Request Format Templates

A request format template is a user-defined text file that specifies the content and layout of a Dimensions CM request when it is browsed or printed.

Format templates are required for every request type.

The format template contains substitution variables that are dynamically expanded when you browse a request. Variables can represent both system-defined (Dimensions CM) and user-defined attributes that are single or multi-valued.

A template might include:

- The Dimensions CM identity of the request, including the product ID, request type, and serial number.

- The status of the request.

- The values for one or more user-defined attributes.

- The date of the last update.

You create request templates outside of Dimensions CM, usually using a standard text editor. Though you can use the same template for multiple types, we recommend that you create a template for each request type so you can manage each template independently.

After creating a format template, you associate it to a request type. At this point, the format template is placed under revision control by Dimensions CM and is stored in a manner similar to items.

Rules and recommendations:

- You can use either lower-case or upper-case text when you define variables in a request format template.

- When using RTF as a request format, any backslash (\) characters included in attributes are removed because the backslash is treated as a qualifier in RTF.

  Also, any word immediately following a backslash without a space is completely removed.

Related Topics

Example of Request Template

Item Format Templates