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 may specify data in the relationship, such as the information that is transferred in the flow.
▪Influences – you may specify how one element influences another.
▪Triggers – you may 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.