Classifications in IBM Maximo are used to categorize information and can be assigned attributes. They allow for standardized data, visualization, and searching across various Maximo applications like assets, items, and work orders. Classifications can be organized hierarchically and attributes can be inherited. Descriptions can also be automatically generated based on classification and attribute values. Pictures can be added for visualization of asset relationships in topology views.
2. Using Classifications
īClassifications are used to categorize the information
in Maximo, this can be used later to analyze the data.
īMultiple built-in functions in Maximo use
classifications, among others to search for records.
īClassification can have number of technical
parameters (called attributes) assigned. They
describe the features of a specific object and at the
same time they allow to search by parameter e.g.
diameter > 5â
īClassifications offer additional functions like data
standardization and visual aids.
4. Applications using Classifications cont.
īIf the classification is assigned to more than one
application for example Item Master and Assets,
then the rotating asset created from rotating item
will inherit its classification and attributes (same
principle will work for Service Requests and
Work Order Tracking).
6. Creating Classification
īNew classification record requires an identifier and
description. After new identifier is entered, a dialog
will ask the user if it should be added to the database
(similar dialog will be displayed for new attributes).
This is the last chance to verify the correctness of the
data, once saved the identifier cannot be modified.
īFields Organization and Site allow for limiting the
visibility of the classification.
7. Creating Classification cont.
īIn the next step the user should determine in the
Use With table in which applications this
classification can be used.
8. Hierarchy of Classifications
īClassifications can be organized in hierarchical
structures e.g.
īĄ Car (attribute: engine type)
īˇ Passenger Car (attribute: engine type, number of passengers)
īˇ Pickup Truck (attribute: engine type, load capacity)
īˇ Truck (attribute: engine type, load capacity, number of axles)
īˇ Special Purpose Vehicle (attribute: engine type, equipment type)
īEach sub-classification will inherit attributes from
the parent record, but it can have its own, specific set
of attributes.
9. Hierarchy of Classifications cont.
īTry to re-use classifications already available on the
market, but donât copy the whole set, use only
applicable parts of it.
īWhen designing the hierarchy, make sure there are
not too many levels of details (2-3 levels work best
for the users).
īStart creating the hierarchy with top-level element
and its attributes, then add sub-classifications within
this record.
īIn the next step, open each of the children records
and add (if necessary) their attributes.
10. Attributes
īThere are only two types of attributes:
īĄ Alphanumeric: letters, digits and other characters
īĄ Numeric: only digits, â+â or â-â sign and decimal separator character
īAttributes can be entered manually or they can have
domain attached so only allowed values can be used.
īAttribute can have measure unit attached.
īAttributes can be grouped in sections.
īAttributes can be displayed in a specific order by defining
sequence number for them.
īAttribute can have default value.
īAs mentioned before, attributes can be inherited by
children of the classification.
11. Attributes cont.
īAttribute can be marked as mandatory. NOTE: use
this option carefully, because there might be cases
when this information will not be available and the
users will enter random value just to be able to save
the record.
īWhen designing the classification hierarchy you can
start with minimal number of attributes per
classification. New classification attribute can be
added later and it can appear automatically in all
records associated with this classification.
12. Attributes cont.
īYou define the attribute properties in the Details
section:
īAnd in dialog defining details for specific objects,
which can be opened by clicking icon:
13. Descriptions based on Classification
īClassifications and attributes have the options which
can generate automatically the record descriptions.
This ensures data standardization and minimizes
manual errors. It has drawbacks too, for example all
numeric values will have decimal places, which is not
always expected result.
īTo enable this mechanism for classifications, flags
Generate Description? and Use Classification?
must be checked. In case of attributes Use in
Description Generation? must be checked.
14. Descriptions based on Classification cont.
īFor example: asset assigned to Cars/Passenger Car
classification and having attributes Engine
Type=DIESEL, Number of Passengers=5.0 can
generate automatically following description: Cars,
Passenger Car, DIESEL, 5.0
īAttribute has an additional parameter Description
Prefix. Prefix equal to Seats will generate
description: Cars, Passenger Car, DIESEL, Seats 5.0
īSeparator of the elements in description is defined in
Organizations application, option System
Settings.
15. Adding Classification to the Record
īIn an application, which can use classifications, click
the Specification tab and open the menu near the
field Classification:
16. Adding Classification to the Record cont.
īClassify option displays a dialog with available
classifications. Plus sign opens children of the
classification. Clicking blue square will apply chosen
classification to the current record. NOTE: number
of records presented in this view is defined globally
in CONTROL-REGISTRY.XML file and for
specific application in LIBRARY.XML file (in both
cases the parameter is called maxchildren).
17. Removing Classification from the Record
īIn any application which can use classifications, click
the Specification tab and open the menu near the
field Classification:
īClear Classification option will clear the
classification and attributes.
īThe same effect will be achieved by removing the
content of the field Classification.
18. Search by Classification
īIn Item Master, Assets or Locations application
click the menu close to the identifier column on the
List tab and choose Classification or Attributes
to search.
19. Search by Classification cont.
īClick on the classification name in Classification
Search window to display records with that
classification. You can narrow the search by entering
values for one or more attributes, you can also add
operators like: >100, <10, !=3, =90
īClicking the record identifier in the results table
creates a query on the List tab.
20. Search by Classification cont.
īAttribute Search window is a subset of the
previous window, you start the search by adding one
or more attributes to your query. Records that meet
the condition will be displayed in the table below.
You can also add operators like: >100, <10, !=3, =90
īClicking the record identifier in the results table
creates a query on the List tab.
21. Pictures in Classifications
īThere is an option to add a picture to the
classification. The purpose of it is to display
graphical map of related assets on Topology tab in
Assets application.
22. Pictures in Classifications cont.
īNOTE: to enable this mechanism, the users must be
granted access (in Security Groups application) to
the tabs: Relationships and Topology in Assets
application. Additionally users must have access to
Add/Modify Image option in Classifications
application.
īTopology has two views, which are based on the
relations between objects:
īĄ Business View â prepared by ASSETTOPOCACHE cron task
(by default runs every 15 minutes). It displays all elements
which have the flag Show in Asset Business View? checked
in their classifications
īĄ Detail View â based only on relations
23. Pictures in Classifications cont.
īYou can add only GIF or JPG pictures.
īClassifications application shows the pictures as
squares, while Topology view presents the same
picture as a rectangle, which is bit inconsistent. I
suggest trying different aspect ratios to achieve best
results in Topology view.
īI recommend not to use photos, instead use icons or
symbols, they look much better in Topology view.
24. If you want to learn more about MaximoâĻ
Please read my book:
IBM Maximo Asset Management.
The Consultantâs Guide
25. Legal information
īAll product and company names mentioned in this
publication may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
Editor's Notes
Historia zmian:
1.0.0, 2016-08-23 â wersja inicjalna
1.1.0, 2016-08-31 â dodano LIBRARY.XML do slajdu o rozmiarze drilldown