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	Introduction to the Synthesis Platform

Working in Synthesis

With the Synthesis Platform, ReliaSoft's software tools have transitioned from a standalone document/file format, to a multi-user, database-driven approach. This offers enormous potential to integrate reliability program activities and tools, while simultaneously facilitating effective information sharing and cooperation between engineering teams of any size.

The experience of working in a database-driven, multi-user environment will be a bit different than using prior versions of ReliaSoft’s applications (Version 7 or older) and other document-centered applications such as Microsoft Excel. For example, your organization (or team) will need to choose the most appropriate database type and security, implement shared settings that will effectively facilitate project management, and establish adequate backups and database maintenance to protect against data loss. In addition, individual users must be aware that changes are saved automatically as they work, and become familiar with the features that facilitate simultaneous access by multiple users.

This chapter addresses a variety of topics that will help you configure and use the Synthesis Platform to meet your particular needs. As a supplement to this information, we have also compiled some targeted tips and FAQs at http://Synthesis.ReliaSoft.com/tips/.

The two types of Synthesis repositories.
Creating and managing projects.
Implementing repository security.
Repository settings, including:

Using e-mail notifications to keep users up to date on the progress made in completing assigned actions.
Configuring settings that affect analyses in all projects throughout the database, including time units, default naming conventions, global identifiers, project categories and more.

Protecting against data loss and corruption by establishing adequate backups and database maintenance and creating restore points.
Importing and exporting information.
Using the Reliability Data Warehouse to access XFRACAS data, and using the Dashboard Viewer to view Synthesis data in graphical form.