How to configure the format of the engineering change notice identity?

[danders238]

Version: Windchill 11.1

Use Case: Trying to migrate existing ECN system to Windchill. We are currently storing PDF's of the engineering change notices in windchill. Wanting to move to a windchill workflow process but would like to keep the same numbering formate.

Description:

Is it possible to configure Windchill so the Engineering Change Notice identity / ECN number is something like M-2369 instead of 00001?

[d_graham · Accepted solution]

In short, yes.

This is pretty basic Windchill admin stuff.

Are you familiar with database sequences?

OOTB that’s where the 00001 is coming from and it is being calculated using the OOTB OIR algorithm for the object type in question.

You DO NOT have to use the OOTB algorithm that calculates the number. You can write a custom Java class to do it if need be.

Also, if you simply want to add the prefix “M-“ to the number that too is very easy.

Search the knowledge base or Windchill Help for Object Initialization Rules. That will supply you with all you need to know regarding how this stuff works.

If fact, if you simply download the OIR for your object type and then examine the XML file it should become apparent what is going on under the hood.

FYI, you can get pretty slick with custom algorithms. The sky’s the limit.

David