Use Comparison to inspect objects side by side and identify differences against a chosen reference. It is useful for reviewing revisions, alternative objects, or supported structures. Choose a meaningful set of objects and verify the reference before interpreting the highlighted differences.
Set up a comparison
- Open a Comparison widget. Drag the objects into the widget or use the available add area when it is empty.
- Check the object headers for names and revisions. Make sure the objects represent the versions or alternatives you intended to compare.
- Use the bookmark control in an object header to choose the reference object. Confirm its reference marker.
- Open Views or Preferences to review the available comparison presentation and displayed fields.
- Read the aligned values across the objects and inspect the differences relative to the reference.
Interpret differences
A difference indicates that the displayed values do not match under the selected comparison view. It does not by itself establish which value is correct or which revision should be approved.
Missing values can reflect an attribute that is empty or does not apply to an object type. Comparing different types can therefore produce a different set of meaningful fields from comparing two revisions of the same item. Check the field definitions and object context before deciding that data is wrong.
Changing the reference changes the basis for interpreting differences. Recheck the reference whenever you remove or replace an object in the comparison.
Compare structures
When a structure view is available, switch to it to inspect differences below the root objects. Use Expand all or the available branch controls to reveal the levels you need. Review related objects and relationship values in their structure context.
A structure comparison is limited by the selected view, included relationships, loaded levels, and accessible data. Confirm the scope before using it as evidence for a change review or baseline discussion.
Make supported edits
Choose Edit only when you intend to update the compared objects and the operation is available. Review editable fields against the reference, make the required changes, and choose Save. Wait for validation and success feedback, then verify the resulting values.
Comparison does not automatically copy the reference values into the other objects. Permissions, reservations, lifecycle state, and the current view determine which updates are allowed.
Troubleshooting
If an expected difference is missing, check the reference and visible fields. If structure details are absent, expand the relevant branches and check the view scope. If an edit fails, review the error and confirm the affected object’s update permissions and lifecycle restrictions.
Related articles
How to Use the Baseline Feature | How to Use the Relationship Manager in Nora IPLM
