Overview
Elements capture additional information that can be attached to a given project, activity or resource. In its simplest form, an element is similar in concept to attaching a file to an email. The types of elements available in Merlin for a project include:
Accessing Elements
From the Start Page you can begin working with any of the six available element categories. Tap on the Element type to view all elements that are already attached to the current project of that type. This list may be blank if no elements of that type have been attached to the project, but you can create a new Element by tapping on the "+" button.
The lower righthand corner of the Project, Activity, and Resource Inspector includes a paperclip button which represents the ability to view or add any attachment type directly to the selected object.
Adding a New Element
First select an Element category from the Start Page and then tap on the "+" button in the upper righthand corner.
The iPhone will now attempt to connect directly to the project file. Once a connection is established, the Element Inspector will display so you can begin entering information for the new element:
Once information has been added, simply tap on the "Done" button. If you wishing to edit information for an element that already exists, tap on the "Edit" button. When you are finished, you will be returned to the Element list, with any new element added now being displayed.
Creating new elements will require a connection to the published project. The only exception is the File Element which is used for snapping photos does not require a connection to the published project.
Further information is available regarding this File Element.
Changing Element Information
To change the information for an element, go to the inspector for the element selected and tap on the Edit button in the upper righthand corner. A connection to the project will be automatically initiated and once successful, you can begin to make changes.
Once the changes have been made, it is immediately sent to the published project. Once the update completes, Merlin iPhone will disconnect from the published project so you may continue working offline.
Removing Elements
To remove an element from a project is similar to removing any other item, simply swipe over the object and the "Delete" button will appear. Confirm this action by tapping the "Delete" button.
A connection to the published project is required in order to remove an element.