Softlink
Attributes or values given to the attributes can be assigned a softlink. A softlink looks like a hyperlink. Softlinks are evaluated every time they are accessed. As data changes, each evaluation can result in different results. There is no permanent binding. When you click it, the system searches for records that match the criteria specified in a rulebase associated with the softlink.
For example, assume that the UOM attribute in the repository has the value "Pack" and there is a softlink on the short description of the record. The softlink constraint in the rulebase states that the softlink should retrieve records whose UOM = "Pack".
When you click the softlink, the system as per the rulebase, retrieves all records whose UOM attribute has the value "Pack".
In case the short description has a NULL value, the softlink is displayed on the name of the attribute (SHORTDESC in this case).
Softlinks can also be used with the connect action to create relationships. For example, let us consider two repositories: CUSTOMER and ADDRESS. The records in these two repositories are related using the customer ID. Let us say, you want to find address records for a particular customer and then create a relationship using a rulebase. This can be done using the softlink and connect actions.
A softlink will be visible on attributes only if there is a rulebase associated with it. For more information on Softlink and connect, refer to the TIBCO MDM Studio Rulebase Designer User’s Guide.