Abstract: A method and system in a data processing system for the establishment of relationships between reference objects in an object oriented environment and an associated data object residing outside an object oriented environment. A data object within an application outside an object oriented environment is identified. Multiple reference objects within an oriented environment are then established. Each reference object has a unique identifier and is associated with one of multiple users. Each reference object is associated with the identified data object so that multiple users may concurrently access the data object utilizing an associated reference object. The associated data object may then be modified in response to a modification of any reference object. Similarly, the reference objects may be modified in response to a modification of the associated data object.

Abstract: In an Object Oriented Programming System, a Communications Interface Packet (CIP) enables processing in either a remote system or in a batch environment. A CIP is an object in an Object Oriented Programming System, and like any other object, the CIP object contains data or attributes surrounded by or encapsulated by methods or actions for those data or attributes. Unique to a CIP, however, are attributes which contain an action, an object and parameters. An Application Programming Interface (API) method enables remote processing. An IPA method, which is the reverse of the API method, creates the CIP object which is to be executed in a remote or batch system through the application programming interface. After a CIP object has been created, it must be flattened or formatted prior to submission to the batch system or prior to sending the CIP object to a remote system.

Abstract: The invention creates a number of End Item Configuration lists, each End Item Configuration list including a listing of those custom components and variations of standard components which are utilized for a selected configuration of a complex product. A basic bill of materials is also created including a listing of those standard components utilized for all configurations of the complex product. Thereafter, a relationship is established between a particular End Item Configuration list and a customer contract for the manufacture of a selected configuration of a complex product. Based upon the established relationship, a selected one of the End Item Configuration lists is retrieved and combined with a basic bill of materials to create a complete bill of material utilizing both the End Item Configuration list and the basic bill of materials, which may then be utilized in the manufacture of a particular configuration of a complex product.