Abstract: An edit command delegation (ECD) utility that provides a user with the ability to edit an electronic file in a creator application program while the electronic file is open in a separate viewing application program operable only for viewing the electronic file. In response to a user input to edit the electronic file, the ECD utility opens the electronic file and reads an application identification tag contained within the content of the electronic file. The application identification tag identifies a creator application program, which was used to create the electronic file and is operable for editing the content data of the electronic file. Once the ECD utility reads the application identification tag, the ECD launches the creator application program. The ECD utility then causes the creator application program to open the electronic file. Once the electronic file is open, the content data is displayed in a window controlled by the creator application program to allow the user to edit the content data.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing revision management of linked data entities and user dependent terminology. The present invention provides a novel method to implement revision management so that when a referenced data record is revised, no manual updating of any referencing data record is required to reflect the corresponding change. When defining a referencing data record, a user designates a choice of version of the referenced data record to be used with the referencing data record thereafter. Specifically, the user can either specify a particular version, in which case that particular version of the referenced data record will be used when the referencing data record is subsequently accessed, or the user can elect to use the “revision of record”, in which case the version of the referenced data record currently identified as the “revision of record” will be used.

Abstract: A data retrieval system in which a plurality of objects having a multi-level hierarchical relationship are stored is disclosed. Thus, each object has a respective parent and a set of children. The system includes an index table comprising a respective name and associated identifier for each object, and a data table comprising a respective set of attributes and a position key associated with each object in the system. Each position key comprises a series of components, each component corresponding to a level of the hierarchy. A first component of said key stores the identifier of an associated object, and each successive component stores the identifier of the parent of the object stored in the previous component.

Abstract: A production management method for ordering parts from a supplier and managing receipt and stock of the parts by use of a computer. The method includes inputting dates on which events related to delivery of the ordered parts take place during a period from the forwarding of the parts by the supplier to the receipt of the parts, as a plurality of delivery event dates, and inputting a base date for management by designating one of the inputted delivery event dates. On the basis of the base date for management, management related to the receipt and stock of the parts is conducted.