Block Explorer
The Block Explorer is a convenient tool that allows you to explore the blocks in RBDs and fault trees throughout the current database. It works very much like the Analysis Explorer, so if you're experienced with that tool, you can use the Block Explorer right away.
To access the utility, choose Home > ReliaSoft > Block Explorer.
To reduce the amount of time required to populate the grid, first use the project and item filters (discussed below) to limit your search, then click Load Data.
You can filter/sort/group the blocks based on project, diagram, block, analysis creator and many other properties.
This topic summarizes the tools you can use to find and organize data in the Block Explorer’s flexible grid.
Save and Apply Views
Once you have customized the Block Explorer’s grid to suit a particular purpose (using the built-in find/filter, column configuration and grouping features described below), you can save the preferences as a view that can be used again whenever you need it. A view is saved in the database and available only to the user who created it.
To create a view, first configure the grid to suit your particular needs and then click Save View.
To quickly apply these same preferences again at any time, click Apply View and select one of the saved views from the list.
Note: The view does not affect filtering that has been applied from the Project Filter, Item Filter or Category Panel.
Project and Item Filters
The Block Explorer can utilize the same project and item filters that are available in many other locations throughout ReliaSoft desktop applications. For example, with the custom filters shown below, the Block Explorer will show only blocks in analyses performed by Department A (project filter) that were modified within the last month (item filter).
To remove either filter, select Show All from the drop-down list. To remove both filters at the same time, select Data > Clear Filters.
After you clear or change these filters, you must click Load Data again to update the grid.
When working with item filters in the Block Explorer:
- The Name field refers to the block name. Blocks that use the default block name (i.e., that have an asterisk in their Name field) will not be matched to any entry in this field. That is, if you have an item filter that requires a Name of "Block_1," only blocks that you have manually named "Block_1" will be returned. Any blocks that use the asterisk to generate "Block_1" for display in the diagram will not be returned.
- Information on item creation and update is not applicable, because this information is not tracked for blocks.
Built-in Find/Filter, Configuration and Grouping Tools
The Block Explorer offers the same filter, column configuration and grouping tools that are built in to other utilities that use a similar grid (e.g., the Resource Manager). For details about how to use each feature, see: