Matrices
Matrices allow you to view the links between objects in the repository. The interest is to see how the two object types interact and to analyze impacts of a modification between two concepts.
In the Enterprise Architect desktop, the Documentation navigation window allows display of available matrices.
Matrices generated by HOPEX can be exported to Excel.Accessing Matrices
To access matrices from the Enterprise Architect desktop:
(HOPEX Web Front-End) Click the navigation menu, then Repository > Documentation.The HOPEX solutions offer in standard mode matrices to help you view and modify links between objects in the repository.
To access these matrices please refer to the relevant documentation.Creating a Matrix from a Matrix Template
The Enterprise Architect desktop allows you to create your own matrices.
We shall take the example of a matrix between object types "Operation" and "Org-Unit". This matrix will define which operations are concerned when an org-unit is modified, and conversely, which org-units are affected by modification of an operation.
To create a matrix:
1. See Accessing Matrices.
2. Right-click the Matrices folder and select New > Matrix.
3. In the Create Matrix dialog box, specify the matrix content (for example, org-units executing operations). Enter the name of the matrix, for example "Org-Units/Operations".
4. In the Matrix template field, select a matrix template, for example “Realization matrix”.
The matrix templates predefine the object types displayed.5. Click OK.
A new matrix appears.
6. Double-click the new matrix.
The matrix window opens; it is empty.
To specify matrix content, see Specifying Matrix Content.Specifying Matrix Content
To specify the content (called rows and columns) of a matrix:
1. See Accessing Matrices.
2. In the matrix window, select:
• (Windows Front-End) Row > Add.
• (Web Front-End) Add Row.
The Query dialog box opens for selection of a target object.
3. Select the target and click Find.
4. Select all the objects displayed and click OK.
The rows of the matrix are entered.
5. Repeat the procedure for columns (Columns > Add or Add Column).
The titles of rows and columns are defined in the matrix.
See also:
Defining Cell Content (Windows Front-End)
Defining cells consists of indicating which type of link between the two objects you wish to see in the matrix. You can display this link:
• by selecting one of the links proposed in the list.
• by creating a query that will find links between the two object types.
Selecting a link
To complete the cells of the matrix via an existing link:
1. See Accessing Matrices.
2. In the matrix window, select Cell > Define.
The Definitions of Cells dialog box opens.
3. Select a link and click OK.
Cells of the matrix are filled.
Matrices allow you to display one of the characteristics of the selected link. By default, the Contents displayed in a cell is an X indicating that a link exists between the objects in row and column.Creating a query
In a query, the source corresponds to the row and the target to the column.
Take the example of the Org-Unit/Operations matrix, with org-units in rows and operations in columns.
To display operations of which org-units are those defined in the lines of the matrix, you will use the following query:
Select [Operation] Where [Participant].[Intervening Party Assignment].[Assigned Agent]=&row
Modifying Matrices
This section is about matrices designed with the help of a matrix template.Modifying presentation (Windows Front-End)
If column headers are not legible, you can modify their presentation.
To display headers vertically:
1. See Accessing Matrices.
2. In the Display menu, select Vertical.
Modifying matrix content
To remove a row or column from the matrix:
In the matrix menu bar, select:• (Windows Front-End) Row > Remove or Column > Remove.
• (Web Front-End) Remove, after selecting a row or column.
for Connecting and disconnecting objects:
Select the cell and open its pop-up menu to modify its content as appropriate.