As you may recall, cross reference tables are libraries or categories of cross reference items. For example, a cross reference table called "Tools and Equipment" would contain a list of individual tools. Each of the tools might be linked to components in the VISION database, such as tasks or objectives.
It is easier to discuss cross reference table links if we keep in mind what we do with them. In VISION, there are generally two reasons for linking table items to data components. One is to create relationships needed to produce special reports or documents. For example, you might want to generate a Qualification Checklist for a task that includes a list of necessary tools. We can cause the tools to print on the checklist based on the links between the cross reference table and the task.
Another reason to make links is to set up the system to enable queries that might prove useful later on. Say, a tool changes and you want to query VISION to find all affected tasks, objectives, and questions. Again, the links between the cross reference table and the task would give us the basis for this important query.
This chapter is oriented around linking cross reference table items to database components, from each of these two perspectives.
When to Make Links
When, during construction of your project, should you make the links? This will depend on your project plan. If you want to generate a document early in the process, you would need the links sooner. For example, suppose you want to produce a Qualification Checklist based on task information. In this case, you would probably link the cross reference table items to the tasks just as soon as your preliminary task analysis has been completed. In fact, you might include the identification of table items as part of the task analysis itself.
If your Document is Not Set up
When you first select a document for which you want to make cross reference table links (step 1 on the next page), and you find that the document has not yet been set up, you will need to make them yourself. Follow the steps in the chapter, Setting up Projects and Work Areas to set up the document that you want to produce. When you are finished, you can return to the Cross Reference page.
Chapter Objectives
