About Relationship Data

One thing to consider when configuring relationships is whether or not information about the relationship will need to be stored. If so, fields can be defined for that relationship family, and a datasheet can be configured. Each time records are linked via the GE Digital APM, specific information about the link can be recorded in that datasheet.

For example, suppose a pipe is connected to a pump in your facility. You record various types of information for the pipe in a Pipe record and different information for the pump in a Pump record. But when you link the Pipe record to the Pump record, you need to store information specific to that connection, such as weld type and material.

Fields are defined at the relationship family level and are stored as columns in the relationship family table. Any relationship field that you define, therefore, will be available for any link between any predecessor and successor. So, you might need to create more specific relationship families if you plan to use relationship fields.

Note: When you store data about relationships, you increase the complexity of your system, which could potentially hinder the performance of the system.