Importing Material Data in xPDM Format

You can import material data from an external material database that is stored in xPDM format. The process involves several steps: you create a default XML template file for the xPDM data, populate it with the appropriate values, and run the batch monitor from a command prompt to import the XML file into the database.

Before you begin: You must create a coexisting mapping context for the xPDM import, which enables you to configure File-based Design Import to recognize xPDM material data in XML files.

Note: The xPDM format of applied materials is not supported.

To create this mapping context, do the following:
  1. Append a new <Context> element to the Default.xml file for coexistence mapping. The file is saved in the following location: 
    <3DX_install_dir>/win_b64/resources/xml/COEX/CONTEXT/Default.xml
    The syntax of the new <Context> should be: 
    <Context Name = "XPDM" Parameter = "XPDM" ParameterType = "Database"
        ConnectorName = "XPDMXML" SiteId = "XPDM"/>
  2. From the Compass, search for the Exchange Management app and select Coexistance and then click Context Management.
The XPDM file context appears in the File content table.
  1. From the Tools section of the action bar, click Utility .
    The Batch Monitor opens.
  2. Double-click XPDMImportExportBatch.
    The XPDMImportExportBatch monitor appears, with the Site Name specified as XPDM.
  3. Click the Import tab, then click File Object Search and navigate to the XML file you want to import.
  4. Set the Report directory to the current working directory.
  5. Click Save to create a batch template xPDM template file, BatchTemplate_xPDM.xml, in the report directory.
  6. Edit the XML file manually, and save it with a custom name. As you edit the file, you should append the following lines to the <checker> element for xPDM: 

    <ProcessingType>Import</ProcessingType>
<MetaDataFile>file_location</MetaDataFile>
<EventBusConnectivity>FALSE</EventBusConnectivity>

  7. Highlight the customized XML file, and click Run.

The selected materials are imported into the database. Once the import is complete, validity checks are performed for all newly imported materials, and the app highlights invalid material options in the interface. In addition, any errors associated with the imported materials are made available in an XML file in the report directory. Valid materials will appear in material searches a few minutes after the import is complete, once the search indices have been updated.