Item File Links

When files are assigned to Items, they are given specific Item File Link types. The Item File Link type defines how the Item relates to the linked file.

Note: Item File Links are not the same as attaching a file to an item. For more information regarding attaching files to items please see Attach a File to an Item.

After a link has been created you can modify the link type or remove the link. Removing the link will disassociate the file from the Item.

Component and Subcomponent Links

For linking purposes, parts are considered a component or subcomponent, depending on how they are defined.

• Components are parts that are defined by a unique file.
• Subcomponents are parts which are defined internally as part of a file. For example, subcomponents can be virtual components in Inventor, or part references and structured components in AutoCAD Mechanical. Subcomponents are often defined multiple times in many different files and assemblies.
  A subcomponent link is established when a part (component) is defined within a file, but it is not the component defined by the file.

  Note: Administrators can configure Vault to create standard component links instead of primary and secondary subcomponent links during an Item Assign or Item Update event. See Configure Item Assignment for more information.

Primary and Secondary Subcomponent Link Rules

Primary and secondary subcomponent links adhere to these rules when set as the preferred link types for an Item Assign or Item Update event.

• If a file is assigned to an item, and a subcomponent is found for which there is no existing Item, then a Primary Subcomponent link is assigned to the file. If a pre-existing item is found, then a Secondary Subcomponent link is assigned.
• If a Primary Subcomponent is later defined in its own file, then a Primary link is assigned to the new file and the Primary Subcomponent link automatically changes to a Secondary Subcomponent link.

Subcomponent Link Examples

• AutoCAD Mechanical–If a whole assembly is drawn and defined in one file, the assembly receives a primary link to an item because the file is the definition of the assembly. All subassemblies and parts in the assembly receive subcomponent links from the assembly file to items.
• Inventor–Use subcomponents as virtual parts. For example, a user may add a virtual part for grease to their assembly. There is no physical part file modeled for grease, so it is solely defined within the assembly. That virtual grease component receives a subcomponent from the assembly file to an item.

Item File Link Types

Primary		A component with a primary link is the primary definition for the Item. Properties are read from this component on Item assign and update. Properties can be written back to the component as well. When the Item is released the primary link file will be locked. By default, a state change cannot be executed if the link needs updating. This setting can be configured in the state transition.
Secondary		A component with a secondary link is a secondary or duplicate definition for the Item. Properties are not read from this component on Item updates, though properties can be written back to the component. When the Item is released the secondary link component is locked. By default, a state change cannot be executed if the link needs updating. This setting can be configured in the state transition.
Primary Subcomponent		A component containing the primary definition for a subcomponent. Properties are read from and can be written back this component. When the Item is released, the component is locked.  By default, a state change cannot be executed if the link needs updating. This setting can be configured in the state transition.
Secondary Subcomponent		A component containing a secondary or duplicate definition for a subcomponent. Properties are not read from this component, though properties can be written back to the component. When the Item is released, the component is locked.  By default, a state change cannot be executed if the link needs updating. This setting can be configured in the state transition.
Standard Component		A component with a Standard Component link contains standard content. Properties are read for the Standard Component only at Item assign, and properties are written back to the file. When the Item is released, the file is locked.  Subcomponents also receive Standard Component links.
Tertiary		A file with a tertiary link is a design document file such as an .idw, .ipn, or .dwg file. These links are automatically assigned when the corresponding model file is assigned to Item. Files with Tertiary links are locked when the Item is released.