Configuring object relationship
Introduced in 2026
The General > Object Relationship Map section defines how different objects in Alloy Navigator can be linked to each other. Relationship types determine what users see on the Relationships tab and how objects are connected in workflows and UI. In addition, objects can be related automatically, by workflow operations.
How object relationships work
A relationship between two objects consists of two directional links: one from the first object to the second, and one in the opposite direction. Each link has its own label that describes the relationship from that side.
For example: A depends on B / B provides for A or A is based on B / B is the basis for A. This allows the same connection to be described differently depending on which object you are viewing.
There are two kinds of relationship types:
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Parent-Child: This is an asymmetric relationship between two objects. It uses different labels for each direction of the relationship. For example,
A requires B / B is required by A", orA contains B - B is contained in A. -
Sibling: This is a symmetric relationship between two objects. It uses the same label in both directions. For example,
A is connected to B / B is connected to A.
You can create multiple relationship types, such as Contains / Is part of, Connected, etc. Each relationship type has its own scope
–the list of object classes for which that relationship is available.
The system includes several predefined relationship types. These system relationship types cannot be deleted, but they can be modified.
You can manage relationship types as follows:
Add a relationship type
When you need to define a new type of relationship between objects, proceed as follows:
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In the General > Object Relationship Map section, click New. The New Relationship pane slides out.
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Select the Relationship type: Parent-Child or Sibling.
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Depending on the selected type, define the following:
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For a "Parent-Child" relationship: Enter Parent name (label shown from the parent object) and Child name (label shown from the child object). The preview text shows:
Displays as “…” from parent objects and “…” from child objects. -
For a "Sibling" relationship: Enter Name (used for both objects). The preview text shows:
Displays as “…” from both sibling objects. -
Choose the object classes that can be connected by this relationship type:
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For a "Parent-Child" relationship: In the Parent Object Classes and Child Object Classes lists, click each node to expand it, and then select the corresponding check boxes.
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For a "Sibling" relationship: In the Object Classes list, click each node to expand it, and then select the corresponding check boxes.
TIP: Expand categories to view available objects. Select individual object classes or use Select All to select all items in the list. Use the Filter items field to quickly find specific classes.
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Click OK.
Modify a relationship type
To modify a relationship type:
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In the General > Object Relationship Map section, double-click the relationship type to change. The Relationship Type pane slides out.
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Change the required details:
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To modify the relationship type, select a new value in the Relationship Type list.
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To rename the relationship type, type the new name(s) in the Name field(s).
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To change the scope of the relationship type, update the object classes available for this relationship.
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Click OK.
Reorder relationship types
You can control the order in which relationship types appear when users relate objects.
To change the order:
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Go to the General > Object Relationship Map section.
- Reorder items using one of the following methods:
- Drag a relationship type to a new position
- Select a relationship type and click Move Up or Move Down
Delete a relationship type
To delete a relationship type:
In the General > Object Relationship Map section, select the relationship type and click Delete.
IMPORTANT: You cannot delete system relationship types and relationship types that are actually being used to connect objects.