A business analyst can set up rules that tell the system how to initialize newly created objects.

For example, the business analyst can set the system up to number parts according to the company’s part numbering policies (e.g. auto-number). The business analyst may also set the system up to require the user to enter a manual number, or alternatively, set the system up so that if the user does not enter a number, the system will assign one.

As another example, the business analyst can set the system up to automatically assign objects of certain types to certain workflows; or, alternatively, the business analyst can configure the system with appropriate workflows by object types and it will be up to the end user to select the appropriate workflow to use. For more sophisticated needs, the business analyst can set the system up to route an object appropriately based on the values of meta-data attributes provided by the end user.

Object initialization rules provide significant flexibility in adapting a Windchill system to a specific customer’s environment and business process needs. For additional information, see Understanding Object Initialization Rules.