Linking objects to multiple parents

A plan object can be linked to multiple parents. Linked objects support the relationships frequently shown in strategy maps.

You must be a planner or administrator to add or delete links. When deleting links, all linked objects must be deleted before you can delete the original plan object.

When making changes, the changes are shown in the linked objects after the plan is saved.

These items can only be changed on the original object. This is to ensure data integrity.

  • Properties
  • Success measure
  • Custom Exception color settings

These items can be changed for all linked objects and their originals.

  • Discussion
  • Variable values (Variable values are unique for each link and the original. They do not share values as the success measure does.)

These items can be changed for linked objects whose parent is an original object.

  • Weights
  • Associated units

To link an object:

  1. In the Update category, select the Modify Overview or Modify Outline page.
  2. Select Menu Options > Show Plan Object Types.
  3. In the Plan Object Types panel, select an object type. Drag it onto the plan and drop it over the intended parent object.
  4. Optionally, change the name of the object.
  5. Select Link to another object and click the ellipsis button next to the Link to box.
  6. Select the parent object.
  7. Click Submit.
  8. Click Save.

The connection to a linked object is represented by a box with broken lines that displays to the left of a linked object. Select Menu Options > Show Duplicates to see the path for linked objects. Clicking an item on the Show Duplicates tab highlights the member in the report.