Object Manipulation – Cloning Objects
Cloning objects in SLM allows users to quickly create copies of existing objects and object structures without rebuilding them from scratch. This saves time, improves consistency, and simplifies the creation of similar safety lifecycle records.
Safety Lifecycle Manager supports several cloning methods, including cloning individual objects, cloning objects together with their associated children, and using drag-and-drop cloning directly within the object tree.
This guide explains the available cloning methods, how cloned objects are created, and the best practices for managing cloned records within SLM.
What Is Cloning Objects in SLM?
Cloning objects in SLM creates a copy of an existing object while preserving its structure and configuration.
Instead of manually creating similar records, users can clone existing objects and modify the copied version as required.
Common uses include:
- Creating similar SIFs
- Duplicating equipment structures
- Building repeatable project templates
- Creating new lifecycle records from existing designs
- Reducing repetitive data entry
Once a clone has been created, the new object receives the original object ID with a _C1 suffix until it is renamed.
To learn more about managing objects within Safety Lifecycle Manager, see our Object Manipulation – Unlinking Objects guide.
Cloning Individual Objects
The simplest method of cloning objects in SLM uses the Edit Tools menu.
To clone an individual object:
- Navigate to the parent where the cloned object will be created.
- Open Edit Tools.
- Select the required object type.
- Select the object to clone.
- Choose Clone Selected Object.
- Click Save.
After saving, the cloned object appears beneath the selected parent with the original object ID followed by the suffix _C1.
The cloned object can then be renamed to its permanent identifier.
Cloning Objects with Associated Children
SLM also supports cloning an object together with all of its child objects.
This option is useful when copying complete structures, such as an entire Safety Instrumented Function (SIF).
To clone an object and its descendants:
- Select the parent where the clone should be created.
- Open Edit Tools.
- Select the object to clone.
- Choose Clone Selected Object and Associated Children.
- Click Save.
The cloning operation is processed as a background task. After refreshing the object tree, the complete cloned structure becomes available.
Each cloned child object receives its own cloned identifier using the same naming convention.
Drag-and-Drop Cloning
Cloning objects in SLM can also be performed using drag-and-drop within the object tree.
To clone using drag-and-drop:
- Select the object you want to clone.
- Hold the CTRL key.
- Drag the object to its new parent.
- Release the mouse button.
The cloning request is processed in the background. Once processing is complete, refresh the object tree to display the cloned object.
This method provides a quick way to duplicate objects without navigating through the Edit Tools menu.
Renaming Cloned Objects
After cloning has completed, newly created objects should be renamed.
Initially, SLM appends a _C1 suffix to indicate that the object is a clone.
Users should:
- Open the cloned object.
- Replace the temporary identifier.
- Assign the required permanent object ID.
- Save the updated object.
Renaming cloned objects immediately helps maintain a clear and organised object structure.
Best Practices for Cloning Objects in SLM
Following a few simple practices helps ensure cloned objects remain easy to manage.
- Clone from approved source objects whenever possible.
- Rename cloned objects immediately after creation.
- Verify cloned child structures before editing.
- Refresh the object tree after background cloning tasks complete.
- Confirm the correct parent location before starting the clone.
These practices help maintain consistency while reducing errors during object creation.
To quickly locate objects before cloning, see our SLM Search guide.
Benefits of Cloning Objects in SLM
Cloning objects in SLM significantly reduces the effort required to build similar safety lifecycle structures.
Key benefits include:
- Faster object creation
- Consistent object structures
- Reduced manual data entry
- Support for cloning complete hierarchies
- Improved productivity across lifecycle projects
These capabilities help organisations efficiently reuse existing information while maintaining consistency throughout Safety Lifecycle Manager.
To learn how Safety Lifecycle Manager supports functional safety workflows, see our Functional Safety Management Software guide.
Learn More About Object Management
Cloning is one of several object management features available within Safety Lifecycle Manager. Combined with object linking, unlinking, moving, and search tools, cloning helps users efficiently manage complex safety lifecycle structures.
You may also find these guides useful:
For additional guidance on managing structured information and reusable objects, visit the Data model overview.
