Time is a key aspect of the virtual world, and it is also a concern in models that represent the world. Time Aware Modeling is a powerful and expressive technique for defining and visualizing how model changes over time. The technique works by allowing a modeler to clone a package, diagram or element in a model also maintaining traceability to both earlier and later versions of model elements.

Key-Feature Benefits

• Easier to Analyse “As-Is” and “To-Be” model versions.
• Make updates to later versions without changing the ‘As-Is’ diagrams.
• Gain more control over how your entire model developed and that can be tracked.
• Create traceability diagrams that show each phase of the evolution of the elements.

New Improvements in Sparx Enterprise Architect v16.1

• Exposed Interface element types are copied with cloned diagrams.
• Fixed error when cloning an element with embedded elements on a diagram enabled with ‘Collapse Embedded Elements’ option
• Traces created using abstraction connectors between cloned elements are showcased as a unique meaning in the traceability window.
• Annotation Elements are now cloneable artifacts.
• Support for Time Aware Modeling Version Structure branching has been included, along with support for Connectors to Connectors.

The basis of time-aware modeling is to clone a Package structure (Packages and diagrams only) as a new version, and then to replace specific portions of the old version with new elements and relationships using either the “Clone as New Version” capability or merely adding new material to the model as needed.

Note: This approach maintains traceability to both earlier and subsequent work while allowing for very selective incremental model adjustment or development.

Further Information

Please contact us or write an email to info@sparxsystems.in or call us @ +91 8248004261 to have a live demo about the new EA 16 features and capabilities.

Connectors, which link elements, are commonly described as lines on diagrams showing how the elements relate to one another. In natural languages, the Connectors are verbs that define how the nouns relate to each other if the elements are nouns. Now, we’ll take a closer look at importing the connector information using MDG Integration in Enterprise Architect.

MDG Integration for Microsoft Office – Excel Importer

The Excel Importer tool allows the user to import Excel workbook contents as model elements. It also involves adding/updating UML Elements, Connectors, Attributes, Methods, Test Scripts, Use Cases, Glossary, and Tagged Values to Enterprise Architect.

Profiles are used to define the mapping between the Excel document and the Enterprise Architect model

Two types of profiles are supported by the Excel Importer

• Object profile – Allows the user to import the Object and its properties into Enterprise Architect Model.
• Connector profile – Allows the user to import Connector and its properties to the existing objects in the Enterprise Architect Model.

Recalibrate Connector Information using Connector Profile

The connectors between the model elements are shown in the image below. (Connector Name, Stereotype, Alias, etc.,) needs to be updated for connectors using MDG Integration – Excel Importer.

                              Figure.1  Model Elements with Connectors.

The below image displays the excel sheet with connector information to be updated between the specific model elements. The Connectors largely depend on the source GUID and target GUID since they specify how the elements are related to each other.

Note: Source GUID and Target GUID are mandatory to create and Connector GUID is mandatory to update the Connector.

Figure 2.  Connector informatin in Excel

Mapping Connector Information in Connector Profile

The Connector Information in the excel is to be mapped to the appropriate EA Connector Property by using a drop-down list and select ‘more properties’ options (Connector Source & Target Information)

Figure 3.  Connector Profile Property Mapping.

You can update the below properties for the connectors that are imported into the model.

After importing the Excel using the created Connector profile, the connector Name, Stereotype, and Alias information are updated for its respective connector.

Figure 4.  Updated Connector Information using MDG Integration – Excel Importer.

Further Information  :

Please contact us or write an email to info@sparxsystems.in or call us @ +91 8248004261 to have a live demo about the new EA 16 features and capabilities.

Sparx Enterprise Architect can be used to capture models that are associated with the ServiceNow tables and other artifacts. The capacity to connect the components of all models to one another is the key strength of Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect, the more time analysts and designers spend in creating attractive, well specified models, the greater the potential future benefit from any further changes to the systems. With Sparx Systems Pro Cloud Server users can easily integrate with ServiceNow to fetch tables into their Cloud model.

ServiceNow

ServiceNow is a ticketing system for customer service that processes and catalogues service requests. You can create queries for incidents, changes, problems, and other services using tools like ServiceNow. ServiceNow has had its roots in ITSM since 2012. With the advent of cloud computing and changing technology, however, it carved out a niche as a cross-departmental platform that operates as an enterprise cloud solution built on top of all other applications. Its method of developing business processes that optimize information extraction distinguishes it as a one-of-a-kind provider in today’s modern cloud space.

Key features of Integrating ServiceNow with Sparx Enterprise architect

• Map Enterprise Architect elements to their ServiceNow counterparts.
• Users can easily create a new Enterprise Architect element linked to a ServiceNow item.
• It provides better customer service while lowering maintenance costs.
• Customization is simple and easy with the help of ServiceNow integration.
• Users can link an existing element in Enterprise Architect to a ServiceNow item or create a new element in Enterprise Architect linked to a ServiceNow item.
• Changes to the Enterprise Architect element can be reflected in the ServiceNow item.
• Users can create a new ServiceNow item that is linked to an Enterprise Architect element.
• Conduct a traceability analysis.

Simple steps for configuring Snow Integration in PCS:

1.  Open Pro Cloud Config Client in Desktop.
2.  Click on the Integrations Tab in the config client window and enable the Integrations button.
3.  Click on Add button to Add the data provider
4.  Check ‘Enabled’ option
5.  Type the name for the provider (For ex: ServiceNow) in the field.
6.  Select ServiceNow in the provider drop down box
7.  In the ‘Server Name/IP’ field, type the server name or IP address that the ServiceNow Plug-in will use to communicate with ServiceNow
8.  In the port field Enter “443”
9.  In User Name field and Password enter the given credentials, (Under provider Server)
10. If needed, select the check box create items and modify items to create elements and modify
11.  Leave the check box ignore SSL Errors
12.  You can ignore other options and once you have finished. Click the “OK” button, which redirects to the Integration tab.
13. The ServiceNow Data Provider will be active, you must bound it to the Db by checking the check box or you can select all checkbox by selecting this option.
14.  Once you have selected, you must restart the PCS by heading to the task manager, click on the services tab and restart “Sparx Systems Professional Cloud”.

Further Information

Please contact us or write an email to info@sparxsystems.in or call us @ +91 8248004261  to have a live demo about the new EA 16 features and capabilities.

Sparx Enterprise Architect can be used to capture business requirements, develop and manage all subsequent models, algorithms, process flows and workflows, design business data objects, and create other artifacts. 

The capacity to connect the components of all models to one another is the key strength of Sparx system’s Enterprise Architect, the more time analysts and designers spend in creating attractive, well specified models, the greater the potential future benefit from any further changes to the systems. 

Jama Integration with Sparx Enterprise Architect

• Jama Connect is a cutting-edge, team-based system for managing requirements and tests. It helps engineering, and software development teams to keep updated (in real-time) about their requirements and test plans throughout the course of a project.
• Jama integration through Pro cloud server is an amazing feature offered by Sparx Enterprise Architect.
• The seamless integration offers real-time synchronous access to the Enterprise Architect repositories. From any location in the world, users can work on the same model concurrently.

Key highlights of the Sparx Enterprise Architect integration with Jama

• Teams may connect Jama Connect with their ALM, PLM, development, and QA tools using Sparx Enterprise Architect.
• Connect with resources like QATest or Microsoft Project.
• Requirements and test cases between Jama Connect and Sparx Enterprise architect can be seamlessly synchronized between tools.
• Enhance collaboration, visibility, and traceability across your organization.
• Architect teams adopting a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodology can preserve Live Traceability inside Jama Connect while being integrated into another best-of-breed solution.

New Enhancements in Jama Integration with Sparx Enterprise Architect 16

• Enhanced Type and Field Mapping in System Integration.
• Optimized loading time of System Integration Comments tab in Inspector window
• Sync fields to newly created items.
• Improved tooltips for the System Integration windows navigation breadcrumb control.

Quick Jama Integration through PCS in 3-simple steps

• Open “Sparx Systems Pro Cloud Server Configuration Client”. Select the Add button in the Database Managers tab to add a database. Enable the Pro Feature for the database to enable Jama Integration under custom integration. Other third-party applications can also be integrated with the EA Cloud Model.
• Go to the Integration tab and create a Data Providers profile. Set a unique port for SBPI.exe, which is used for Integration feature, and enable Integration Feature.
• Select Add in Data Providers and Enter the required information.

Further Information

Please contact us or write an email to info@sparxsystems.in or call us @ +91 8248004261 to have a live demo about the new EA 16 features and capabilities.

• The MDG Integration for Microsoft Office enables users to quickly import the data created in Microsoft Word & Excel documents within Sparx Enterprise Architect. 
• Sparx EA Users can easily upgrade existing static documents into rich traceable models with the help of MDG Integration for Microsoft Office.
• Users can automatically associate Sparx Enterprise Architect element properties and tagged values with the appropriate document sections and tables with ease. 
• With the new version of MDG office a key feature for SysML Requirement elements is added. The “SysML Requirements on Excel” feature would be a fantastic addition for System Engineering Users.

Key features in SysML Requirement in MDG office Integration 

• Import & Export a large amount of SysML requirements data from Excel, which avoids manual error.
• With the latest SysML requirement editor, Users can export the mapping data (derived SysML requirements) from their EA model to Excel in a Relationship matrix style, providing a convenient analysis of how the requirements are related to each other within the EA model.
• Users can easily push the contents of SysML Requirements from an Excel document to an EA or vice versa by selecting “SysML Requirement Manager” from the Feature menu.

SysML Requirements in Enterprise Architect

Using the “SysML Requirements on Excel” menu, users can export the data of SysML Requirement elements gathered in the EA Model as Excel documents.

Figure 1   –  SysML Requirements on Excel Feature

• Exported SysML Requirements data/information from Sparx Enterprise Architect contains the Name with its predefined properties id & text in the Requirements sheet.
• In the case of Requirement Matrix sheet, resembles a relationship matrix style contains Derived Requirements (mapped information of specific SysML Requirements).

Figure 2   –  SysML Requirements – Exported Information

Figure 3   –  SysML Requirements – Matrix Information

Further Information

Please Contact us or write an email to info@sparxsystems.in or call us @ +91 8248004261 to have a live demo about the new EA 16 features and capabilities.

In Sparx Enterprise Architect, the tagged values are exported and they are imported into Prolaborate as custom properties. In Prolaborate V4.2, we can import the tagged values xml file which is exported from Sparx EA. Custom colours can be applied for the Enumeration Tagged value.

• Create Tagged Value type from Predefined Types in EA.
  • Refer to the below Link for creating the tagged values: https://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/15.2/modeling/predefinedtaggedvaluetypes.html

• Export the Tagged value from Sparx EA
  • Once the tagged values are created, select “Configure > Transfer > Export Reference Data…” in Ribbon.
  • In the “Export Reference Data” window, Check the UML Types a Tagged Value Types and click Export button.

• Import the Tagged value in Prolaborate
  • Under Menu, select the “Modelling Languages”.
  • In the Modelling Languages window, Select the “Custom Properties” (Top Right Corner).
  • Select the “Import Custom Property” option in the Custom Properties window and choose the exported EA tagged value XML file.

• Add the Custom Property to corresponding UML Type element or Technology Type element.
  • Go to Modelling Languages and select the corresponding technology, For example ArchiMate 3.1 and select Default Profile.
  • Select the corresponding Stereotype Name to which the tagged values needs to be updated from the profile list.
  • Next, Add the New Group to the Form Designer (by clicking the ‘+’ icon), then drag and drop the tagged value from the Custom Properties.
  • Next, click save and go to the home page, To check for the default colour that is applied for the tagged value, select the appropriate stereotype (to which the tagged values is assigned) in the Prolaborate Project Browser.

Further Information

Please contact us or write an email to info@sparxsystems.in or call us @ +91 8248004261 to have a live demo about the new EA 16 features and capabilities.

• The ability to examine the specifics of a single element, whether it is stored in the current model or in an external data source, is made possible by the Inspector window. 
• In most cases, the window has a “Details” tab that lists all the features and traits that apply to the element type. 
• Even if they don’t have any items, the categories of features and attributes are listed. 
• The Inspector window has got a new update on the latest release of EA 16. Let’s understand this new feature.

What’s new in Sparx Enterprise Architect 16?

• The Inspector window’s “Status” tab now gives a brief summary of the status and priority of each element of the “Requirement” type in a diagram. 
• With the aid of this triage tool, you can clearly see what can wait/ what can take a backseat while concentrating on what is most crucial right now.

Key Features

• Display a list of all diagram elements.
• Pay attention to each element’s Status, and Priority settings.
• Concentrate on the most critical challenges.
• To drive modeling and design, add Priority, and Status types to the model.

Note: The Priority tab is available for Requirement, Feature, Change, Issue

A section in the “Status” tab of a diagram contains the information of artifacts. They are as follows:

• Element name
• Status icon
• Priority icon

Status Types

 A workflow step or a significant turning point in project management procedures like business analysis or product development can be determined by an element’s status. One can choose from the below mentioned stages that are available in the drop down list.

• Approved
• Implemented
• Mandatory
• Proposed  and
• Validated.

Note: Any of these parameters can be supplemented or altered with your own unique values. Additionally, you can specify the types of elements that can display the type of each status associated with color band.

Customize element properties using the General Types window

When you add or modify an element’s properties, you can specify the type or status of the property by choosing from a drop-down list that initially includes values provided by the system. Any of these system settings can be supplemented or altered with your own unique values. Properties like Status, Constraint, Constraint Status, Difficulty, Priority, Test Status, requirement, Scenario and Maintenance Status can also be customized.

Further Information

Please contact us or write an email to info@sparxsystems.in or call us @ +91 8248004261 to have a live demo about the new EA 16 features and capabilities.

Tip #1: Highlight Connectors

To highlight the connectors, select an element in a diagram (workspace) and press “L” (keyboard) to highlight its incoming and outgoing flows. Incoming flows will be highlighted in Red and Outgoing in Green.

Figure 1 Highlight Connectors

Tip #2: Insert Existing Element

Draw connector to an existing model Element. One can insert an existing model element and establish a relationship while drawing a new connector Follow usual steps to draw a connector, but press “Shift” before choosing the type of element to be created, this will invoke the “Select Existing Element” dialog to choose a model element instead of creating a new element.

Figure 2 Insert Existing Element

Tip #3: Bend Connectors

Press “Shift” introduces a bend point while drawing a connector, enabling to draw a custom style connector.

Figure 3 Bend Connectors

Tip #4: Generate Report from Diagram

Generate a report on elements in a diagram, switch to “List View”(Right-click on Diagram and select open in diagram🡪List View), select the elements and use the “Rich Text Report” button.

 

Figure 4 Generate Report from Diagram

Tip #5: Bookmark Elements

Select Element(s) and use “Shift” + “Space” to add bookmark. Bookmarked elements can then be retrieved in Model Search (Ctrl + F | Diagram Searches | Find Bookmarked Elements) and also be generated as RTF report.

Figure 5 Bookmark Elements

Tip #6: Set Default Toolbox

Pin your favorite toolboxes using “More Tools -> Set Toolbox Visibility”. This enables the desired toolbox visible in all diagram pages.

Figure Set Default Toolbox

Tip #7: Bezier Style Connector

Create a Bezier Style Connector by adding a tagged value (_Bezier = 1).

Figure Bezier Style Connector

Tip #8: Document with Pre-defined settings

Creating a resource document lets you to Auto Generate documents with pre-defined settings.

Figure 8 Document with Pre-defined settings

 

Tip #9: Update Elements Status

Update the status of all elements in a package and its child packages using ” Design | Edit | Advanced | Update Status”.

Figure 9 Update Elements Status

Tip #10: Favorites Folder

Create a favorites folder in the “Model Views” to quickly access your frequently used items.

Figure 10 Favorites Folder

Tip #11: Diagrams Slideshow

Create a Slideshow folder in the “Model Views” to run screen-based presentations of a set of diagrams.

Figure 11 Diagrams Slideshow

Tip #12: Move elements along its axis

Select element and press “Shift” to move the element along its axis.

Figure 12 Move elements along its axis

Tip #13: Create Realization Relationship

Move an internal requirement (Element Properties Window | Requirements Tab) over any diagram element to implicitly create a realization relationship.

Figure 13 Create Realization Relationship

Tip #14: Change Element Type

Change type of an element. Select an element “Design | Element | Change Type”.

Figure 14 Change Element Type

 

Tip #15: Project Template Package

Add elements to a Package and configure it as Template package (Configure | Project Template Package | Select the Template Package) to create new elements based on a template package.

Figure 15 Project Template Package

 

Tip #16: Project Publish

Use “Publish |Technologies |Publish” to export a model in various XML formats.

Figure 16 Project Publish

Tip #17: Filter Element Type on Diagram

Use “Layout | Edit | Select Elements by Type” to filter element by type and stereotype on a diagram.

Figure 17 Filter Element Type on Diagram

Tip #18: Auto Names and Counters

Use “Auto Names and Counters” from Settings menu, to configure naming and numbering convention for elements.

Figure 18 Auto Names and Counters

Tip #19: Show / Hide connectors

“Links” tab in Element Properties window can be used to Show / Hide a relationship in the diagrams.

Figure 19 Show / Hide connectors

 

Tip #20: Export Diagrams to RTF Document

Generate a Diagrams Only report from Model using the “Export Diagrams to RTF Document” dialog (Ctrl + Shift + F8).

Figure 20 Export Diagrams to RTF Document

Tip #21: Stereotyped Nodes with Icons

Adorn your deployment diagrams with pre-defined stereotypes for Nodes. Use pc, pc client, pc server, server, storage, etc. to add custom icons

Figure 21 Stereotyped Nodes with Icons

 

Tip #22: UML Profiles

Save custom stereotypes with tagged values as profile items and import into Resources->UML Profiles to simplify modeling.

Figure 22 UML Profiles

Tip #23: Synchronize tagged values

Synchronize your tagged values associated with stereotypes using the “Synch Tagged Values and Constraints” option by right clicking the intended element in the toolbox.

Figure 23 Synchronize tagged values

Tip #24: Convert Linked Element

Create a local copy of a referenced element in a diagram by using “Convert Linked Element to Local Copy” option in diagram context menu (Advanced). This will not maintain any relationship with existing elements.

Figure 24 Convert Linked Element

Tip #25: Find in Diagrams

Use Find in Diagrams (Ctrl + U) from project browser to find the Link and classifier instances of an element in all diagrams.

Figure 25 Find in Diagrams

Tip #26: Shortcuts for Tasks

Use “Shortcuts” menu item from “Learning Center” to begin Enterprise Architect tasks appropriate to the topic.

Tip #27: Incorporate Model Templates

Incorporate Model Templates in MDG Technology by following the guidelines

http://www.sparxsystems.com.au/enterprise_architect_user_guide/13.5/modeling_tools/model_templates2.html

https://www.sparxsystems.in/blogs/import-model-patterns-into-enterprise-architect-through-add-in/

 

Tip #28: Project Calendar

Use Start | Collaborate | Calender to Add Events, Meetings and Milestones.

Figure 26 Project Calendar

Tip #29: Linked Note

Create individual “Linked Note” for an attribute and for an operation of a class element. Select attribute/operation and right-click from context menu choose Create Linked Note.

 

Figure Linked Note

Tip #30: Set Visible Relationships

To Show/Hide the connectors in a diagram use “Layout | Diagram | Appearance | Set Visible Relationships” or “Ctrl + Shift + I”

Figure 28 Set Visible Relationships

Tip #31: Exclude images from RTF document

Use Diagram | Properties “Exclude image from RTF documents” to exclude the diagram images from any RTF document generated on the parent package or element.

Figure 29 Exclude Image for RTF Document

Tip #32: Context Filter

Use Context Filter (Layout | Filter | Relationships) to play up the elements on the diagram that are directly related to the selected element. This one is very useful in complex diagrams.

Figure 30 Context Filter

Tip #33: Set Direction for Association

Use “Association default = source –> target” (Tools | Options | Links) to automatically set the direction of new Associations, flowing from source to target element.

Figure Set Direction for Association

 

Tip #34: Change Element Default Color

 

Use Element | Appearance | Default Appearance (F4), to change an element color on all diagrams except diagrams that override the appearance or use the format painter in the diagram toolbar to apply only on the current diagram.

Figure 32 Change Element Default Color

Tip #35: Export Tagged Values

Use Configure | Model | Transfer | Export Reference Data and select “Tag Value Types” from “UML Types” to export all the custom “Tagged Values” in the model.

Figure 33 Export Tagged Values

 

Tip #36: Diagram Legend

Use “Diagram Legend” to assist in distinguishing different elements, connectors or systems in a diagram.

Figure 34 Diagram Legend

Tip #37: EA Command

Use Hyperlink of type “EA Command” to select and perform list of Enterprise Architect commands.

Figure Hyperlink “EA Command”

Tip #38: Execute a script

To execute a script, press Ctrl while you double-click on the script name.

 

Tip #39: Copy Script

To copy Script, select Script and drag and drop pressing Ctrl to create a copy of the script into the new user scripts folder.

Figure 36 Copy Script

Tip #40: Add Stereotypes

Configure | UML Types | Stereotype, to Add, Modify or Delete stereotypes.

Figure 37 Add Stereotypes

Tip #41: Level Numbering

Use Design | Package | Edit | Advanced Toggle Level Numbering to display level numbering of elements of selected package in the project browser/list view.

Figure 38 Level Numbering

Tip #42: Code Samples

Refer Code Samples to handle enterprise architect repository using external projects from “C:\Program Files (x86)\Sparx Systems\EA\Code Samples”.

Tip #43: Code Gen default Language

Set default Language for Code Generation using “Configure | Options “.

Figure 39 Code Gen default Language

 

Tip #44: Exact Placement

Use “Exact Placement” option from Tools->Options->Links to set the orientation of the new connectors to the exact point in the target element.

Figure 40 Exact Placement

Tip #45: Duplicate Element Properties

Use the “Element Browser” to copy element features from one element to another.

Figure 41 Duplicate Elements Properties

Tip #46: Model Default Diagram

Open a diagram choose “Layout | Diagram | Manage | Set as Model Default” to display it when you open the model.

Figure 42 Model Default Diagram

Tip #47: User Default Diagram

Set a diagram as the User default from “Layout | Diagram | Manage | Set as User Default” to display the diagram, when the user opens the model.

Figure 43 User Default Diagram

Tip #48: Add Tagged Value to Elements

Add the same tagged value to multiple elements. Select Multiple Element | Right Click | Add Tag Values.

Figure 44 Add Tagged Value to Elements

Tip #49: Extend Data Types

Extend the set of inbuilt data types for a standard programming language from Code | Options | Configure Code Engineering Datatypes.

Figure 45 Extend Data Types

Tip #50: Display Diagram Property

Add Diagram Details in the Diagram. Open Diagram Properties window(Double – click on Diagram workspace) | Diagram Tab | click on checkbox Show Diagram Details

Figure Display Diagram Property

Tip #51: Add Macro Definition

Add New Macro definition to a language. “Setting | Preprocessor Macros”.

Figure 47 Add Macro Definition

Tip #52: QA Reports & Metrics

Use “QA Reports & Metrics” to monitor and report, on the outstanding details on a package.

Figure 48 QA Reports & Metrics

Tip #53: Locate Element

Locate the diagram object in the Project Browser using “ALT+G”.

Figure 49 Locate Element

Tip #54: Element Usage

Find the element usage by selecting an element in “Project Browser” then press “CTRL + U”.

Figure 50 Element Usage

Tip #55: Find Orphan Elements

Find elements that are not used in any diagrams. Press Ctrl + F | Diagram Searches | Find Orphans.

Figure 51 Find Orphan Elements

Tip #56: Audit History

Use “Configure | Auditing” to audit all the modifications in entire project. Audit view could be sort by Type & User.

Figure 52 Audit History

Tip #57: Place Related Elements

Place the related elements of an element in the diagram using “Traceability” (Start | Trace) window Right Click on an element. Place element on the Diagram.

Figure 53 Placed Related Elements

Tip #58: Validate Project

Use “Design | Package | Edit | Validation | Validate Current Package ” to validate model against known UML rules.

Figure 54 Validate Project

Tip #59: Create Shape Scripts

Use “Configure | Reference Data | UML Types” to apply Shape scripts to custom stereotypes.

Figure 55 Create Shape Scripts

Tip #60: Instant Toolbox

Use “Shift and Right-Click” or space bar on diagram workspace to get the toolbox instantly.

Figure 56 Instant Toolbox

Tip #61: Create Multiple Elements

“Hold Ctrl and Right-Click” on the diagram workspace then select “Create Multiple Elements” to add multiple elements. Change the type of element from type drop-down.

Figure 57 Create Multiple Elements

Tip #62: Import Elements from Clipboard

Import names from clipboard by “hold Ctrl and Right-Click” on diagram workspace then select “Create Multiple Elements”. Right click on the blank space. Then click “Import Names from Clipboard”.

Figure 58 Import Elements from Clipboard

Tip #63: Repeat Element

To repeat the last created element type use “Ctrl + Click.”

Figure 59 Repeat Element

Tip #64: Repeat Connecter

Use F3 to repeat the last created connector type.

Figure 60 Repeat Connecter

Tip #65: Draw Elements without Toolbar

Draw elements without toolbar by simply using “ctrl +shift +arrow keys”.

Figure 61 Draw Elements without Toolbar

Tip #66: Add New View/Package

Use “Ctrl + w” to add a new view or package to a currently selected model root view or package.

Figure 62 Add New View/Package

Tip #67: Auto Size Elements

Auto size (Alt + z) resizes objects to best fit. This can be quite handy when you enable / disable Element’s Features (Feature Visibility).

Figure 63 Auto Size Elements

Tip #68: Attributes Window

Use Features & Properties window to Add/Edit/Delete Attribute. Select the element and Press “F9” to open up attributes tab in features window.

Figure 64 Attributes Window

Tip #69: Operations Window

Use Features & Properties window to Add/Edit/Delete Operation. Select the element and Press “F10” to open up operations tab in features window.

Figure 65 Operations Window

Tip #70: Generate Excel Report from Query

Generate CSV report with from query results. Use Ctrl+F | Run a Search. Export results using CSV Import/Export Option

Figure 66 Generating Excel Report from Query

Tip #71: Change Line Style

Change line styles for multiple connectors at a time using “Relationships Window”. Select a few objects in the diagram, see all its connectors in the relationship window -> Right click -> Lines Style -> Choose desired line style.

Figure 67 Change Line Style

Tip #72: Apply Line Style

Use “Apply Line Style to -> All connectors of same type / stereotype” to quickly apply line styles to multiple connectors in a diagram.

Figure 68 Apply Line Style

Tip #73: Switch Between Windows

Use “Ctrl + Tab” to switch between open windows within Enterprise Architect. One of the less known, highly useful feature to flip between item diagrams.

Figure Switch Between Windows

Tip #74: Instant Copy

Select an object in diagram, hold ctrl and drag to a new position to create object as new (copy)

Figure 70 Instant Copy

Tip #75: Add Attributes Inline

Add attributes in line with “Ctrl + Shift + F9” – one of the most commonly used trick in Class models.

Figure 71 Add Attributes Inline

Tip #76: Add Operations Inline

Add operations in line with “Ctrl + Shift + F10” – one of the most commonly used trick in Class models.

Figure 72 Add Operations Inline

Tip #77: Use Diagram Compare

Use Diagram Compare (Layout | Diagram | Manage | Compare to baseline) option to compare your diagrams to previous state. Handy feature to keep track of diagram changes.

Figure 73 Use Diagram Compare

Tip #78: Diagram Frame

Configure “Diagram Frame” (Start | Preferences | Diagram Tab) to copy images with/without diagram frames.

Figure 74 Diagram Frame

Tip #79: Image Memory Limit Property

Increase the Image Memory Limit (Start | Preferences | Diagram Tab) property to get better quality images in HTML / Clipboard

Figure 75 Image Memory Limit

Tip #80: Hide Page Border

Use “Start | Preferences | Diagram Tab” to Show/Hide page border of the diagrams.

Figure 76 Hide Page Border

Tip #81: Auto Group Elements

Use “Start | Preferences | Diagram | Behavior | Auto Group Elements” to set grouping elements as default behavior in all the diagrams.

Figure 77 Auto Group Elements

Tip #82: Presentation Mode

Enable “Presentation Mode” to hide popups / on-hover messages, etc. (Start | Preferences | Diagram | Behavior)

Figure 78 Presentation Mode

Tip #83: Show Direction

Use “Show Direction” (Layout | Helpers | Show Direction) to highlight incoming and outgoing relationships of selected element

Figure 79 Show Direction

Tip #84: Rectangle Notation

Change Element Appearance using “Use Rectangle Notation” icon below quick linker

Figure 80 Rectangle Notation

Tip #85: Show Status Colors

Display element status on diagrams using “Show Status Colors” (Start | Preferences | Diagram | Objects).

Figure 81 Show Status Colors

Tip #86: Set Line Style/Width

Use “Pen Width”, “Routing” options (Start | Preferences | Links) to set line style / line width across all diagrams

Figure Set Line Style/Width

Tip #87: Compact EAP

In EAP projects, doing a Compact .EAP File (Configure | Integrity Check | Manage .EAPX/.EAP File | Compact .EAPX/.EAP File) on a regular basis helps to reduce the size of file in large models.

Figure 83 Compact EAP

Tip #88: Diagram Filters

Use Diagram Filters, and set mode to “Hide” this will allow normal “Context Filtering” to hide non-context items (Default behavior is greying out)

Figure 84 Diagram Filters

Tip #89: Reorder Messages

Hold “Alt” and move messages to reorder messages in Sequence Diagrams.

Figure 85 Reorder Messages

Tip #90: Recently Modified Elements

Set Auto notifications on new items in the model by using “Recently Modified Elements” Search in “Model Views” and setting auto-refresh. To identify the recently modified elements, create a “New Search folder” under “View Folder” in Model Views. To check the Recently modified elements (Start | Explore | Browse | Model Views).

Figure 86 Recently Modified Elements

Tip #91: Create Element from Text

Select a piece of text in an application (e.g. web browser, word document, notepad++). Then drag and drop the selection to the diagram view in EA, to create an element with Name.

Figure 87 Create Element from Text

Tip #92: Enable Tool Tips

Enable tool tips in Enterprise Architect 14 using “Show Tips in Status Bar (restart) option” (Start | Visual Style).

Figure 88 Enable Tool Tips

Tip #93: Kanban Charts

Use Kanban charts (driven by Default properties / Tagged Values) to categorize elements. To Create Kanban Charts, Right-click on diagram workspace select “Kanban” from context menu. Configure properties to categorize. Drag and drop the element in the Kanban workspace.

Figure 89 Kanban Charts

Tip #94: Save Server Connection

Save your server connection as an EAP file. EA icon Drop Down (Left Top)| Save as Shortcut

Figure 90 Save Server Connection

Tip #95: Inline Reader

Inline Reader (Simplified version of Specification window) option represents artifact name and notes along with diagram. To access the Inline Reader, open diagram and select (Design | Diagram | View as | Toggle Inline Specification View).

Figure 91 Inline Reader

Tip #96: Clone Element

To clone the element, open the cloned diagram. Select a element Right Click on the Element | Clone Element as New Version. Enter value for version and click OK.

Figure 92 Clone Element

Tip #97: Create Charts

Charts in Enterprise Architect can help you manage projects, communicate strategy, identify trends and track KPI’s. Drag and drop the standard chart artifact from the tool box, double click on the artifact to open the properties. Configure Properties, type of chart. Data represented in chart can be defined from current model/external model/query/csv.

Figure 93 Create Charts

Tip #98: Save Relationship Profiles

Configure Relationship Matrix (Design | Matrix) using source/target package, element type, connector type and direction and save it as profiles (Options | Profiles | Save as New Profile) to publish in report.

Figure 94 Save Relationship Profiles

Tip #99: Add Elements from Project Browser

In the project browser, click on “drop-down | New Element”. Use “Save” option to create multiple elements.

Figure 95 Add Elements from Project Browser

Tip #100: Sequence Numbering

Enable Show Sequence Numbering checkbox (Start | Preferences | Diagram | Sequence) to display interaction sequence between lifelines.

Figure 96 Sequence Numbering

 

Custom Documentation

• Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect has a powerful feature to generate a quick report through the ‘Custom Document’ feature.
• Beneficial among businesses and firms not only because of the ease of generating reports but also because they are usually quite accurate and uniform.
• Helps the business to stay competitive by making the right data available to the right people at the right time.

What’s new in Custom Documentation in Sparx Enterprise Architect 16?

• New custom document templates and sample document contents are available through Model Wizard and can be accessed from a Document Publishing perspective.
• This new document templates allow you to produce high-level design, and functional, and business requirement documents.
• Creating a Custom Document is fairly simple, and you can generate a document with a few clicks by simply dragging and dropping a model content from the Project Browser.
• It Dynamically updates the entire document or a particular section, ensuring that it reflects the latest changes in the Model. So that, you can save time and avoid regenerating a document then copy-paste the changes in the existing word documents.
• Warnings are now displayed when data is lost when updating a dynamic part.
• Ad hoc reporting features allow users to customize to insert their own words, images, logo, and other contents to their own requirements.
• Improved content list, which now includes the element and template for each dynamic part.
• During document generation, a progress indicator will bring better feedback.
• Numerous improvements and usability improvements have been made.

Figure 1: Custom Templates

Further Information
Please contact us or write an email to info@sparxsystems.in or call us @+91 8248004261 to have a live demo about the new EA 16 features and capabilities.