Variations
The HOPEX NAF contains a feature that allows users to create and manage alternative versions of objects and models. This is the variation feature.
Variants are used to describe objects and models differently from the reference model or object or to make updates to objects and models over time.
Variants inherit the elements of the object from which they derive. Inherited elements are displayed in the navigation tree with an inheritance arrow next to them.
For more information on variations, see the HOPEX Common Features user guide "Handling Repository Objects", "Object Variations".
In the
HOPEX NAF, variants can be used for processes, more particularly, in NOV-5, NOV-6c and NSV-4.
Graphical visualization of variations
In diagrams, variations are displayed as inheritances. The inheritance arrow available in UML class diagrams is used to represent variations, and goes from the variant item to the varied item.
Activating variations
For architecture modeling using the HOPEX NAF product, users are encouraged to display variations. The option that allows users to display and use variations is deactivated by default.
To activate the variation option:
In the
HOPEX menu select
Tools > Option > Business Process and Architecture Modeling > Activate variations.
