Default Name Formats

In all ReliaSoft desktop applications except MPC, the Default Name Formats window specifies the default names for new resources, as well as new blocks in BlockSim RBDs, fault trees, phase diagrams and PFS diagrams. For example, when you create a new model, the default name will be the word "Model" plus an increment to make the name unique (e.g., "Model," "Model_1," etc.). You can configure the database to use a different default name format if desired.

To open the window, choose File > Manage Database > Default Name Formats. (In a secure database, this is available only for users with the "Manage other database settings" permission.)

The Item Name column displays the basic name label for each type of resource or block. This will be represented by the \N code in the name format.

The Name Format column allows you to use any of the following elements to define the default name format for each type of resource or block:

  • \N returns the label from the Resource Name column plus an increment to make the name unique (e.g., "Model," "Model_1," etc.).
  • \U returns the name of the user who created the resource or block.
  • \D returns the date when the resource or block was created.
  • \S adds a sequential number that reflects the order in which the resource/block was added to the database.
  • \T returns the ReliaSoft application ("tool") used to create the resource or block.
  • \F returns the contents of all of the identifier fields except the category and comments fields.
  • \G returns a summary of the properties of the resource or block. For example, for a node in a BlockSim diagram, \G returns the "k out of n" paths that are required.
  • \I is only applicable for resources. It functions the same as \N unless there is another window, resource or analysis that it can "inherit" part of the name from. Some examples:
    • If you create a URD from BlockSim’s block properties window, the default name will be "[Block Name]_URD."
    • If you create a metric based on a model, the default name will be "[Model Name]_Metric."
    • If you push a metric from a Project Planner gate, the default name will be "[Gate Name]_[Property Name]_Metric."

Tip: In BlockSim diagrams, you can use an asterisk (*) to insert the default block name. For example, if you enter  *System  for the block name, the diagram will display the default name for the block followed by the word "System." The asterisk also allows the block name to be updated dynamically when relevant properties change.