A system and method are provided for managing a plurality of data values which define an attribute of an object. The system includes a computer having a display. The computer has a user defined database or spread sheet which stores the data values. A facility is provided for defining an arbitrary, user defined graphic representing the object; that is displayed by the computer. A region is identified within the graphic. A value is associated with the region. The value represents a visual attribute. The identified region of the graphic is linked to a data field of the database or spreadsheet. The data field stores one of the plurality of data values. A rule is applied to determine the value of the visual attribute as a function of the data value stored in the data field. The visual attribute of the region is automatically changed according to the rule when the data value changes. An exemplary system displays a graphic representing the bottom of a truck. The individual regions of the graphic represent the tires of the truck. The regions representing tires are colored as a function of tire tread depth, tire age, or both tire tread depth and tire age.