External IDs are how a Epicor CPQ Output Field is mapped to a specific entity or location in an output template. Typically, you do not need to worry about external IDs. However, when automating advanced CAD outputs, External IDs can streamline your setup and open the door to more powerful features.
External id's for a CAD output field are a unique identifier for an entity in the 3D model or drawing. They type of entity being captured determines the format of the unique id. Below is detailed information on how to construct an external id, however the easiest way is to use the Capture Tool and the 'Get Selected' button to find the external id of any item.
For sketch items, like dimensions, they will follow the following format:
name@feature@component@assembly
- name is the CAD system's name for the entity,
- feature is the name of the feature or sketch the entity is in
- component is the name of the sub-component the entity is in (only used when the entity is in a sub-component of an assembly)
-
assembly is the name of the parent assembly (if there is a parent assembly)
Here are some examples:
- D1@Sketch1@cube-1@assy : A dimension called D1 in Sketch1 of the sub-component named 'cube-1' in an assembly
- D1@Sketch1 : A dimension called D1 in Sketch1 of a part. Because there is no parent assembly, the component and assembly sections of the id are not used.
Features are similar, but don't use the sketch section of the id. Here are some examples:
- Cut-Extrude1@cube-1@assy : A cut feature in sub-component 'cube-1' in assembly 'assy'.
- Cut-Extrude1 : a cut feature in a part. Because there is no parent assembly, the component and assembly sections of the id are not used.
An id for an entire sub-component of an assembly just uses the component and assembly sections. Here is an example:
- cube-1@assy : A sub-component named 'cube-1' in an assembly named 'assy'.