Sometimes the AutoNumber facility in Agile PLM does not offer the level of sophistication needed to produce a truly intelligent part number. Fortunately, Agile provides an extension point to create custom AutoNumber sources. This blog will outline the steps needed to create the code for the custom source and get it installed in Agile so it is ready to use.

1. Agile PLM Part Numbers
Creating a custom
AutoNumber source

2. Introduction
 Sometimes the AutoNumber facility in
Agile PLM does not offer the level of
sophistication needed
 Agile provides an extension point to
create custom AutoNumber sources

3. Creating the AutoNumber Source
1. Create a Java class that implements the
ICustomAutoNumber and its getAutoNumber
method
2. Create com.agile.px.ICustomAutoNumber
that contains the name of the new custom
class above. This is used by Agile to load the
relevant classes into Agile making them
available in the dropdowns.

4. Create the Class
package com.plmmechanic;
import com.agile.api.*;
import com.agile.px.*;
public class HWAutoNumber implements ICustomAutoNumber {
public ActionResult getAutoNumber(IAgileSession session, INode actionNode) {
// create a reference to an ActionResult class type
ActionResult number;
try {
// Here is where you could do real fancy things like connect
// to ERP systems or other authoritative systems to pull an
// intelligent auto number. This is a one use example.
number = new ActionResult(ActionResult.STRING, “HW1”);
} catch (Throwable th) {
// This would be a great place to capture exception information.
number = new ActionResult(ActionResult.EXCEPTION, th);
}
return number;
}
}

5. Create the Meta File
 Create the file
com.agile.px.ICustomAutoNumber
 Contents are simply the full class name of the
new AutoNumber. In this case its:
com.plmmechanic.HWAutoNumber

6. Package the Extension
An AutoNumber extension is a Java archive file,
or JAR file and can be opened with a Zip file
utility. Here is the internal structure of the file:
+---com
¦ +---plmmechanic
¦ HWAutoNumber.class
+---META-INF
+---services
com.agile.px.ICustomAutoNumber

7. Install the Extension
Place the extension on the application server as you
would with any other process extension

8. Add the AutoNumber
 Assign a name for the
source
 Choose the type of
AutoNumber as
custom
 Select the new source
from the dropdown
 Assign the where used

9. Now it’s Ready for Use

10. About Us
 PLM Mechanic specializes in the technical
aspects of Oracle’s Agile PLM solution
 We offer the following service:
– Agile PLM installations and upgrades
– Agile PLM maintenance and help desk functions
– Agile PLM hosting
– Customization
 PLM Mechanic also has several product
offerings

11. Contact Us
 Web: http://www.plmmechanic.com
 Blog: http://www.plmmechanic.com/blog
 Twitter: @PLMMechanic
 Email: sales@plmmechanic.com
 Phone: 512-827-2262
 Fax: 512-582-2932