Link types

A link in CAS genesisWorld is the representation of a connection between two data records. Link types can have a name, a so-called Attribute. Certain link types do already exist in CAS genesisWorld. These internal link types cannot be changed. Additionally, new link types for your company can be defined in the Management Console by the administrator.

An undirected link between two data records is a simple connection which is the same for both data records. Undirected links can be symbolized using a line.

Directed links differ depending on the data record from which you view the other data record. Directed links can be symbolized with an arrow. These arrows can point either in one direction or they can point in both directions whereas each direction is named with an Attribute.

Example for a default link type:

• Opportunities are linked to addresses. Links are assigned the Contact person attribute. This type is defined as undirected link.

Example for a new link type:

• The Main installation or a company is the address. Links to further addresses are specified with the Branch attribute. This type is a directed link.
• Projects are linked to more projects. These links have the partial project attribute. This type is a directed link.

Linking one or a number of data records

Link types can be linked m:n, 1:n and 1:1. That means that the number of data records another data record can be linked with is defined for certain link types.

• General links are specified as m:n links, that is, a number of data records is linked with other data records.
• If data records are linked 1:1, one data record is linked with exactly one other data record. For example, an appointment of a board meeting is linked to the minutes of the meeting with a 1:1 link.
• If data records are linked 1:n, one data record is linked to several other data records. A 1:n link can, for example, be a company with a head office and several branches.

When working with 1:1 and 1:n links, please be aware that you can choose this link type only once for each data record. If this link type is chosen a second time for the same data record, the first entered link is deleted and replaced by the new link.

Functions for link types

All link types are activated when installing CAS genesisWorld for the first time.

Link types are created between any two data record types.

A link type describes a link more precisely. If new link types are created, additional drop-down lists for general links are displayed in the menus of users.

Data records can be linked with several data records. An address of a head office is, for example, linked with several branches. Addresses of the head office and branches can still be linked with general links to other addresses.

In the Desktop Client in the Change log tab for data records, the Display links option displays changes of data record links.

Events for all or certain links can be defined if links are used in the notification and action service.