Relationships – Implicit, Explicit, and Indirect types
System Architect supports three types of relationships – implicit, explicit, and indirect (otherwise called calculated, derived or inferred).
Relationships – Explicit
An explicit relationship is a definition that carries information. It is normally represented by a line symbol on a diagram, but can also be represented as a node symbol on certain diagram types.
•Flow – you can specify data in the relationship, such as the information that is transferred in the flow.
•Influences – you can specify how one element influences another.
•Triggers – you can specify data in the control flow relationship, such as when the trigger happens.
Relationships – Implicit
An implicit relationship is captured in each of the definitions it relates, and is visualized by a line symbol on a diagram, but does not itself represent a definition. The following relationship types are Implicit:
•Access
•Aggregation
•Assignment
•Association
•Composition
•Realization
•Serving
•Specialization
Indirect (Calculated, Derived or Inferred) relationships
Indirect relationships are visualized on diagrams by running Explorer Relationship Reports on a diagram, which enables you to build a query quickly using System Architect’s reporting system. See Indirect relationships.