This article will highlight new functionalities for SAP Engineering Control Center 5.1 and SAP ECTR 1.0 for S/4HANA. A complete list of improvements and corrections can be found in SAP Note 2233626.
Regarding functionality SAP ECTR 5.1.4 is equivalent to SAP ECTR 1.0 for S/4HANA, 5.1.5 = ECTR S/4 1.0 SP01, 5.1.6 = ECTR S/4 1.0 FP02, and so on.
The article is split up into several chapters for each patch/SP, sorted newest to oldest.
Prerequisite for backend:
Numbering schema: 5.1.0.1
5.1.0.1 stands for the release
5.1.0.1 stands for the support / feature package
5.1.0.1 stands for the patch
The Innovation Discovery gives an overview of planned innovations and delivered product features.
For planned functionality you can also read through the road map.
See also important notes.
Table of Contents
A full list is available in SAP Note 2233626.
5.1.16 / 1.0.12
Possibility to fill object lists via OSGi plugin (PLM-26791, Improvement Request 216595)
This improvement allows the admin to use custom OSGi extensions to add objects to an object list from ECTR.
To enable this enhancement a custom OSGi extension must implement the PluginFunctionService.
Raise an error when file size deviates from KPRO table and actual file size (PLM-29038, Improvement Request 247050)
This improvement improves the user experience by checking for differences in file size between the local cached file and the file on the KPRO database server.
If the file size is different, the system displays an error message to inform the user.
5.1.15.3
Allow to forbid change of Classification in Object Browser for certain class types (PLM-27778, Improvement Request 238325)
This improvement allows the admin to protect certain classes or class types from a change of the characteristic values.
Disclaimer: The class type 017 can not be blocked with this feature.
Configure the following preferences in default.txt.
<ECTR installation>\customize\config\default.txt
plm.classification.readonly.pattern = 001/.*/.*
5.1.15.2
Improved error message when user tries to replace change number of a document (PLM-27014, Improvement Request 223330)
This improvement enhances the error text, when trying to replace the change number for a document.
Handling of function Configuration Read (PLM-27379)
This feature allows the admin to configure the document part and document version of the document for the last used container and layout.
Two new preferences have been added for this feature in default.txt.
<ECTR installation>\customize\config\default.txt
# Document part used for user specific last used container and layout config # plm.control.folder.lastUsed.docPart = 000 # Document version used for user specific last used container and layout config # plm.control.folder.lastUsed.docVers = 00
Added possibility to suppress dialog "Accept Layout Changes" during system start (PLM-27423, Improvement Request 230048)
This feature allows the admin to suppress the "Accept Layout Changes" dialog and automatically overwrite the layout of SAP ECTR.
Configure the following preference in the default.txt.
<ECTR installation>\\customize\\config\default.txt
# if set to true, the admin changes to the layout applied automatically without any dialogs plm.om.admin.layout.forceApplyOnChange = true / false (default false)
Added possibility to cancel a pending macro (PLM-27442, Improvement Request 227914)
This feature allows the user to cancel pending macros with the ESC Button.
5.1.15 (SP15) 1.0.11 (SP11)
Display "Markup available Indicator" icon for objects in Originals container (PLM-24180)
This feature enables the user to display "Markup Indicator" icons for redlining objects in the Originals container.
The feature can be enabled in the file default.txt
default.txt
# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- # 2.3.6 SAP Originals Container # # Display the markup indicator for originals in the SAP Originals Container # true: Display markup indicator # false(default): Don't display the markup indicator # plm.original.read.markup.components = <true/false>
Improved attribute transfer and added language-dependent update of attribute values from SAP to a CAD application (PLM-25023, Improvement Request 212953)
This feature allows the user to define language-dependent attribute mappings for the transfer from SAP to CAD.
In order to enable this feature, the parameter "language" has to be added in an attribute section of the file attributes-from-sap.xml.
attributes-from-sap.xml
<!--=========================================== --> <!-- Default Attribute Mapping --> <!--=========================================== --> <section name="default" description="Standard attribute mapping" language=”EN”> <APPL_ATTRIBUTE name="SAP_DESCRIPTION" hidden="false"> <FIRSTNONEMPTY> ...
Removed the possibility to delete root folders in the Desktop window (PLM-25049, Improvement Request 213432)
This improvement removes the delete function on root folders.
The improvement will be enabled in the file menu.guidef.
menu.guidef
# Exclude the delete function from the root folders om.popup.menu.ctx_desk.DESKTOP.excludeListForChildren = fnc.fld.delete
Tooltip on ECN to show description and number (PLM-25108, Improvement Request 214468)
This improvement provides a tooltip for the ECN drop-down container.
Help dialog for user in mass change dialog if an entered value is cut at max-length (PLM-25264)
This improvement provides a help dialog for the user. This dialog warns the user if the input exceeds the maximum length for the characteristic.
New property "ECTR_CAD_SORT_ORDER" for ASV objects(PLM-25322, Improvement Request 223378)
This improvement provides the new property "ECTR_CAD_SORT_ORDER" for the connector.
This property shows the sort order of the assemblies in the navigator of the CAD System.
Check of the dirty-flag in the status change process to a status with release flag (PLM-26138)
This improvement provides the user with the possibility to enable or disable the invalid status change check for documents with a "release flag".
The improvement will be defined in the file default.txt.
default.txt
# This preference enables a check for the status transition to a status with "release flag" # true = status change process adds check for release flag to the invalid status changes (default) # false = disables check for release flag plm.document.statusChange.preventReleaseFlagForDirty = true
Handling of large amount of characteristics in search masks (PLM-26178)
This improvement simplifies the handling of characteristics when maintaining search masks.
The now used dialogs allow to search for class and characteristics now.
5.1.14 (SP14) 1.0-FP10
A full list is available in SAP Note 2233626.
Display redlining in SAP VE 3D Viewer window (PLM-18955)
Users can now display annotations (redlinings), created within SAP GUI in the embedded VE Viewer inside of SAP ECTR. Saving of annotations is planned with on of the next updates.
The feature can be configured in the file <ECTR installation>\addons\sapvev\customize\config\default.txt:
\addons\sapvev\customize\config\default.txt
# Read redlining and annotations via from backend and show it in the viewer plm.viewer.read.redlining.enabled = true
New function to assign mass objects to a change number (PLM-21903, Improvement Request 200727)
This Feature enables the User to assign an change number to multiple documents. Depending on the chosen assign function the active change number will be assigned or a search mask will open to search a change number for assignment.
The menu for this feature is defined in the file <ECTR installation>\customize\config\menu_macros.txt.
menu_macros.txt
? ASSIGN_ECN_DOC = mnu.flyout.assignecn = fnc.assign.to.ecn(active) = fnc.assign.to.ecn(search)
New function to add objects with a macro-search to the folder (PLM-22935)
This feature enables users to use search macros for adding objects to folders. This feature can handle also customer specific generic objects. More information on generic objects can be found on Extend ECTR with customer specific generic objects
To use this function, the OMF must be added to the macro FOLDER_ADD menu in the file <ECTR installation>\customize\config\menu_macros.txt. The OMF can be defined with a specific macro to be used for the object search. More information can be found here How to add objects to folders via search macro
menu_macros.txt
? FOLDER_ADD ... = fnc.add.with.macro = fnc.add.with.macro(search_documents.txt)
Refresh button in the Application Structure window (PLM-22962, Improvement Request 201662)
This Feature enables the user to refresh the application structure window. This function needs also to be implemented on the CAD interface side and will be rolled out with one of the next updates for the CAD interfaces.
This function is set in the file <ECTR installation>\structureview\customize\config\default.txt
default.txt
om.custom.tool.ctx_asv.3 = fnc.structure.view.application.generic(sap_reload)
Cancel running macro-search in frontend UI (PLM-23155, Improvement Request 206113)
This Feature enables the User to cancel long running macro searches. A user can simply cancel a long running search with key "ESCAPE".
New container to show the object management record of a document (PLM-23510)
This Feature enables the User to see object management record of a document directly on the document.
The new container can be added to the container definitions of documents. For example the container has been added to the general container definition for documents in the <ECTR installation>\structureview\customize\config\default.txt
default.txt
plm.om.DOC.containers = ...;OBJECT_MANAGEMENT_RECORD;...
New possibility to show generic objects in frontend UI (PLM-23777)
This enables administrators to add customer specific generic objects to SAP ECTR. More information on generic objects can be found on Extend ECTR with customer specific generic objects
New function to read and show instance information in viewing-scene (PLM-23860)
This Feature enables the User to view instance information in the SAP VE 3D Viewer window of SAP ECTR.
This Feature can be enabled in the file <ECTR installation>\addons\sapvev\customize\config\default.txt
default.txt
# Transfer of Instance Attributes (SAP Table DMUTMX_META) to the Components in the Viewer # Define a group which contains the Attribute Data in the Viewer. # plm.viewer.transfer.instance.attributes = <GROUP>-* # plm.viewer.transfer.instance.attributes = <GROUP1>-<AttributeName1>;<GROUP2>-<AttributeName2> # e.g plm.viewer.transfer.instance.attributes = DMUTMX_META-*
The shown Text for the Group and the AttributeNames can be specified in the customer dictionaries.
customer.txt
plm.viewer.metadata.group.DMUTMX_META=DIRECTION plm.viewer.metadata.DMUTMX_META.AA_SIDE=Side plm.viewer.metadata.DMUTMX_META.AA_ORIENTATION=ORIENTATION
Visual compare for single parts and VDS - monoliths (PLM-23946)
This Feature enables the User to compare part files and VDS monoliths in SAP ECTR.
The configuration is done e.g.for the Assembly Browser Toolbar, in the file <ECTR installation>\customize\config\menu.guidef.
menu.guidef
+ om.custom.tool.ctx_ass ... = mnu.flyout.viewer = fnc.doc.viewer.show.tree = fnc.open.in.viewer = fnc.doc.viewer.compare.with.loaded = fnc.doc.viewer.compare.monolith.with.loaded ...
New function "Replace version" in the application structure context menu (PLM-24113)
This enables a user to replace a loaded version of a part with another version of this document (component).
The menu function for this is defined in the file <ECTR installation>\structureview\customize\config\menu.guidef
menu.guidef
+ om.popup.menu.SOB
...
= fnc.structure.view.application.generic(sap_replace_version)
New functionality to integrate SAP IPD for collaboration (PLM-24797)
This feature enables users to collaborate on CAD files with externals. SAP ECTR integrates with SAP intelligent product design collaboration. It is possible to connect to the SAP IPD collaboration and export documents and their files (focus on CAD data) and import them again later. The functionality requires an active SAP IPD system.
Videos for this new functionality can be found here:
- Video 1: corresponds to 1. + 2., internal designer publishes design documents to an external designer
- Video 2: corresponds to 4., the external designer changes the design and uploads the changes.
- Video 3: corresponds to 4. + 5., the internal designer download the changes, reviews the changes in his CAD system and checks it in again.
or on Youtube with voice overlay.
This integration adds a new window "Collaborations" to SAP ECTR.
This feature has an installation option in the SAP Installer for SAP ECTR.
Using the Collaboration window requires a SAP ECTR professional user license (unit 7523).
Mouse-over text on icons in tree (PLM-22959, Improvement Request 203058)
This function enables the User to enhance the comprehension of shown icons.
To use this function the User has to press CTRL and move the mouse cursor over the icon
Show class-specific icons in Classification window (PLM-23665)
This function enables the User to define individual icons for every class.
To enable the function the icons have to be defined in the file <ECTR installation>\customize\aux-files\customer_icons.txt.
The definition of the icons follow spezific rules like: obr_clh_<Class_Type>_<Classname>.
customer_icons.txt
obr_clh_001_T0001 = {0}/class<<{0}/o_material_rb<<{0}/o_link
5.1.13 (SP13) 1.0-SP09
A full list is available in SAP Note 2233626.
Open assembly in CAD from assembly window in the same way as in desktop window (PLM-17612, Improvement Request IR 207956)
This improvement adds two new functions to the assembly window of SAP ECTR and changes how the functions "open original" and "open original for edit" work on it.
The functions "open original" and "open original for edit" now work on the assembly window in the same way as in the desktop window, they reload the document structure if executed. This was done to enhance the consistency for the user. The two new functions "open original as displayed" and "open original for edit as displayed" will open the document as it is displayed in the assembly window.
The configuration for the new functions is set as default in the new menu macro "DOCPOS_GENERAL" in the menu_macros.txt of SAP ECTR for document positions in general.
menu_macros.txt
? DOCPOS_GENERAL = fnc.doc.open.fast.view = fnc.doc.open.fast.edit = fnc.doc.open.fast.as.displayed.view = fnc.doc.open.fast.as.displayed.edit = ----------------------------- = fnc.doc.create.nm = fnc.doc.status.change = fnc.doc.new.version
The new menu macro is set as default for all popup menus of document positions in the file menu.guidef, for example DOCPOS.DOC
menu.guidef
+ om.popup.menu.DOCPOS.DOC = ? DOCPOS_GENERAL = ----------------------------- = ***
See also SCN-Wiki.
Implement a support for specific DTypes in the import-on-demand function (PLM-19336, IR 202360)
This improvement enables the user to specify the actions for which a DType is allowed. So it can be specified if a DType is only to use for importing documents.
The Configuration for this improvement has to be done by the specific Dtype for which it should be configured.
For this purpose the DType setting rules have been enhanced, by the option <allowed_actions>. For example, text files should only be allowed for creation in SAP ECTR. For this, the new DType option, <allowed_actions> is added to the <document_create> section of the default DType template "TTXT1".
dtype.xml
<!-- TTXT1 - Template DType --> <!-- ================================================================================= --> <DType type="template" identifier="TTXT1" include_template="DEFLT" application_type="TXT"> <!-- ================================================================================= --> ... <document_create create_with_SAP_GUI="no" create_multi_allowed="no" document_number_assignment="internal" initial_document_number="*" document_type="TXT" initial_document_part="000" part_editable="yes" initial_document_version="00" version_editable="no" change_to_after_create_status="AC" filename_template_base="$(DOCNUMBER)$(DOCTYPE)$(DOCPART)_" filename_template_version="$(DOCVERSION)"> <allowed_actions> <action name="standalone_doc_create"/> </allowed_actions> </document_create> ...
Provide a DType configuration to implement a customer-specific filter for the target status (PLM-21764, IR 200311)
This improvement enables the user to specify a list of allowed status transitions and a list of forbidden status transitions for specified DTypes.
The configuration for this improvement has to be done by the specific DType for which it should be configured. For this purpose, the DType setting rules have been enhanced, by the option <status_transition>. For example, text files should not be allowed to change from the status "SW" to the status "IA", but they should be able to change from "AC" to "IW;PR" and from "IW" to "AC;IA;FR" in SAP ECTR. For this, the new DType option <status_transition> is added to the <program_options> section of the default DType template "TTXT1".
Table 5 dtype.xml
dtype.xml
<!-- TTXT1 - Template DType <!-- ================================================================================= --> <DType type="template" identifier="TTXT1" include_template="DEFLT" application_type="TXT"> <!-- ================================================================================= --> ... <program_options show_for_create="yes" has_primary_application="yes" dirty_flag="no" attempt_status_change_on_checkin="yes" function_group="DOC" customer_data_section="" document_data_class=""> <copy_as allowed="yes" ignore_wsappl_list="ZIP;EPJ;EPG" use_initial_version="yes"/> <new_version status_list="FR" ignore_wsappl_list="ZIP;EPJ;EPG" ignore_nm_dtype_list="" /> <status_transition> <status_transition_restriction type="blacklist" from="SW" to="IA"/> <status_transition_restriction type="whitelist" from="IW" to="AC;IA;FR"/> <status_transition_restriction type="whitelist" from="AC" to="IW;PR"/> </status_transition> </program_options> ...
Implement a possibility to load assembly in assembly window without replace of top document (PLM-22886)
This improvement enables the user to determine the replacement of the head of an assembly through the definition of the load options if displayed in the assembly window.
This improvement can be configured with the preference "plm.loadoptions.assembly.replace.top". This new preference has been added to the preferences menu and can be set there while SAP ECTR is running. The default value of this setting is "true".
Improve error handling of DType initialization / initial start process (PLM-23029)
This improvement informs the user if configurations of DTypes are missing or incorrect on either side of the SAP ECTR system. The report will only be shown to users with administration rights for SAP ECTR.
This improvement will be automatically activated but can be controlled with the preference "plm.checker.profile.postlogon". This preference defines which audit action should be done while starting SAP ECTR. The following audits are developed for SAP ECTR at the moment:
- plm.proc.check.ApplicationPreferencesAudit: checks whether all preferences of applications have the application name in it.
- plm.proc.check.DTypeAudit: checks whether all Dtype configurations are correct between the SAP System and the SAP ECTR Client.
- plm.proc.check.MatEditClassExistsInSap: checks whether material defined with the preference "plm.mat.edit" exists in SAP ECTR or not.
- plm.utils.configtransmitter.ConfigSapAudit: checks whether all applications and addOns from the installation directory are present in the configuration directory.
By defaul,t the audits DTypeAudit and ConfigSapAudit are set. The preference can be defined in the file default.txt of SAP ECTR.
default.txt
plm.checker.profile.postlogon = plm.proc.check.DTypeAudit;plm.utils.configtransmitter.ConfigSapAudit
Improve backendConfig to show report on startup when the configuration document is missing an addon or application (PLM-22947)
This improvement informs the user if an add-on or application is missing in the on the SAP Servers store the client configuration of the SAP ECTR Client. The report will only be shown to users with administration rights for SAP ECTR.
This improvement will be directly enabled if the add-on backendConfig is used and the audit ConfigSapAudit is enabled.
Check frontend configuration before uploading to SAP (PLM-23342)
This improvement informs the user if configurations are missing or incorrect on either side of the SAP ECTR system before uploading the client configuration to the SAP Server.
The report will only be shown to users with administration rights for SAP ECTR due to the fact that the function for tranfering the configuration is in the administrator menu.
This improvement will be automatically activated but can be controlled with the preference "plm.checker.profile.configUpload". This preference defines which audit action should be done before uploading the configuration of the SAP ECTR Client to the SAP Server.
default.txt
plm.checker.profile.configUpload = plm.proc.check.DTypeAudit;plm.proc.check.MatEditClassExistsInSap
Drag&Drop folder to object list shall add folder instead of content (PLM-23157, IR 206874)
This enables the user to add folders to an object list instead of its content.
Make the preview icon size for folder navigator adjustable in the options UI (PLM-23175)
options.xml
<option prefname="obr.panel.FolderBrowser.btnSize" type="string" label="plm.folderBrowser.btnSize.label" tooltip="plm.folderBrowser.btnSize.tooltip" restart="yes"> <entry name="100x100" value="100x100"/> <entry name="200x200" value="200x200"/> <entry name="300x300" value="300x300"/> <entry name="400x400" value="400x400"/> <entry name="500x500" value="500x500"/> </option> <option prefname="obr.panel.navigator.btnSizeNew" type="string" label="plm.cls.navigator.btnSize.label" tooltip="plm.cls.navigator.btnSize.tooltip"> <entry name="100x100" value="100x100"/> <entry name="200x200" value="200x200"/> <entry name="300x300" value="300x300"/> <entry name="400x400" value="400x400"/> <entry name="500x500" value="500x500"/> </option>
Show more basic data fields in the multi-material-create dialog (PLM-23238, IR 201495)
This improvement enables the user to view more basic data fields while creating materials in SAP ECTR.
This improvement can be enabled in the default.txt of SAP ECTR with the preference "plm.mat.create.multi.adv.fields.support".
default.txt
# Enable the dialog for multiple material creation to add more basic data fields # true: add more basic data fields to creation dialog # false (default): only the default basic data fields will be shown plm.mat.create.multi.adv.fields.support = false
The prerequisite is that the corresponding basic data have write access in SAP ECTR under Administrator - System Setup - Select Object Data:
Implement new SmartContainer for usage in Engineering records (PLM-23308, IR 207554)
This improvement enables the user to view all engineering records linked to the document.
The configuration for this feature is set as default in the file default.txt.
default.txt
#All ER Change Positions
plm.smart.container.All_ER_CP.name = All ER Change Positions
plm.smart.container.All_ER_CP.macro = generic_SmartContainer_macro.txt
plm.smart.container.All_ER_CP.params.0 = FM:/DSCSAG/ECR_CI_OBJECTS_2_ECRS
plm.smart.container.All_ER_CP.params.1 = STOP_ON_FIRST_ERROR
plm.smart.container.All_ER_CP.params.2 = X
plm.smart.container.All_ER_CP.icon = {0}/sap/folder_open
Improve checking of the dirty-flag in status change process (PLM-23023, IR 204061)
This improvement allows the user to control the check of the status transition for invalid status changes. It enables the user to decide if a status transition from a lock type status is allowed.
The configuration for this feature is set as default in the file default.txt.
default.txt
# This preference enables a check for the status transition to a status with "lock status type" # true = status change process adds check for lock status types to the invalid status changes # false (default) = disables check for lock status types plm.document.statusChange.preventLockStatusForDirty = false
Improve handling of bad input in mass material creation dialog (PLM-23158, IR 203452)
This improvement protects the user from losing the data he entered if the mass-material-creation dialog fails to execute due to incorrect input data.
Enhance attributes mapping during create/save (PLM-23207, IR 200286)
This improvement enables the user to enhance the attribute mapping from their CAD system to the SAP system. SAP ECTR now provides file data for the attribute transfer.
The configuration for this feature has to be done in the file attributes-to-sap.xml.
attribute-to-sap.xml
<APPL_ATTRIBUTE name="_DOCDESCR">
<XFORMAT outputFormat="{0}-{1}-{2} $(pref[plm.om.Postfix])">
<APPL_ATTRIBUTE name="SAP_DOCID"/>
<APPL_ATTRIBUTE name="SAP_DESCRIPTION"/>
<APPL_ATTRIBUTE name="_FILENAME"/>
</XFORMAT>
</APPL_ATTRIBUTE>
For further information about how to configure attribute transfer in SAP ECTR, please refer to the Operation_Guide.
Implement a possibility to create documents with description in different languages (PLM-23895, IR 207102)
This improvement enables the user to manage different languages when creating a document.
The configuration for this OSGi feature can be enabled in the file default.txt.
default.txt
# OSGi-Services can be disabled by setting the following preference service.<fully qualified name of the service>.disabled = true # true = disable the specific OSGi-Service # false = enable the specific OSGi-Service service.com.dscsag.plm.docextensions.internal.AllLangDocDescrExtensionService.disabled = true
After activating the OSGI service just press "F4" in the description field to see all available languages.
5.1.12 (SP12) / 1.0-SP08
A full list is available in SAP Note 2233626.
VEConverter.bat moved to new directory ATTENTION
With SP12/08 the batch file to start the VEConverter.exe was moved from <PLM_INSTDIR>\customize\exec\win\addutils\VEConverter.bat to <PLM_INSTDIR>\basis\sys\win\bin\VEConverter.bat. All dtype.xml files pointing to the old path need to be adjusted.
Implement new function to show an object in folder structure (PLM-19697)
This Feature makes it easier for the User to find shown Objects in the Folder Structure. If an Object is loaded in an SAP ECTR Context for example the Object Browser by using the function on it, the position of the Object in the Folder Structure will be shown.
The Configuration for this function will set as default in the menu_macrostxt of SAP ECTR for the Object Browser macros.
menu_macros.txt
? DOC_MASTER_TOOLBAR_OBR = fnc.doc.status.change
= fnc.doc.new.version
= fnc.doc.copy.as
= -----------------------------
= fnc.sap.note.send
= -----------------------------
= fnc.show.object.in.folder.structure
? DOC_GENERIC_TOOLBAR_OBR = fnc.doc.status.change
= fnc.doc.new.version
= fnc.doc.copy.as
= -----------------------------
= fnc.sap.note.send
= -----------------------------
= fnc.show.object.in.folder.structure
Implement a new filter command for macros to filter for object types (PLM-21868)
This Feature enables the user to write Macros that can filter objects after their specific Type. If an Macro is written the User can use the new Macro command to specify a Filter Function to get a set of objects, which have the specified object type.
The new Macro command can be used directly with the new SAP ECTR Version.
Example for macro
/*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S A P E C T R M A C R O P R O G R A M
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purpose: Filter Example for Object Type Filter
Created by: FHO
Created at: 01.03.2018
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<DOC>
>>>> This Filter is an Example to show the use of the new FILTER_BY_TYPE command
</DOC>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*/
// -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Define functions
// -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function main()
{
Objects = ASK_USER( "folder", "Product folder")
ObjectSet = CREATE_SET( Objects )
resultSet = FILTER_BY_TYPE( ObjectSet, "DOC" )
resultList = KEYLIST_FROM_SET( resultSet )
WRITE_OBJECTLIST( resultList, "Objects Filter by Type" )
}
// -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Execute the function main
// -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
main()
// -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// End of macro
// -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Implement a possibilty to use SAP search help for value list feature (PLM-22837)
Solves improvement request 200086.
This Feature enables the User to use the SAP search help while using the F4 value help. If an User uses the F4 value help and there are no Standard values defined the SAP search help will be used to find proper values.
The Configuration for this Feature can be done in the default.txt of SAP ECTR.
<ECTR inst dir>\customize\config\default.txt
# This preference defines a search help for the defined field if using F4 value help # plm.search.f4.sap.searchhelp.<tabName>.<fieldName> = <sapSearchHelp>
Example: SAP Search Help for Document Type (DOKAR)
plm.search.f4.sap.searchhelp.DRAW.DOKAR = H_TDWA
Support SSO and SNC connections with ECTR Landscape-provider (PLM-22295)
This Function improves the SAP Engineering Control Center Add-On landscape-provider to work properly with SAP Single Sign On and SAP Secure Network Communication. If using the landscape-provider of SAP now the SSO and SNC function can be used for SAP ECTR.
This Improvement will be enabled if the SAP ECTR Add-On landscape-provider is installed.
Implement a mapping for DMUCAD fields with attribute to sap xml (PLM-21839)
This Feature enables the User to control the Derive of the Bill of Material from the Bill of Documents with the BOM_WIZARD. Now there is a mapping that allows to set certain component attributes from INST_CAD / DMUCAD.
For this Feature there needs to be set Configuration in the dtype.xml.
Table 3 dtype.txt
dtype.xml
<program_options ... bod_mapping_section="xyz123" ... />
And an attribute section needs to be configured in the attributes-to-sap.xml.
attributes-to-sap.xml
<section name="xyz123">
<APPL_ATTRIBUTE name="EXCLUDED_FROM_BOM" hidden="false"> <!-- default value of hidden is true: need to set it to false to send attribute to SAP! -->
<APPL_ATTRIBUTE name="IGNORE_ITEM"/> <!-- get value of EXCLUDED_FROM_BOM attribute (SAP) from IGNORE_ITEM attribute (CAD) -->
</APPL_ATTRIBUTE>
<APPL_ATTRIBUTE name="IGNORE_ITEM" hidden="true"/> <!-- don't send IGNORE_ITEM attribute to SAP -->
</section>
Enable the user to hide empty columns in the table (PLM-21796)
This Feature provides an improvement of the table usability for the User. It allows the User to hide all empty columns in tables but columns that can be added will stay visible.
This Feature can be enabled in the layout manager of tables.
Improve the "add from clipboard" function for qualified searching of document keys (PLM-22371)
This Feature enables the user to add documents with defined document keys to folders.
To use this Feature the new Function needs to be added to the menu configurations in the menu.guidef.
menu.guidef
= mnu.flyout.search.from.clipboard
...
= fnc.object.search.from.clipboard(document,qualified)
And the document key pattern needs to be defined in the default.txt. The pattern can be defined with the preference plm.search.from.clipboard.qualified.pattern.<index>, the Index needs to be a number and has to start by 1. The pattern is a regular expression.
default.txt
plm.search.from.clipboard.qualified.pattern.1 = (?<N>\S{1,25})(?<T>\S{3})(?<P>\S{3})_(?<V>\S{2}).*
Pattern definition | Groupname | Example meaning |
(?<N>\S{1,25}) | Document Number | The Document key starts with and Document Number with a String Characters Length of 1 to 25 |
(?<T>\S{3}) | Document Type | Then a Document Type with a Length of 3 String Characters follows |
(?<P>\S{3}) | Document Part | Then a Document Part with a Length of 3 String Characters follows |
_(?<V>\S{2}) | Document Version | The Document Version is separated be an underscore and follows with a Length of 2 String Characters |
Use different icon to describe that an object was locally modified (PLM-22087)
Solves improvement request 201688.
This Feature is to improve the understanding of the icons for the working directories "SAP system has more recent changes" and "Modified locally without exclusive lock", as well as the icon for the filter "Need for Action" of the application structure context were adjusted. This adaptation is intended to avoid erroneously assuming matches from working directory to functionalities.
The Configuration for this function will set as default in the standard_icons.txt of the basis and in the standard_icons.txt of the add-on structureview.
basis\aux-files\standard_icons.txt
...
tree.workdir.notuptodate = {0}/sap/message_warning_2
...
tree.workdir.newer = {0}/sap/message_warning_2
...
addons\structureview\basis\aux-files\standard_icons.txt
...
filter.icon.filter.needaction = {0}/sap/person
...
filter.icon.filter.needaction.on = {0}/sap/person
...
Implement the possibility to read class descriptions from SAP and not from default.txt (PLM-22028)
This Feature improves the use of descriptions for Class Search. It enables the User to maintain the descriptions in the SAP system. The Configuration of an mapping will be the only thing that needs to be done on client side of SAP ECTR.
The Configuration of the mapping can be done similar to the old mapping of the descriptions in the default.txt
default.txt
# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- # 3.2.1 Class Search # ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- # plm.cls.search.classType = <class-identifier>;<class-identifier>;... plm.cls.search.classType = 017; 001; 025; *
Implement new toolbar for Viewer window (PLM-20848)
This Feature improves the usability of function for the Viewer window. It enables the User to find new and existing function easier.
The Configuration for this Feature will set as default in the default.txt and the new menu.guidef of the add-on sapvev.
default.txt
# Toolbar for Viewer window plm.viewer.show.toolbar = true
menu.guidef
# Toolbar functions for viewer window for Viewing According to Load Rules + om.custom.tool.ctx_vis.STRUCTURE = fnc.send.to.AL = fnc.doc.open.fast.view = fnc.sap.note.send = fnc.viewer.clear = ----------------------------- = fnc.execute.visual.enterprise.query(highlight.rhq) = fnc.execute.visual.enterprise.query(undo.rhq) + om.custom.tool.ctx_vis.FILE = fnc.send.to.AL = fnc.doc.open.fast.view = fnc.sap.note.send = fnc.viewer.clear
Implement a new filter command for macros to filter for object types (PLM-21868)
This Feature enables the User to filter objects by their types with a macro. If a macro is written and it should only work on one specific object type the filter can be defined to only find objects of that type.
Example for macro
keylist = KEYLIST_FROM_REFOBJ() setId = CREATE_SET (keylist) ... resultSetId = FILTER_BY_TYPE(setId , ["DOC", "MAT"] ) ...
Implement new SmartContainer to support toplevel where used for Bill of Documents (PLM-22406)
This Feature helps the User to improve the understanding of the impact from changes made to a component. The SmartContainer shows the highest level of documents which contain the components.
The Configuration for this Feature will set as default in the default.txt.
default.txt
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
# 3.5.2 Object display / Containers
...
plm.om.DOC.containers = ...;SMART_CONT(Top_WU);...
...
#Where used Toplevel
plm.smart.container.Top_WU.name = Toplevel Where used
plm.smart.container.Top_WU.macro = generic_SmartContainer_macro.txt
plm.smart.container.Top_WU.params.0 = FM:/DSCSAG/DOC_TOPLEVEL_REF
plm.smart.container.Top_WU.icon = {0}/sap/where_used
Improve logon dialog to show complete description of the SAP systems list (PLM-22532)
This Feature makes it easier for the User to read the Description of the SAP systems. The size of the "SAP-System" Combobox is now dynamic to the length of the Descriptions for the SAP systems.
Implement possibility to create material on CAD-Variant object (PLM-21010)
This Feature improves the material creation process and allows now to create materials on CAD-Variant objects. It allows the User to create materials on selected CAD-Variant objects.
The Feature will be configured if the Solidworks Integration is installed otherwise it can be configured in the menu.guidef.
menu.guidef
# -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # 2.5.2.13 (SLW) CAD Variant on generic document + om.popup.menu.CADVAR = fnc.api.generic2(CDESK_SRV_MBOM_WIZARD_MULTI) = fnc.api.generic2(CDESK_SRV_MBOM_WIZARD_SINGLE) = fnc.mat.create.multi
Improve handling of unknown object links (PLM-19291)
This Feature enables the User to display Objects that are unknown to SAP Engineering Control Center in the SAP system.
The Configuration for this Feature will set as default in the menu.guidef.
menu.guidef
# -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # 2.5.2.15 Generic Object + om.popup.menu.GENERIC = fnc.open.generic.in.sap
Make attributes on Engineering Record usable for icon definitions (PLM-22382)
This Feature enables the User to customize the Icons of Engineering Records, to work with attributes.
The Configuration for this Feature can be set in the customer_icons.txt and the default.txt of the add-on ectrwui.
For Example:
customer_icons.txt
ecr_ECRD_30 = {0}/sap/engineering_record<<flag/flag_prio_3
ecr_ECRD_10 = {0}/sap/engineering_record<<flag/flag_prio_1
ecr_cc_2 = {0}/ecm<<flag/flag_prio_2
ecr_cc_1 = {0}/ecm<<flag/flag_prio_1
ecr_cc_ = {0}/ecm<<flag/flag_prio_high
ecrci_CMPL = {0}/sap/document<<{0}/sap/done
ecrci_CHG = {0}/sap/document<<{0}/sap/edit
ecrci2_CRE = {0}/sap/new<<{0}/sap/o_add
ecrci2_CHG = {0}/sap/new
addons\ectrwui\customize\config\default.txt
# Configuration of Icons for ECR plm.ecr.iconcount = 2 plm.ecr.icon.1 = ecr_$(ECR_TYPE)_$(STATUS) plm.ecr.icon.2 = ecr_cc_$(LEAD_CHG_STATUS) # Configuration of Icons for ECR_Item plm.ecrci.iconcount = 2 plm.ecrci.icon.1 = ecrci_$(OBJECT_STATUS) plm.ecrci.icon.2 = ecrci2_$(CHANGE_RELEVANT)
5.1.9.3
For details see SAP Note 2233626.
5.1.11 / 1.0-SP07
This Feature Package (FP) contains major new features, enhancements and corrections. A full list is available in SAP Note 2233626.
Use SAP UI Landscape configuration to prevent redundant landscape configuration
The SAP logon information is directly read from SAP GUI installation. Double maintenance of SAPlogon.txt in SAP ECTR configuration is not required any more.
This Feature will be installed with the Standard SAP ECTR installation as part of the Add-On landscape-provider.
Support document revision assignment during status change of documents
When changing the status to a release status, you can assign a Revision Level to a document either automatically or manually.
For this Feature the SAP Note 2431350 is required in the SAP System.
Possibility to call the SAP Visual Instance Planner (VIP)
This Feature enables the User to takeover a document from SAP ECTR to SAP 3D Visual Instance Planner.
The Configuration of the Call is set as default in the menu_macros.txt of SAP ECTR.
menu_macros.txt
? DOC_DOC = mnu.flyout.doc_doc
= ...
= -----------------------------
= fnc.api.generic2(VMP_MAINTAIN)
= fnc.api.generic2(VIP_LAUNCH)
= -----------------------------
= ...
api_definitions2.xml
<!-- Visual Instance Planner -->
<function apiname="/DSCSAG/TRANSACTION_CALL2" name="VIP_LAUNCH" transaction="bright" type="document">
<import>
<parameter name="TCODE" string="VIP_LAUNCH_PARAM"/>
<parameter name="DOCUMENTNUMBER_INT" value="DOCUMENTNUMBER_INT"/>
<parameter name="DOCUMENTTYPE" value="DOCUMENTTYPE"/>
<parameter name="DOCUMENTPART" value="DOCUMENTPART"/>
<parameter name="DOCUMENTVERSION" value="DOCUMENTVERSION"/>
<parameter name="SKIP_FIRST_SCREEN" string="X"/>
</import>
</function>
Smart Folders for dynamic folder content
This feature allows to create folders that are capable of dynamic content, like the Smartlists.
This functionality requires some configuration activities for your SAP ECTR.
For SmartFolders you need to define a DType. SAP ECTR has defined the DType SMFL as default in the dtype.xml.
dtype.xml
<!-- SMFL - Master DType -->
<!-- ====================================================================================================== -->
<DType type="master" identifier="SMFL" include_template="DEFLT" application_type="XML">
<!-- ====================================================================================================== -->
<program_options show_for_create="no"
has_primary_application="yes"
dirty_flag="no"
attempt_status_change_on_checkin="no"
function_group="SMART_FOLDER"
customer_data_section=""/>
<document_create document_number_assignment="internal"
initial_document_part="SFL"
document_type="AUX"
initial_document_version="00"
change_to_after_create_status=""
part_editable="no"
version_editable="no" />
<primary_application primary_workstation_application="XML">
<checkout_rules one_version_in_session_only="no"/>
</primary_application>
</DType>
You need to set the preference plm.smart.folder.dtype in the default.txt.
default.txt
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
# 3.17 SmartFolder definition
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Settings for the DType of SmartFolders
# plm.smart.folder.dtype = SMFL (default value)
plm.smart.folder.dtype = SMFL
To enable the creation of SmartFolders you need to add the function into the folder-context-menu, adjusted in file <ECTR>\customize\config\menu_macros.txt.
menu_macros.txt
? FOLDER_NEW
...
= fnc.create.smart.folder
To enable the user to edit the SmartFolder there need to be set a menu for SmartFolder in <ECTR>\customize\config\menu.guidef.
menu.guidef
+ om.popup.menu.SMART_FOLDER = fnc.edit.smart.folder
= -----------------------------
= ? CLPBRD_OBJ
Change user password
This feature enables the user to call the maintenance user profil (transaction SU3) from the SAP System. This can be used if the user needs to change his password.
Possibility to edit more basic data fields in multi material create dialog
This feature enables the user to maintain more baisc data fields in the Multi Material Create Dialog.
To switch on this enhancement, the following preference variable has to be set in the default.txt.
plm.mat.create.multi.adv.fields.support = true
Overwrite recent original with local older modified original
You can overwrite the original in the SAP System with an older modified original from your local ECTR session directory. It can be used to enable key users to overwrite changes done by other engineer. The user will be Informed by a "Disclaimer Window" that he will overwrite changes that were done to the documente after he opend it.
To enable this functionality you need to change the menu_macros.txt of <ECTR>\customize\config or the corresponding CAD application, e.g. <ECTR>\application\pro\customize\config.
menu_macros.txt
? DOC_NX = mnu.flyout.doc_doc = ... = ----------------------------- = fnc.doc.checkout.force = ----------------------------- = ...
New function "load scenario" to define specific combinations of explosion scenarios and sets of application load options
This feature enables the user to optimize the loading for large assemblies. Further information can be found on SAP Community Wiki Page: How to configure different load scenarios
New Window for Product Structure Management (PSM Window)
This feature enables the user to use Product Structures in a new window (PSM Window). The following functionality is offered:
- Optimized display of Product Structures (without intermediate level and containers)
- Filter of Product Structure based on Simulation
- Assignment of Documents to Product Structure (Nodes and Variants)
Using the PSM window requires a SAP ECTR professional user license (unit 7523).
New functionality to distribute frontend-configurations via SAP-system
This feature enables the administrator to distribute the frontend-configuration from SAP ECTR via the SAP-system. It is part of the new add-on "backendConfig" which can be selected in the SAP ECTR Installer. Further informations to this feature can be found on its SAP Community Wiki Page: How to configure the distribution of SAP ECTR configurations via SAP system
5.1.10 / 1.0-SP06
This SP is focused on smaller improvements and corrections. A detailed list is provided in SAP Note 2233626.
Show long text for engineering record and change item (read-only)
This improvement enables the User to see the long texts of engineering record and change items.
Provide an option for configuring the direction of the axes in the viewer
This improvement enables the User to define in which direction the axes of the viewer should be.
The direction can be set with the Preferences:
plm.viewer.ve.up.direction
plm.viewer.ve.right.direction
plm.ve.converter.up.direction
plm.ve.converter.right.direction
Allowed values are: XPOS, XNEG, YPOS, YNEG, ZPOS, ZNEG
Implement a warning message when locally modified parts are opened/loaded
This improvement enables the User to get a warning if there are local modification of an assembly the he wants to open. This Warning can be enabled with the Preference (default.txt)
plm.doc.checkout.show.warning.onLocalModifiedParts=true
"Maximize" for modal ECTR dialogs
This improvement enables the User to maximize modal ECTR dialogs, for a better overview. The Maximize function can be set to a shortcut with the Preference plm.dialog.maximize.keystroke, the default shortcut is F11.
Link folder and equipment
This improvement enables the possibility that an object link can be established between a folder object and a equipment object. With this you can set the object links via drag&drop if it enabled in the document customizing (transaction DC10) of your SAP System.
Enable functions on objects listed in the clone table
This improvement enables the possibility to call function on objects listed in the clone table view. Prior there could no clone function be used on objects listed in the clone table view. If you want to disable this improvement you have to set the Preference:
plm.document.clone.table.show.actions
Enhance SmartContainer for ECN below documents to show version-dependent and version-independent change numbers
This improvement allows to distinguish Change Numbers for the current version of a document and its previous version in two seperate SmartContainers. It is now possible that you can configure a SmartContainer that only shows the assigned Change Numbers. The configuration of the SmartContainer are set as default in the default.txt of ECTR.
# Assigned Change Number
plm.smart.container.ASGND_ECN.name = Assigned Change number
plm.smart.container.ASGND_ECN.macro = assigned_ecn.txt
plm.smart.container.ASGND_ECN.icon = {0}/sap/change_number
# All Change Numbers (version indepent)
plm.smart.container.ECN_OVERVIEW.name = Change Numbers (Version-independent)
plm.smart.container.ECN_OVERVIEW.macro = find_all_change_masters.macro
plm.smart.container.ECN_OVERVIEW.icon = {0}/sap/change_number<<{0}/sap/o_more
If you want to enable them for your object type you only have set the Preference for the type
For Example here for the Document Type:
plm.om.DOC.containers = FAMILY_TEMPLATE;MASTERMODEL;OLINKS;SMART_CONT(ASGND_ECN);SMART_CONT(ECN_OVERVIEW);...
Confirmation when deleting object links
As of now, there will be a dialog that asks if an object link should be deleted, after the function "Delete Object Link" was executed.
Import-on-demand dialog: Improve handling of Labor and Authorization Group fields
This Improvement was made to enhance the usability of the Labor and Authorization Group fields in the Import on Demand dialog.
As of now, the F4 Help can be used to search for values.
Preference variable for mapping SAP PLM hyperlinks
This Improvement was developed to make it easier to take over data from one SAP System to another.
It establishes a mapping for the SAPPLM hyperlinks used in documents.
Preference:
plm.sapplm.url.mapping.system.<SAP-System_Old>.<SAP-Client_Old> = <SAP-System_New>.<SAP-Client_New>
Example:
plm.sapplm.url.mapping.system.ERP.100 = EP1.100
Derive BOM with BOM WIZARD by using the change number of documents
Now you will be able to use the change number of the document you are using the Function on. This feature is now set as default, if you want to disable it you have to override the generic function of the BOM WIZARD.
Example:
<!-- CDESK_SRV_MBOM_WIZARD Single-Level DOCUMENT-->
<function apiname="CDESK_SRV_MBOM_WIZARD"
name="CDESK_SRV_MBOM_WIZARD_SINGLE_DOC"
transaction="bright" type="document" getecm="document" <!-- this row has to be deleted -->
>
<import>
<parameter name="IV_EXPL_LEVEL" string="1"/>
<parameter name="IV_SILENT" string=""/>
<parameter name="IV_AENNR" value="CHANGENUMBER_INT"/> <!-- this row has to be deleted -->
<parameter name="IV_EXPLOSION_SCENARIO" string="BOM_DERIVE"/>
...
</function>
Use an explosion scenario for the "Derive Bill of Material"
With this improvement it is possible to define an explosion scenario to derive a Bill of Material. For example you can define a scenario in which components with UGS:Y will not be added to the BOM. This feature is now set as default, if you want to disable it you have to override the generic function of the BOM WIZARD.
For Example:
<!-- CDESK_SRV_MBOM_WIZARD Single-Level DOCUMENT-->
<function apiname="CDESK_SRV_MBOM_WIZARD" name="CDESK_SRV_MBOM_WIZARD_SINGLE_DOC" transaction="bright" type="document" getecm="document">
<import>
<parameter name="IV_EXPL_LEVEL" string="1"/>
<parameter name="IV_SILENT" string=""/>
<parameter name="IV_AENNR" value="CHANGENUMBER_INT"/>
<parameter name="IV_EXPLOSION_SCENARIO" string="BOM_DERIVE"/> <!-- this row has to be deleted -->
...
</function>
5.1.9.1
See SAP Note 2233626.
5.1.9.0 / 1.0-FP05 (Long-Term-Support version)
Details can be found in SAP Note 2233626.
Filter in Assembly Window
You can use predefined filter to show/hide objects in the assembly tree in the Assembly Window.
Copy originals when copying folders
You can also copy the originals, attached to the folder documents (used as thumbnails), when coping a whole folder structure.
You can define the originals which shall be copied with the Dytpe setting <copy_as ignore_wsappl_list> for the Dtype FOL.
New icon for "not actual" in Application Structure
There is a new icon to distinguish "not actual" from "dependent not actual".
The new icon is used in the filter bar of the Application Structure Window, as well to display, that there is a more recent file in the SAP System.
Consider field selection in SAP customizing for Document Types in Object Browser
In SAP Document Customizing you can define fields to be shown read-only (not editable). The Object Browser considers now, if fields are marked with "*" (= Display Field) also in the edit mode.
Show status of Change number in Search Help
When searching a change number during the creation of a document, the status is shown as new column in the search result.
Description for Template-Material
When creating a material for a document, the description of the template-material is also show in the dialog.
.
Language selection in Logon Dialog
The logon dialog displays the language selection in each individual language.
Display Material Icon for CAD Variants
When a CAD variant is linked to a material, the material icon appears.
Layout in Classification Window is language independent
The layout can be saved language independent.
Older layout will be ignored and need to be defined again.
5.1.8.1
Details can be found in SAP Note 2233626.
Enhanced Attribute Mapping when creating Documents in ECTR (enhancement)
When creating a Document, you can define default values in the referenced attribute exchange.
Example: the characteristic "Gewicht" shall have the default value of "123".
Section in corresponding dtype.xml:
Section in corresponding dtype.xml
<DType> <document_create document_number_assignment="internal" initial_document_number="*" document_type="UGM" initial_document_part="000" part_editable="no" initial_document_version="00" version_editable="no" attribute_section="STDMOD"> </document_create> </DType>
Section in corresponding attributes-to-sap.xml
<section name="STDMOD" include_section="STANDARD" description=" Model mapping CAD -> SAP "> <DIR field="Description"> <APPL_ATTRIBUTE name="SAP_DESCRIPTION"/> </DIR> <DIR_CLS class="*" classtype="017" characteristic="GEWICHT"> <XFORMAT outputFormat="123"/> </DIR_CLS> </section>
Search help (F4) for Laboratory/Office in Mass Change Dialog (enhancement)
Within the mass change dialog you can use Search Helps to display the values for Laboratory/Office.
Delete log-files when ending session (enhancement)
You can delete log files after you end your session.
Please add the following parameters in you plm_setenv.bat:
set MAXAGE_USELOGS=0
set MAXAGE_SAVELOGS=0
Enhanced layout for Material BOM in Desktop Window (enhancement)
You can display now also the "status" for a Matreial BOM in the Desktop Window.
Enhanced Material Creation for CAD Variants (enhancement)
When creating a Material for a Document Info Record with CAD Variants, you can also see the description of the CAD Variant in the dialog.
5.1.8.0 / 1.0-FP04
Details can be found in SAP Note 2233626.
SAP Engineering Control Center is now available in Traditional Chinese
Traditional Chinese is now an additional language that is available in the SAP ECTR:
Integration of Product Structure Management objects into Desktop and Object Browser window
The Product Structure Management (PSM) allows to define a hierarchy to organize the product development process in an early phase. PSM also helps to bring together different engineering disciplines like electrical, mechanical, fluid, software development, hydraulic, etc.
In the Desktop window you have the following objects, containers and context menus:
Objects of Productstructure
Product Family (technical type S_HD)
Product Item (S_ST)
Product View (S_VW)
Below these objects you will these containers:
- Variants display the Product Item Variants
- Linked Documents displays linked Document Info Records
- Product Structure displays child Product Items
- Superordinate Product Structure displays parent Product Items or Product Families.
Context Menu
You can add PSM objects in the context menu of the folder:
The context menu on the PSM object provide the following functions:
Object Browser
The PSM objects are also shown in the Object Browser, e.g. here the Product Family:
Container for copied Documents
There are two new containers which show copies of the current document, so the opposite of container "sequence of sources".
The container "Direct copies" shows direct copies. The container "All copies" shows copies and copies of copies.
You can find the definitions of the smart containers in default.txt.
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_SL.name = Direct copies from this document
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_SL.macro = generic_SmartContainer_macro.txt
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_SL.params.0 = FM:/DSCSAG/DOC_TARGETS_GET
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_SL.params.1 = ALL_LEVELS
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_SL.params.2 = FALSE
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_SL.icon = {0}/sap/folder_open
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_ML.name = All copies from this document
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_ML.macro = generic_SmartContainer_macro.txt
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_ML.params.0 = FM:/DSCSAG/DOC_TARGETS_GET
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_ML.params.1 = ALL_LEVELS
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_ML.params.2 = TRUE
plm.smart.container.Copied_Doc_ML.icon = {0}/sap/folder_openBoth containers are using the function module:
/DSCSAG/DOC_TARGETS_GET
Excel to Excel link
When referencing cells from one excel to another these files have a relation. The relation can also be represented in a document hierarchy in SAP.
Takeover Edit-function from another user
In ECAD many engineers work on a common design in a shared folder. It can be that one engineer is checking out the document but another is finishing in. The second user can now takeover the Edit rights for the document and checks in the document.
Cancel EDIT for another user
As an administrator you can cancel now the EDIT of documents for another user.
The new function is defined in <ECTR installation>\customize\config\menu.guidef:
fnc.doc.checkout.cancel.foreign
Reload classification cache
When changing classification in SAP, SAP ECTR needs to be restarted. You can now directly reload the classification changes which are cached in SAP ECTR frontend.
The new function is defined in <ECTR installation>\customize\config\menu.guidef:fnc.classification.cache.clean(reload)
Derive Bill of Material
In SAP ECTR you can use the BOM Wizard to derive a BOM.
You can also call this for a specific CAD variant, e.g. Solidworks Configuration
This will open a dialog which shows all necessary BOMs and BOM items that need to be created.
Call script when ending SAP ECTR
You can call a script when ending SAP ECTR. The script is
<ECTR installation>\customize\config\plm_on-exit.bat5.1.7.2
This release contains only corrections. For details please refer to SAP Note 2233626.
5.1.7.1
This release contains only corrections. For details please refer to SAP Note 2233626.
5.1.7.0 / 1.0-SP03
Details can be found in SAP Note 2233626.
SAP Engineering Control Center is now available in Russian
Russian is now an additional language that is available in the SAP ECTR.
Ability to View PDF and other supported formats in the integrated SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer
Since version SAP 3D VE Viewer 9.0 FP01, the Viewer supports PDF. In SAP ECTR, the previous function fnc.open.in.viewer has been extended so that it can now be called in a parameterized manner:
fnc.open.in.viewer(<parameter>)
The WSAPPLs used can be defined as parameters (<parameter>) (1-n). The sequence of the WSAPPLs in the Paramater also defines the priority. Multiple WSAPPLs are passed separately. This configuration allows you to:
- "View PDF" - fnc.open.in.viewer(PDF)
- "View 3D Monolith" - fnc.open.in.viewer( VDS,JTM,RHM)
- "View 3D Modell" - fnc.open.in.viewer(JT,RH)
If the function fnc.open.in.viewer is called without a parameter, the values from the preference plm.2dpreview.drawings.wsappl are considered.
To enable to view the PDF files, the following was included in the standard configuration. The function fnc.open.in.viewer (PDF) has been added in the menu.guide of the PDF application (...\applications\pdf\customize\config). By doing this, PDFs can be displayed directly via the function in the SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer.
Option to validate the drag and drop actions
To prevent an unintentional moving of objects in SAP ECTR, there is an option to popup a dialog to confirm drag & drop actions. This means that all drag & drop actions must be confirmed via the dialog. By default, the option is disabled.
Option:
Confirmation of Dialog:
Considering SOLIDWORKS configurations when creating material master
Previously, the material had to be created individually for each SOLIDWORKS configuration. The material creation process has been enhanced for SOLIDWORKS so that all configurations are determined in a document and these are then listed in the material master creation dialog. Those who have been assigned a material already, are grayed out. There is an additional attribute in the material creation dialog, which represents the configuration ID.
VEConverter has configurable import and export settings
The VEConverter supports different import and export functions. These settings are used when calling the "Create Viewable on Client" function.
These settings are made in the default.txt:
# Import Settings for VEConverter
# plm.ve.converter.importSettings.<Import Setting from VECoverter> = <Value for Import Setting from VEConverter>
# Export Settings for VEConverter
# plm.ve.converter.exportSettings.<Export Setting from VECoverter> = <Value for Export Setting from VEConverter>
Which settings are available is documented in the VEConverter User Guide that is attached to note 2386992.
Support for attachments in the Attachment List
In the SAP GUI, the generic object services (GOS) are used for attaching notes, but also used for the attachment list of documents and materials. Previously, only notes have been supported in SAP ECTR. Now, you can display the attachment list and edit the attachment list.
Functions in SAP ECTR:
Attachment lists with notes and creator from SAP ECTR.
Attributes editable, when creating Documents together with Material
Only the material attributes (material type, material number, and description) have been taken into account so far when creating a document together with a material.
This has been enhanced so that all material attributes in transaction /DSCSAG/SEL_FIELDS in tab “General material data” can now be edited.
/DSCSAG/SEL_FIELDS Extension:
Document Creation Dialog with material in SAP ECTR:
Generic search masks – new classification panel
The classification panel for the generic search masks has been changed. The classification panel, which is also used in the classification context, is now used. This helps also when using filters.
Display Bill of Material Number
An important attribute for Bills of Material is the BOM number, which can now be displayed for Bills of Material.
5.1.6.1
This release contains only corrections. For details please refer to SAP Note 2233626.
5.1.6.0 / 1.0-FP02
New Window "Asset Browser" (new)
There is a new window called "Asset Browser".
The new window shows and optimizes asset structures (without intermediate containers).
In addition, the maintenance structure can be filtered.
The "Asset Browser" is an installation option in the SAP ECTR Installer.
Using the Asset Browser requires a SAP ECTR professional user license (unit 7523).
The "Asset Browser" is implemented as an add-on. It can be configured in the following path:
<ECTR Installation directory>\addons\plantMaintenanceExtensions\customize
SmartContainer "Equipment Structure" (new)
The new container called "Equipment Structure" shows the relationship between the secondary equipment to the original equipment. This relationship is known as the "Equipment Structure".
This relationship is realized as a SmartContainer.
The macro that is used is stored here:
<ECTR Installation directory>\customize\scripts\macros\CONTAINERMACRO1.txt
The Container-Definition is located in the default.txt of the Add-Ons (<ECTR Installation directory>\addons\plantMaintenance\customize\config) and includes:
plm.smart.container.EQUI_STRUCTURE_GET.name = Equipment Structure
plm.smart.container.EQUI_STRUCTURE_GET.macro = CONTAINERMACRO1.txt
plm.smart.container.EQUI_STRUCTURE_GET.params.0 = FM:/DSCSAG/EQUI_STRUCTURE_GET
plm.smart.container.EQUI_STRUCTURE_GET.icon = {0}/sap/assembly
Integration VEConverter 9 in SAP ECTR (new)
The VEConverter is an installation option in in the SAP ECTR Installer, which is also integrated in the SAP ECTR.
The VEConverter is an executable command line file where SAP ECTR converts CAD file formats to the SAP 3D VE File Format (VDS).
Currently, the VEConverter can create monolithic VDS files by using the "Create Viewable on Client" function. This can be displayed as a monolith with the SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer.
The use of the VEClientConverter is only permitted via SAP ECTR. The use of the VEClientConverter outside SAP ECTR is not permitted!
For more information on supported file formats and configuration please visit SAP Note 2386992.
Integration Visual Manufacturing Planner (new)
It is now possible to launch Visual manufacturing Planner for a given document in SAP ECTR. General information about the Visual manufacturing Planner can be found here.
The transaction VMP_MAINTAIN is called and the appropriate attributes are transferred from the document to the transaction.
Functioncall in SAP ECTR:
Transaction Call in SAP:
Derive Material BOM for SOLIDWORKS configurations (new)
SOLIDWORKS configurations are stored as CAD-Variants in SAP. A new SAP function module (CDESK_SRV_MBOM_WIZARD) is used to derive the Material BOM based on the Bill of Documents and CAD-Variant information .
Two menu entries have been defined for this new function module to launch a wizard to either derive single or multilevel BOMs.
A number of SAP notes are required for this functionality to work. The required SAP notes are listed in SAP Note 2049249 under “Special additional notes on the handling of configurations in SolidWorks”.
New function to open NWBC for HTML from ECTR (new)
It is now possible to launch the NWBC for HTML without an object reference from the ECTR.
The function is located in the systems menu:
SmartContainer as "Assigned changed number" in Document (new)
The change number on the document has been previously displayed as “linked object”.
Since this relation is not linked to a real object, there is now a dedicated container called "Assigned change number" which represents this relationship.
The whole concept is realized as a SmartContainner.
The macro that is used is stored here:
<ECTR Installation directory>\customize\scripts\macros\assigned_ecn.txt
The Container-Definition is located in the default.txt :
plm.smart.container.ASGD_ECN.name = Assigned ECN
plm.smart.container.ASGD_ECN.macro = assigned_ecn.txt
plm.smart.container.ASGD_ECN.icon = {0}/sap/change_number
Navigate from SAP ECTR to SAP Community Network (SCN) Wiki (new)
To make the SAP ECTR Space more prominent on the SCN Wiki, a function was installed to navigate directly from the help menu to this page.
This function opens the following URL in the browser:
https://wiki.scn.sap.com/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=394109330
There you will find important and essential information about SAP ECTR, such as an overview of the solution, important notes, news about the patches, FAQs and much more.
Simply try it out:
New function in the MS Office integrations for saving and closing (new)
To simplify the user experience in MS Office integrations (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), a new function is available for executing the save (check-in) and closing the application via a single function:
Material creation allows the input of characteristic values (enhanced)
The material creation process on a document allows you to maintain characteristic values in the material creation dialog.
The DType allows you to specify which material class is used for the creation of materials.
The element material_default_class must be defined within the element material_create:
<material_create
material_default_class="DMA_CLASS"/>
The material class is set prefilled in the material creation dialog. The characteristic values must be assigned by the user.
The defined characteristic values are saved with the material:
OSGI service extension to access status line (enhanced)
The existing OSGi service called "ECTRService" was extended by the possibility of accessing the status bar called the "PlmStatusLine"
public interface ECTRService
{...
public PlmStatusLine getStatusLine();
...
Cloning of dependent documents of other applications type (enhanced)
In the past, it was only possible to clone documents, known by the Renamer of the current Application (e.g. only NX documents were considered during cloning, but no PDF).
The enhanced cloning allows to also copy dependent document with other application type:
The option "Clone Dependent Document" copies also other dependent documents:
5.1.5.0 / 1.0-SP01
This release contains only corrections. For details please refer to SAP Note 2233626.
Functional Groups for Folders (Advanced)
Different types of folders (different DTypes) enable different functions and it is now possible to control it via functional groups.
In the default.txt, the functional group is defined as:
plm.folder.fgroup.other.FOL = FG_FOL
The menu.guidef is able to define a functional groups specific menu by:
+ om.popup.menu.FLD.FG_FOL = fnc.fld.setActive
Filterable combo boxes in the document creation dialog box (Advanced)
The combo boxes in the document creation dialog box is now optionally filterable.
The filter is compatible with DType Group, DType and Seedparts.
Enabling the default.txt which filters through the following preferences goes as follows:
plm.doc.createGui.enableComboBoxContentFilter = true
5.1.4.3
This release contains only corrections in the Installer to support SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer 9. For details please refer to SAP Note 2233626.
5.1.4.2
This release contains only corrections. For details please refer to SAP Note 2233626.
Support MS Office 2016
With Frontend version 5.1.4.2 also Microsoft Office 2016 is supported.
5.1.4.1
This release contains only corrections. For details please refer to SAP Note 2233626.
5.1.4.0 / 1.0
Synchronisation of PLM WebUI settings and ECTR
You can synchronize the default settings like Change Number, Plant, Default Access Control Context, Valid Date (used for BOM explosion) between ECTR and PLMWebUI settings.
JavaDoc for OSGI
Documentation (JavaDoc) for OSGI-Services can be found in <ECTR installation directory>\basis\toolkit\plm-api-javadoc.zip.
Extension of api_definitions2
A new object CADVAR was added to allow own function calls to also use this object.
Smartcontainer for Change Number
There is an example delivered to show how to add own Smartcontainers for Change Numbers.
The section described, how the delivered new Container was defined.
In the ABAP backend there is a new function module /DSCSAG/ECM_WHERE_USED.
On the frontend you need to adjust the <ECTR Installation directory>\customize\config\default.txt:
# Smartcontaier Definition
plm.smart.container.ECN_FOLDER.name = Where Referenced in Folders
plm.smart.container.ECN_FOLDER.macro = ECN_FOLDER.txt
plm.smart.container.ECN_FOLDER.params.0 = FM:/DSCSAG/ECM_WHERE_USED
plm.smart.container.ECN_FOLDER.params.1 = IN
plm.smart.container.ECN_FOLDER.params.2 = FOLDER
plm.smart.container.ECN_FOLDER.icon = {0}/sap/folder_open
The following macro needs to be created in <ECTR Installation directory>\customize\scripts\macros\ecn_folder.txt:
keylist = KEYLIST_FROM_REFOBJ()
setId = CREATE_SET(keylist)
m = PARAMETER_MAP()
for (var i = 1 ; i < PARAMS.length; i=i+2 )
{
if (PARAMS.length > i+1)
m[PARAMS[i]] = PARAMS[i+1]
}
if (PARAMS.length >1)
setId = TRANSFORM_SET_WITH_PARAMETERS(setId, PARAMS[0], m)
else
setId = TRANSFORM_SET(setId, PARAMS[0])
result = KEYLIST_FROM_SET(setId)
WRITE_RESULTLIST(result)
Use of the defined smartcontainer as container underneath the change number in <ECTR Installation directory>\customize\config\default.txt:
plm.om.CHANGE.containers = OMR_CONT;RELOBJ_CONT;ACCDOC_CONT;SMART_CONT(ECN_FOLDER);...
5.1.3.1
This release contains only corrections. For details please refer to SAP Note 2233626.
5.1.3.0
New menu entry "Send to Active Folder"
There is a new menu entry "Send to Active Folder" which adds the selected object(s) to the active folder.
The new function is defined in menu.guidef and menu_macros.txt (<ECTR-Installation Directory>/customize/config/):
fnc.send.to.active.folder
Material Creation with templates
When you define multiple Material Templates for a Dtype, they are considered during creation.
Here's an example to create a Document with a Material:
Here's an example to create a Material for an existing Document:
New filter in Application Structure "Action required"
There is a new filter to identify all objects where follow up actions (e.q. checkout, refresh, create Document, ...) are required.
You can define this filter in <ECTR-Installation Directory>/addons/structureview/customize/config/default.txt:
obr.filter.filter.needaction = (filter.traforange;filter.trafred;filter.modified;filter.insob;filter.not_actual;filter.conflict_pending;filter.conflict) obr.filter.filter.needaction.mode = ANY
Indicate filter is active in Application Structure
In the Application Structure it is now more prominent, which filter is active.
You can define this highlighting in <ECTR-Installation Directory>/addons/structureview/customize/config/default.txt:
filter.icon.active.highlightingColor = FDC411Entries for CAD interfaces in Help Menu
There are additional entries for all installed CAD interfaces in the ECTR help menu.
The structure considers all PDF files in the directories:
<ECTR-Installation Directory>\documentation\Manuals\<lang>\
<ECTR-Installation Directory>\applications\<applicationtype>\documentation\<lang>\
<ECTR-Installation Directory>\addons\<addon>\documentation\<lang>\
Generic object type in Application Structure
The GenericObject in the Application Structure can be extended to define own object types, e.g. to send structures of virtual objects from CAD to the Application Structure.
This topic is mainly for interface developers.
The following configuration needs to be adjusted:
Preference-Variable <ECTR-Installation Directory>/addons/structureview/customize/config/default.txt:
structure.view.<applType>.generic.object.type = XXX
where XXX defines the property key of the GenericObject in CAD.
Example:
CAD
Object has the following attributes (name = value): p3 = c
ECTR
structure.view.ugs.generic.object.type = P3
Applikation Structure
In the Application Structure there leads to an own GenericObject with type: cuapob_c
This object can be configured individually.
Icon:
structure.view.generic.object.c.icon = <icon>
Status Icon:
plm.structure.node.cuapob_c.icon.1 = <icon>
plm.structure.node.cuapob_c.icon.2 = <icon>
FunctionGroup and DisplayGroup
structure.view.generic.object.c.function.group = <fgroup>
structure.view.generic.object.c.display.group = <dgroup>
Name
structure.view.generic.object.c.name = <name>
Change of filter and tree behaviour in Application Structure
Old filters only displayed the filtered objects without the path to the root entry:
The new filter also displays the path to the root node:
By selecting "Flat" you can still resume to the old behaviour:
The new filter behaviour is defined in <ECTR-Installation Directory>/addons/structureview/customize/config/default.txt:
obr.filter.filter.sob = *;PRP;$OBJECT_TYPE;STRING;SOB;== obr.filter.filter.insob = *;PRP;$OBJECT_TYPE;STRING;INSOB;== obr.filter.filter.modified = SOB;PRP;ANY_MODIFIED;STRING;true;== obr.filter.filter.not_actual = *;PRP;STATE;STRING;not_actual;== obr.filter.filter.conflict_pending = *;PRP;STATE;STRING;conflict_pending;== obr.filter.filter.conflict = *;PRP;STATE;STRING;conflict;== obr.filter.filter.material = SOB;PRP;28;STRING;;!= obr.filter.filter.trafgreen = SOB;PRP;PRP_ST_FLAG_ICON2;STRING;small/sap/traffic_light_green.*;RE obr.filter.filter.traforange = SOB;PRP;PRP_ST_FLAG_ICON2;STRING;small/sap/traffic_light_orange.*;RE obr.filter.filter.trafred = SOB;PRP;PRP_ST_FLAG_ICON2;STRING;small/sap/traffic_light_red.*;RE obr.filter.filter.needaction = (filter.traforange;filter.trafred;filter.modified;filter.insob;filter.not_actual;filter.conflict_pending;filter.conflict) obr.filter.filter.needaction.mode = ANY
The customizing for the old filter behaviour is still available on the bottom of the configuration file.
Change part to Standard Part
You can promote a part to a Standard Part with a new function in the Administer Menu of SAP ECTR.
The current function to do a Dtype change was enhanced to also apply a Dtype for Standard Parts. Allowed Dtypes are only those, who are marked as application-role "N". When changing the Dtype the DRAW-RES4 field will be appended with "N" (e.g. UGS:P -> UGS:PN).
See also Application Help chapt. 2.3.5.
5.1.2.0
New filter in Application Structure to filter for "traffic lights"
"Traffic lights" in SAP Engineering Control Center indicate whether you see the latest version, the latest released version or an older version of the Document Info Record. You can filter the Application Structure tree based on this information.
Filters are defined in default.txt (.../addons/structureview/customize/config/):
obr.filter.skip.trafgreen = SOB;PRP;PRP_ST_FLAG_ICON2;STRING;small/sap/traffic_light_green.*;RE;INVERT obr.filter.skip.traforange = SOB;PRP;PRP_ST_FLAG_ICON2;STRING;small/sap/traffic_light_orange*;RE;INVERT obr.filter.skip.trafred = SOB;PRP;PRP_ST_FLAG_ICON2;STRING;small/sap/traffic_light_red*;RE;INVERT
Enhanced api_definitions2.xml to support Material BOM Item
You can also pass over BOM item specific paramters to RFC function calls.
Enhanced parameters which can be passed over:
- ITEM_NUMBER
- COMP_MATERIAL
- QUANTITY
- COMP_UNIT
- BOMUSAGE
- PLANT
- ALTERNBOM
- MAT_NUMBER
For RFC function calls see configuration guide chapter 10.1
5.1.1.1
This release contains only corrections. For details please refer to SAP Note 2233626.
5.1.1.0
Linked PSP/WBS elements for Equipment and Functional Location
You can display a container for PSP/WBS elements under Equipments and Functional Locations.
You can display the container with the Preference-Variablen in default.txt (.../addons/plantMaintenance/customize/config/):
plm.om.EQUI.containers = CLASSES;OLINKS;EQUI_WHEREUSED;EQUI_CONT;CON_WBS
plm.om.FLOC.containers = INST_OBJ_CONT;CON;CLASSES;OLINKS;CON_WBS 
Wizard to create Smartlist Search
You can now add a search macro which includes the search UI to create a new Smart List.
Steps required:
- Define a search UI via ECTR -> System -> Maintain Search Masks
- Define macro in folder <ECTR>\customize\scripts\macros\wizard and reference the search UI from step 1.
See also Operations Guide chapter 5.8 and Configuration Guide chapter 9.2 Configuring User-Definable Search Queries.
Configurable icons for folders
You can define own icons for folders with a Preference-Variable in default.txt:
plm.fld.icon.<1...n> = <Iconname>For details see SAP Implemmentation Gudie Icons in chapter 2.7.
Usage of Dtype in multiple Dtype groups
You can use a Dtype in multiple Dtype groups.
Deactivate all filters in Application Structure
You can deactivate all filters with a single button click.
5.1.0.1
Preview in seperate Window
You can display the preview thumbnail in fullscreen (existing behaviour) or in a sperate Window (new behaviour).
You can change this behaviour with the Preference-Variable in default.txt:
# true (default): Preview in Fullscreen mode. # false: Preview in seperate window.
system.gfx.preview.doubleClick.fullscreen = true|false
Display number of objects in Application Structure
The user gets a better understanding of displayed and filtered objects with the extedned window title which shows the displayed and total number of objects.
Usage of change number during Import on Demand
During the function "Import on Demand" you can control, if the current active change number is used to create the new Document Info Records, if no change number is used or if there shall be a popup to ask for user input.
You can control this behaviour with the Preference-Variable in default.txt:
# true (default): active change number is used # false: no change number is used. # ask: Ask user for input.
plm.document.import.on.demand.active.ecm.use = true|false|ask
5.1.0.0
Application Structure
A new window Application Structure was added to display file structure from authoring tool enriched with SAP information. The structure is driven by the application (e.g. M-CAD). Additional information is read from SAP-System and Session-Directory to get informed on changed, locked, out-dated or new objects.
Office Integration
Microsoft Powerpoint, Word and Excel are now integrated into SAP Engineering Control Center.
Simplified Context Menus
Context menus in SAP ECTR are now enhanced and simplified: when an SAP object is selected, right-click on it displays a context menu that contains the respective related functions.
Enhanced Import On Demand
New tabs on the dialog box "Import On Demand" display known and new objects. If a selected part is not available in the SAP application, you can create it. When you use this feature, a Document Info Record is created and the CAD files are attached as original.
Improved Search
SAP Engineering Control Center offers different possibilities to search and provide objects in SAP. You can enter the search criteria such as document number, description, document type, status, version, user, long text, classification and its characteristics. You can now also search for file names of the Original.
New BAdis
Multi-implementable BAdi /DSCSAG/ENH_DOC were added to apply future upgrades of the original business function without losing the customer-specific enhancements and without the need to merge the changes.
BAdI
/DSCSAG/ENH_DOC
Methods
- DOC_GET_ATTRIBS_AFTER (see How to provide additional attributes for attribute exchange from SAP)
- DOC_CHECKIN_MULTI_BEFORE
- DOC_CHECKIN_MULTI_AFTER
- FOL_OPENDETAILS_AFTER (see How to add customer specific data fields to ECTR objects)
Display redlining in SAP VE 3D Viewer window
PLM-22962
visual compare for single parts and VDS - monoliths
To use this function the User has to press CTRL and move the mouse cursor over the icon