Create elements based on a template

Use the element templates that you have defined to create elements in your asset hierarchy.

1. In the Elements browser, right-click the collection of elements or an individual element and click New Element.

2. In the Choose Element Template window, select an element template in the Element Template field.

3. In the Add child element using the reference type field, select a reference type from the list of available types.

   The available reference types depend on the selected element template and what reference types are defined in the database. If you are not sure what reference type to use, select the default reference type, parent-child.

4. Click OK.

   Property tabs for the new element are displayed in the viewer. Because the element is based on a template, most fields on the General tab are read-only (with gray or hash-pattern shading).

5. In the Name and Description fields, type a name and description for the element.

6. Optional. Perform the following actions as needed.

   • Click the Extended Properties link to create properties for client applications such as PI WebParts. For more information, see Storage of application-specific information.

   • Click the Location link to set up location attribute traits for the element. For more information, see Set location attribute traits.

   • Click the Annotations link to enter a note for the element. For more information, see Element annotations.

   • Click the Security link to set up custom access permissions for the element. For more information, see PI AF object security.

7. Optional. Click the Attributes tab to review the attributes defined by the template. You cannot add new attributes unless the template allows extensions.

8. Optional. Click the Notification Rules tab to review any notification rules defined by the template. You cannot add new notification rules unless the template allows extensions.

9. To save your work, press CTRL+S or click Check In.