Related Topics:
	Multiple Document Interface (MDI)

Ribbon

The application now has a user interface called the Ribbon, which replaces the toolbars and menus of previous versions of the software. This interface is designed to improve efficiency by displaying only the commands you need to complete a specific task. The Ribbon is divided into tabs that relate to a task or activity, such as managing the items in the system hierarchy or performing a specific analysis. Each tab contains related commands, which are intuitively organized into groups. Depending on the activity you are performing, some commands may appear dimmed or will not appear at all.

This topic is intended to serve as a comprehensive reference to the commands found on the Ribbon. Note that many features in the application also have a shortcut menu (accessed by right-clicking), which gives access to commands that are commonly used for that feature. All commands available in the shortcut menus are also available on the Ribbon. In addition, the Ribbon includes a customizable Quick Access Toolbar that allows you to display frequently used commands.

Tip: To maximize your workspace, you can choose to automatically minimize the Ribbon and display only the tab names. To do this, click the arrow on the right-side of the Ribbon (labeled "Minimize Ribbon" in the picture below). The Ribbon will be expanded when you click a tab and then minimized after you click a command.

MPC's Ribbon includes the following tabs:

• The File tab, also known as the Backstage View, contains commands that allow you to manage the database, application and user settings.

• The Home tab contains commands related to using the Clipboard, changing the working group stamp and managing the ATA chapters.

• The My Portal tab contains commands related to using the My Portal feature.

• The Project tab contains commands related to creating projects and working with the project properties.

• The View tab contains commands related to configuring the layout of the application's interface, such as displaying the Project Manager, My Portal, tabbed windows and other features.

• The Help tab contains commands that help you use the software more efficiently.

• Active (contextual) tabs contain commands related to a particular type of analysis. These tabs are displayed only when the related analysis is active. For example, the Systems tab contains commands related to working on the system configuration for an aircraft systems and powerplant analysis, while the F-F-E-C tab contains commands related to working on a functional failure analysis for the selected item.

All the contextual tabs available in MPC are listed below. Click the name of the tab to view a description of all the included commands.

1. • The Systems tab is available when the System Hierarchy tab is active in the System panel. This tab is used for managing the system configuration for an aircraft systems and powerplant analysis.

   • The F-F-E-C tab is available when you have selected an maintenance significant item (MSI) - or an item that is eligible to be an MSI - from the System Hierarchy tab in the System panel. The F-F-E-C tab is used to perform a functional failure analysis and apply the MSG-3 logic for failure effect categorization and maintenance task selection in an aircraft systems and powerplant analysis.

   • The Structures tab is available when the Structural Hierarchy tab is active in the System panel. This tab is used for managing a system configuration for a structural analysis.

   • The Zones tab is available when the Zonal-L/HIRF Hierarchy tab is active in the System panel. This tab is used for managing a system configuration for a zonal analysis.