Linking Data with Other Model Objects

You can model BPM data objects in more detail by linking them to objects in a CDM, LDM, PDM, or OOM. You can also export BPM data objects to or import data from these other model types. In each case, the BPM data object and the other model object remain synchronized with the external object displayed in the Definition field in the data object property sheet and the data object listed on the Dependencies tab of the other model object.

The following table lists the types of objects to which BPM data objects can be linked or exported:

Data Type	CDM	LDM	PDM	OOM
Undefined	Data item or entity	Entity	Table	Class
Elementary	Data item	—	—	—
Structured	Entity	Entity	Table	Class

If you export sub-data objects along with their structured parent, the sub-data are exported as follows:

Sub-Data Type	CDM	LDM	PDM	OOM
Undefined or Structured	Entity linked to parent by relationship	Entity linked to parent by relationship	Table linked to parent by reference	Class linked to parent by association link
Elementary	Data item and entity attribute	Attribute of parent entity	Column of parent table	Attribute of parent class

Note: If you export sub-data objects without their parent, then the rules above for exporting data objects are applied.

Open the data object property sheet, and select the appropriate type from the Type list.
Click the Select Definition Object tool to the right of the Definition field to open a dialog which allows you to select an object to associate with the data object from the models open in the workspace:
Select the appropriate object in the tree view and click OK.

The selected object is displayed in the Definition field. You can click the Properties tool to the right of the field to open its property sheet or the Remove Link tool to sever its association with the data object.

Note that if you subsequently change the type of the data so that it no longer corresponds with the object defined in the Definition box, you will be prompted to confirm the change. If you do so, the link between the data and the object is removed.