Modeling in a multi-Analyst environment presents unique challenges for using any tool—eXpress is no different. Designs are often created by more than one person, and used by even more. Not only must there be a well-defined process in place to keep the different Analysts coordinated on various tasks, but the use of the tool itself must also be well-structured. Fortunately, there are a number of things that can be done to simplify the problem.
Model Configuration Control
Configuration Control is probably the single most important aspect of design management for large teams of engineers. There are a number of configuration control programs that represent excellent solutions (one of our favorites is SourceGear Vault which can be found at www.sourcegear.com). To learn more about using eXpress with a configuration control program, please refer to the topic "Design Configuration Control".
Design Templates
Design Templates are another excellent way of ensuring designs in a multi-Analyst environment are defined the same. Templates allow designs to be created with certain entities already defined, such as Attributes. There are currently two different types of templates in eXpress:
Design Templates
Published Attribute Templates
Importing
Another way to enhance productivity in a multi-Analyst environment is through the use of imports. By importing data, you open up another avenue from which data can be created. This allows sometimes laborious tasks to be performed as a data entry task elsewhere, and then imported into eXpress . It also allows some information from other engineering groups to be re-used. For more on importing, please refer to the topic "Data Source Administration".
