Specify the component's attributes

Once a component is in the repository, you can define more details about it in the Components data workbench.

Or specify and analyze the component in detail in its content area . In the data workbench, click the Navigate button for a component to open its content area > Overview page.

Define the component's basic data. All mandatory fields must be defined to create the component and save it.

• Name: (Mandatory) Enter a name for the component. You can add an abbreviation (3-4 letters) of the name in the Short Name field to use in diagrams and other visualizations.
• Version: (Mandatory) Enter a version number for the component. It is recommended that you document major and minor release versions (<MajorVersion.MinorVersion>). For example, version 2.1 (<MajorVersion.MinorVersion>). You could document patch releases (<MajorVersion.MinorVersion.PatchRelease>) if your organization requires this level of detail.
• Release Status: Describes the level of approval of the documented information about the component. A component cannot be deleted when it has an approved release status. It cannot be edited when it has a retired release status. Possible values are:
  • Draft: The component has only mandatory data defined.
  • Under Review: The component is documented and being reviewed. A component with this release status cannot be deleted.
  • Approved: The component has been approved by the responsible stakeholders. An component cannot be deleted when it has an approved release status. A component with this release status cannot be deleted.
  • Data imported: The data regarding this component has been imported from an external system. Additional changes may be required to improve the data quality. A component with this release status can be deleted.
  • Trash: The component is no longer valid and can be deleted.
• Alias: An alternative name of the component to use in search and filter functionalities.
• Vendor: The vendor that supplies the component. Vendors must already be in the repository in order to define the vendor that provides the component.

  vendor

  A vendor is a supplier of components.

• Authorized Access tab: The user who creates the component is the authorized user per default. This can be changed. Select one or more authorized user groups that shall have write permissions to the object. All users in the authorized user group can edit the component.

  authorized user

  An authorized user has primary responsibility to maintain the data for an object. Typically this is the user that has created the object. The authorized user as well as members of authorized user groups have write permissions to objects they are responsible for.

  authorized user group

  An authorized user group is a set of users that have been granted write permissions to an object. More than one authorized user group may be specified for an object.

Define the architecture attributes.

• Type: Specify how the component is used:
  • Business: A component used in an application that provides business functions to end users. These components usually cater to specific business use cases and operations.
  • Software: A component that provides technical support to an application such as data processing, application level functionality, or communication between applications.
  • Infrastructure: A component that provides infrastructure level support and makes it possible to run business applications on devices. These components are usually installed on the infrastructure layer.
• Support Model: The IT support model of the component.
  • In-House: Support is provided from within the enterprise.
  • 3rd Party: Support is provided by an external vendor.
  • Other: Support is managed through other channels.
  • Unknown: Support model has not yet been assessed.
• Component Category: The component category that the component is assigned to. The component category classifies content-specific components for analytical purposes.
• IT Capabilities: The IT capabilities that the component is assigned to. IT capabilities must already be in the repository in order to assign the component to the IT capability.

  IT capability

  An IT capability bundles and structures content-specific components necessary for the IT infrastructure of data center operations. Mainframe operations, database management, and backup and recovery procedures are examples of IT capabilities.

• Standardization: Specify whether the component is a standard component. This helps you to promote the use of standard components and reduce non-standard technologies. Possible values are:
  • Not Classified: The component is not assigned to a standardization category.
  • Free for User: The component may be used. Users do not need approval to use the component.
  • Approval Required: The use of this component must be approved. Users should contact the authorized user or another person such as the IT Owner who has a role defined for the component to gain approval to use the component.

    authorized user

    An authorized user has primary responsibility to maintain the data for an object. Typically this is the user that has created the object. The authorized user as well as members of authorized user groups have write permissions to objects they are responsible for.

    role

    A role describes the functional relationship that a user or organization has for an object.

  • Not Permitted: The component may not be used.

Define the lifecycle attributes. All attributes in the Lifecycle attribute group in the component's content area should be specified before you specify the component's lifecycle phases.

• Start Date and End Date: The start and end date captures the period when the component is actively used in the company. This is also when the Object State attribute should be specified as Active. Click the calendar icon to select the date or enter the date in the date format Month/Day/Year. For example: 4/30/2023
• Object State: Describes the operational status of the component and indicates whether it is actively used, planned to be used, or has been used in the past. The component's start and end dates indicate the planned period of activity for the object. Therefore object state should be changed from Plan to Active once the start date is reached.
• Strategic Component: Select the checkbox if the component is strategic for the company.
• Successor Component: The component that is the next version or replacement for the component.