Learn about extensions

Certain attributes can be defined in the element itself, independent of the template. To enable this feature, you must set the template to allow extensions. Attributes created as extensions do not change when the template changes.

Note: If you have a template that allows extensions and you later change it to disallow extensions, no new extended element attributes can be added to elements based on that template. However, all existing extended element attributes remain.

Extensions allow flexibility when a set of assets are similar but have a few small variations. For example, suppose you create a template for a specific model of a vehicle. All the vehicles of this model have the same core set of features: four tires, a steering wheel, and so on. However, one may have a spoiler while the others do not. One might have air conditioning, while another does not. Extensions are intended to handle this type of variation.

When extensions are enabled, you can base all the elements on a template, while adding additional information to each element as required. However, if you have multiple elements that are very similar to the template definition, but all require the same extra attributes, a base template might be a better approach than allowing extensions.

Note: Categories, analyses and notifications are not affected by whether the Allow Extensions check box is enabled.