Why can’t I reuse objects in an information model?

At 2c8, we often recommend reusing objects between models. This reduces duplication of information and makes the repository easier to maintain.

However, when working with information models, object reuse does not always work as expected. A common reason is that the object type you are trying to reuse has a configuration setting that prevents resizing.

The information model uses a specific view in which objects are displayed as entities. For this to work, the object must be able to adapt to the size and shape used for entity objects. If the object type is configured so that it cannot be resized, the object may therefore not be displayed correctly in the information model.

Example:

Suppose you have created an object of the type Application in an application model and want to reuse the same object in an information model.

If the Application object type has Allow resizing disabled in the configuration, the object cannot adapt to the entity format used in the information model. The object can therefore not be reused as intended in the information model.

Check whether the object type allows resizing

If you want to reuse an object type in an information model, the object type must be configured to allow resizing.

To check this:

1. Go to the Dashboard/Repository Manager.
2. Select Tools -> Start Administration Tool.
3. Open the configuration you want to use, or create a new one.
4. Go to Object.
5. Open the Standard sizes tab.
6. Select the relevant object type from the list.
7. Make sure that Allow resizing is selected.
   
8. Save the configuration.
9. Drag the configuration to the repository to apply it.

Once Allow resizing is enabled, the object type can adapt to the entity format used in information models and can therefore be reused in information models.