetisSmartModelingEditButton.PNG|link=]] located above the main table allows the user/administrator to apply modifications to all properties related to the selected system, group of systems or application. Selecting a system, group of systems or application and clicking on it opens the corresponding edition window where all related properties and information can be edited.

 

 

For detailed descriptions of all information available in this window please refer to the section dedicated to the creation of a new system, group of systems or application . Modifications applied to the selected system, group of systems or application will only be saved once the edition window is validated using the [[File:MetisSmartModelingOKButton.PNG|link=]] button at the bottom of the window. This will update the table/list displayed on the main screen. Using the "Cancel" [[File:MetisSmartModelingCancelButton.PNG|link=]] button discards all changes and closes the window.

 

 

In the '''Systems''' sub-menu, the "Delete" button [[File:MetisSmartModelingDeleteButton.PNG|link=]] located above the main table allows the user/administrator to delete the selected system, group of systems or application. Selecting one or more system, group of systems or application and clicking on it displays the following confirmation window.

 

 

 

 

Once the warning is confirmed, the selected system, group of systems or application is removed from Metis Smart Suite and deleted from the Metis Database.

 

In the Metis environment, a system family is a abstract container in which system need to be placed in order for them to be displayed in Metis Smart Quotes and made available to End-users. With Metis Smart Modeling, as many system families as required in order to sort systems can be created.  

* '''Description''' (mandatory) : A description for the system family, usually a name, can be added in all of the active languages.

* '''Member''' : List of systems contained in the current system family.

[[File:MetisSmartModelingSCFamilies.PNG‎|center|600x400px]]

 

 

| It is important not to mix up the use of Families with Group of Systems: Families are intended to put together systems which resemble other systems and list them automatically in Metis Smart Quotes. Group of Systems are intended to group systems that can be compared to one another.

| Allow for sufficient system families to sort all systems planned in the environment.

===Creating a System Family===

In the '''System Families''' sub-menu, the "Add" button [[File:MetisSmartModelingAddButton.PNG|link=]] located above the main table allows the user/administrator to create a new System Family. When it is clicked, the '''System Family''' creation window opens, it allows to define all related information. Name the system family for all available languages. For example, name it “Desktops”. Select systems which should be included in the family. Use the green arrows to move them into the family. Click on confirm to save the changes. The system family has been created and now appears in the list of system families.

 

| <mediaplayer width='400' height='300' image='http://www.xpert-technologies.ch/mediawikidev/images/3/33/VID_Creating_a_system_family.PNG'>File:Creating a System Family OK.mp4</mediaplayer>

| Creation and setting-up of a system family.

| Mandatory fields are displayed in '''bold''' or with a red triangle in front of the field.

 

 

 

 

 

In the '''System Families''' sub-menu, the "Edit" button [[File:MetisSmartModelingEditButton.PNG|link=]] located above the main table allows the user/administrator to apply modifications to all properties related to the selected System Family. Selecting a System Family and clicking on it opens the '''System Family''' edition window where all related properties and information can be edited.

 

Please refer to the section above for information about all different parts of the system family. Modifications applied to the selected System Family will only be saved once the System Family edition window is validated using the [[File:MetisSmartModelingOKButton.PNG|link=]] button at the bottom of the window. This will update the table displayed on the main screen. Using the "Cancel" [[File:MetisSmartModelingCancelButton.PNG|link=]] button discards all changes and closes the window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

| When a system family is deleted, the systems which were list in it are not deleted. If they are not listed in another family they will not be displayed in Metis Smart Quotes anymore.

 

 

When a system is offered using Metis Smart Quotes, it may need to create the offer based on the type of "installation" it is intended for. For example, the system should be configured differently if it is a new installation or if the system needs to be upgraded. To define those "situations" in Metis Smart Modeling the Administrator has the possibility to specify as many as required Model Types.

 

Those Model Types will then be used by the applications to select which model should be applied in every case. For example, the end-user will be able the select a system and chose whether it is intended for a new installation, an extension (upgrading the system), a migration (converting an existing system to a new one) or simply for spare parts.

 

 

| Once the different Model Types have been defined, the appropriate model can be linked to it for each system using the system sub-menu. See above for more details on this functionality.

 

 

 

 

On the left-hand side of the main window, a '''Search''' feature is found. It allows the user/administrator to find Model Types based on various criterion. The search is triggered by typing a keyword or only a letter in the fields above the "Search" button and then click on it. The results are then displayed below. Selecting a line from the result list will automatically select the corresponding entry in the main list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

| All systems defined in Metis Smart Modeling don't need to have specific models for each Model Type. It is not a mandatory information for offers to be created. They can simply be activated without rules behind it.

 

 

 

 

In the '''Model Types''' sub-menu, the "Edit" button [[File:MetisSmartModelingEditButton.PNG|link=]] located above the main list allows the user/administrator to apply modifications to all properties related to the selected Model Type. Selecting a Model Type and clicking on it opens the '''Model Type ''' edition window where all related properties and information can be edited.

 

 

 

 

For detailed descriptions of all information available in this window please refer to the section dedicated to the creation of a new Model Type. Modifications applied to the selected Model Type will only be saved once the Model Type edition window is validated using the [[File:MetisSmartModelingOKButton.PNG|link=]] button at the bottom of the window. This will update the table/list displayed on the main screen. Using the "Cancel" [[File:MetisSmartModelingCancelButton.PNG|link=]] button discards all changes and closes the window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

| Edition of the information and properties displayed herein is not possible. If modification are necessary, the edition function described above should be used.