Working with Class Attributes and 6wTags

Administrators create and assign attributes in the system to define all aspects of objects managed by the system. In addition to these explicitly assigned attributes, the role Classification Manager allows for the creation of class attributes that augment regular attributes. Any IP classified in the created taxonomy of the libraries inherits the class attributes, ensuring consistent product definition and specification.

Both regular and class attributes can be used by 6wTags. They are exposed in the tags as sub-tags, or what the system calls, “predicates”. For this example, we will look at exposing class attributes in 6wTags but the process is the same for regular attributes.

Predicates can be assigned to one or more class attributes but class attributes should not be assigned to multiple predicates. Generally, you will only assign one class attribute to a predicate. We see this in the system for the attribute Maturity which is exposed by the predicate Maturity State in 6wTags.
An example of a single predicate linked to multiple attributes could be Surface Properties that may have to address multiple aspects of the surface of a product.

The overall method of class attribute creation is done by the system administrator with the Classification Manager role is:

  1. Create and import an RDF vocabulary file with new predicate or predicates
  2. Create a library
  3. Create a class
  4. Create and attribute group for the class
  5. Define class attribute and assign the new predicate
  6. Refresh Index


Users with access to the libraries will then need to perform the following steps:

  1. Create product and add to class to align class attribute
  2. Logout and clear browser cache
  3. Login and filter with 6WTags


Create and import an RDF vocabulary file with new predicate or predicates

Although you can use existing predicates that are defined in the system, it is recommended that you create additional ones to support your new attributes. To accomplish this we must create a file that we import into the system. The attached file (RicksPredicates.RDF) is fairly easy to understand. Resource Description Framework (RDF) files are created improve the 6WTags vocabulary provided by default.

In the header you establish a name and ontology for the customization as well as the associated version; in my case I simply called it “RicksPredicates” and I was working with R2022x.

Next, we define one or more predicates. The entire section below is repeated for each additional predicate you need to define. Note the file I used contains English & French fields. The full syntax of the RDF is well documented in documentation under Installation and Setup | Administrate | 3DEXPERIENCE Platform | 3DSpace | Enterprise Control Center | Managing Vocabulary Files | RDF/OWL Modeling | Vocabulary Definition and Syntax | Vocabulary File Structure.

​​​​​​​ You can control where your tag appears among the 6 types. In the example below, I have assigned the predicate to “What” with the property

Once the file is complete, import it with Vocabularies Configuration Center.

Create a library

Create a class

Create and attribute group for the class

Define class attribute and assign the new predicate

Creating libraries, classes and the attribute group are well documented so I will focus on the last step. When defining your new class attribute, make sure you select Predicate from the pull-down list and set the Display in 6wTags to Yes.

Create product and add to class to align class attribute

Validate your class attributes through the assignment of a product to the new library and class.

Logout and clear browser cache

Login and filter with 6WTags

You must clear your browser cache to expose the new tags. Once you log in, you should be able to filter and use the new tag within 3D Search or any application that exposes data through 6wTags such as Product Explorer or Product Structure Editor...

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