Parameters in BOM Balloons not in Repeat Region

[sfarra]

I am working on updating our Pro E standards at my company to fully utilize the parametric ability of the software and have come across a small hiccup. I have created two parameters in each start part called “PID_TOP” and “PID_BOTTOM”. The intent of these string parameters is to hold the equipment information that is on the P&ID. This makes our P&ID and fabrication drawings more closely tied to each other and helps bridge the gap between mechanical and controls. I have also created custom BOM balloons that can be used by selecting “Alt Symbol” under Table > BOM Balloons and is set to display the values of the two PID string parameters I created in a symbol that is identical to the P&ID.

My problem comes in when I add these balloons to a drawing. The only way I can get these string parameters to fill in correctly in my balloon is to add two columns to my repeat region and have them report “&ASM.MBR.PID_TOP” and “&ASM.MBR.PID_BOTTOM”. This is undesired as my BOM is becoming pretty wide already and is taking up valuable space on the drawing and in a typical fab drawing for a fluid skid there are usually 100+ components while only a handful of components with P&ID tags meaning I would create two columns of mostly dashes. I tried simply adding them as local parameters under Table > Repeat Region > Relations but it didn’t work. Can anyone offer a suggestion as to how I can make this work or am I stuck with just having to add the columns to my BOM?

Thank you in advance
Steven

 

[geesamand]

Can you create a second repeat region that contains the P&ID information only? Then move the spare table off of the screen or hide it somehow.

I know it's a hack but I've seen worse.

 

[sfarra]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm not sure it would work however because the BOM balloons pull information from only one repeat region at a time. I did come up with my own hack. I added the two columns to my repeat region and made them so small that they are nearly invisible (I also shrunk the text). When the drawing is printed it looks like just one line. That is going to be my solution until I can find something bettter.