Every DesignBlock in a DesignMap is an object. So is every link arrow. Each of these has properties, which you can see by double-clicking on them. The DesignBlock's property manager can be as detailed as an ECO (engineering change order), or as simple as you like.

Likewise, types of link arrows can be defined and described by the user.

Each object keeps track of its own change history - what was done to it; when; by whom; and why. The "why" provides a complete record of change rationale; not only can you know who initiated a change, what the change was, and when it was done, you can also understand the reasoning behind each change.

DesignBlocks can be linked to objects in other programs, such as phrases in Microsoft Word documents; cells in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets; dimensions in CAD models; fields in PDM systems; and so on. These links are maintained even when the files are closed. They make it possible for KollabNet to control the linked objects