Placing variation of parametric cells

Question

Hi 
 I found this thread but I don't now if it's really answered: https://communities.bentley.com/products/building/building_analysis___design/f/aecosim-speedikon-forum/139388/placing-variations-of-parametric-cell-files/422796#422796 
 Is it possible to place different variations of a parametric cell with the place object tool in Openbuildings. Because placing it with the place cell tool won't give it a part definition, right? 
 Regards, 
 Robert

Satadal Dhar · Answer

Hi Robert, 
 Yes, you can do that. The thread you shared seems to be answered, even though the answers are not verified. You can create Parametric CEL as shown in here . 
 You can use the parametric CEL and then use Datagroup Catalog Editor and create your own Type and Item(s) with the required variations. Please note that the parametric CELs can be used in the CONNECT Edition and you would have to create the definitions to use them to control the parametric CELs when you are trying to place them using the Object Tool. 
 Hope this helps. 
 
 regards, 
 Satadal.

Raguram Jayaram · Answer

hi Robert, 
 If you are using custom property definitions in Datagroup System, you can associate those property definitions to the variables defined in a parametric cell. Perforators are not supported in the Datagroup system yet. So if you are working with parametric items that does not involve a perforator to create openings, the illustration below holds good.

Brenden Roche · Answer

Hi Robert, 
 
 just to perhaps rephrase what my colleagues have said in this thread 
 Placing as parametric cell just like Microstation. 
 1. you can place a parametric cell. 
 2. you can choose which variation to display. (changing variations/varables can only be done directly on the cell/instance) 
 3. you can apply a family and part. ( you could do this is the cell definition but that might not be desirable) after placing the object 
 4. you can add instance data but you might not get the physical properties in a schedule. 
 Placing as a datagroup Object 
 1. in the dg definition you can assign the variables to datagroup fields. this means you should be able to edit those properties via the dg explorer. 
 2. The current rule is one variation per definition so if you have an object with 3 variations you need to create 3 dg definitions. 
 3. at a later date you can use the modify tool to change between the 3 definitions. 
 4. you can schedule the item 
 5. you get a better chance of report physical properties via schedules 
 6. family and part can be a part of the dg definition. 
 
 I hope this helps 
 Brenden