The purpose of the Variability Matrix is to simplify the handling of setting variant conditions to items. When working with product development, you can develop a component which can be used in a number of ways, or only one fixed way.

The Variability Matrix view is designed to support the method of multi-function design. This is what we call a 150% design.

A consequence of that is that the component can't be used without a configuration. For instance, if the design is dependent on if a vehicle is left-hand drive or right-hand drive, you need to configure it for one of the alternatives. This article describes how to use the view.

• Getting Acquainted with the View
• Adding/Removing a Feature Variant
• Exporting to Excel and CSV

Prerequisites

• An installation of the SystemWeaver Explorer client (swExplorer)
• An SW Architect has configured and activated the view via Configure the explorer

To access the Variability matrix, select an item of the type for which the view is configured in the structure tree.  In the below example, the Variation Point selected is called "Rearview Mirror Outer". In this example, the view is accessible via a configured button in the "Variability" menu group: 

Getting Acquainted with the View

The view consists of two panes: Available and Description. The Available pane displays the matrix for working with variant models. When you select a part (row) in the matrix, any existing Description content will display in the Description pane.

If any header labels are cut off, you can view the entire header by simply hovering over the header. 

It is also possible to resize column widths on-the-fly by dragging and dropping. 

Sorting by any column is possible by toggling on the header cell of a column. This kind of sorting is selected in a "cyclic" fashion; first click to sort descending, second to sort ascending, third returns to unsorted. The sorting order is indicated by small arrow symbol in the header:

As with most grid-like layouts in SystemWeaver, you can modify them to suit your needs. See Customizing Grid Views to learn more. 

Adding/Removing a Feature Variant

To add a feature variant, check the corresponding box in the matrix. The selection will result in adding the variant condition to the model as shown in the example below. 

Example Model

Result

To remove one, uncheck the corresponding box. The model will update accordingly.

Exporting to Excel and CSV

The view offers an option to export to Excel or .CSV. Right-click anywhere on a header row and select Export to Excel.