METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A NETWORK USING A FOCAL POINT TOOL

摘要

A method includes - Receiving (805), from a user, a seed data selection; - retrieving (810) PDM information related to the seed data selection; - displaying (815) a focal point selection area (700) including a plurality of domain selections; - receiving (820) a user selection of one or more of the plurality of domain selections; and - generating and displaying (825) a network map of the PDM information associated with the user selection. This method provides the capability for users to discover and explore relationships within highly complex systems of information such as product lifecycle data. Disclosed embodiments are able to draw information from diverse sources and of many different types and present them in a graphical manner that is easy to understand and interpret. By providing a series of layout options to a user, the user can view the resulting network in the context that best suits their personal needs and experience.