Data Manager - Read Only Fields

[Anonymous]

Is it possible to make the content of the Data Manager wholly read only?

As background - I have changed the state of the majority of properties (component descriptions, material - generally all spec derived info etc) to appear read only in the properties window in order to create a state of control regarding pipe specs. But if a user can just open the Data Manager and override the values as they see fit, you instantly lose that control/trust in your specs. Is this achievable?

As always any input greatly appreciated.

Mike

[h_eger]

Dear @Anonymous ,

unfortunately Autodesk does not advocate an open system and therefore your projects are not supported.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your prompt reply as always Hartmut!

Frankly, I find it astonishing that Autodesk provide a spec driven intelligent piece of software, that does not have the ability to be sufficiently controlled/managed by a focal administrator. It's starting to feel that there is little point in spending the hours developing cats and specs (and going through a solid QA procedure to approve them fit for project use) if a rogue user can override any data as they see fit. My mind is blown. 

[jabowabo · Accepted solution]

You can turn property visibility off in the DataManager by unchecking 'Visibility in Area View' in Project Setup. You need to turn it off at the highest level the property appears at (it won't have an asterisk in front). The downside is this can be turned back on by anyone else who knows how - but the project will need to be opened exclusively.

There are negatives to locking things down too much - how will users set properties in custom parts, etc.?

[h_eger · Accepted solution]

Well, it's not quite like that.
You can of course write-protect the fields that are affected in the configuration.
Now you can write-protect the "projSymbolStyle.dwg" so that none of your users can open the configuration.
is only the small way to the safety of your specs but better than nothing.
On the other hand, I would invest in the sensitization of your users so that they understand how the relationships are a certified spec and that such data may not be modified.

[Anonymous]

Perfect! Thank you very much.

Completely understand your point, however having recently had various users overriding specs manually through the Data Manager which has had it's consequences. Trying to instill a more controlled approach where almost any deviation from spec needs to be filtered through a controlled focal point to implement and not turn into a free-for-all.

Mike