A reference to an element is usually set to the name of the element, for example /PTSR3, but it can also be set as a general identifier, for example:

The attributes of Pointsets and Geomsets may be defined using component parameters, design parameters and insulation parameters. Where appropriate, attributes for structural items may also be defined using design owning parameters and design attached parameters.

A component parameter may be a numeric value, an expression or a word. (The full syntax for expressions is defined in the Software Customisation Guide.) An insulation parameter, a structural parameter or a Design DB parameter may only be a numeric value or an expression. The values assigned to parameters and the use to which they are put, and the number of parameters used, are arbitrary, depending only on the skill and experience of the user. Manipulating the Catalogue Database using PARAGON contains examples of the parameterisation of typical Components.