Siebel Tools Reference > Repositories > Exporting and Importing Repository Objects >

Importing Object Definitions


You can import object definitions from an archive file into a local repository.

The Import process consists of the following major steps (described in the following sections):

  1. Preparing the target repository for import
  2. Loading an archive file into the Import Wizard's preview window, and specifying the default resolution of conflicts between imported and pre-existing object definitions
  3. Adjusting the details of conflict resolution
  4. Importing as specified
  5. Testing and checking in the changed projects

Preparing the Target Repository for Import

You need to import into a checked-out project or projects on the local database of a client computer—do not import to the Server database. Make sure the following conditions exist before importing:

Loading Object Definitions from an Archive File Into the Preview Window

You need to load the object definitions from an archive file into preview window to resolve any conflicts between objects.

To load object definitions from an archive file into the preview window

  1. Open the target repository in Siebel Tools, if it is not already open.
  2. Select Tools > Import From Archive.
  3. The Select Archive To Import dialog box appears.

  4. Navigate to the archive (.sif) file in the dialog box and click Open.
  5. The Import Wizard - Preview window appears.

    Click for full size image

    This window identifies the projects and the nonproject top-level object definitions in the archive file you have opened so you can preview the contents of the archive file.

  6. Select a radio button in the Conflict Resolution radio button group.
  7. This specifies the default resolution for conflicts between the archive file and the target repository. You will have the opportunity in subsequent windows in the Import Wizard to change this choice for individual object definitions.

    There are three choices available in the Conflict Resolution radio button group, as follows:

  8. Validate your selections and click Next to proceed.
  9. If there are object definitions you will be replacing or modifying and whose projects are not locked, the following warning message appears:
  10. Click for full size image

    If this message appears, you need to cancel the import process, lock the projects, and restart the Import Wizard.

Adjusting the Details of Conflict Resolution

You have made general decisions about conflict resolution in the Conflict Resolution radio button group in the previous window of the Import wizard. In the Review Conflicts and Actions window (shown in Figure 240), you can make adjustments for individual object definitions and properties.

Figure 240. Review Conflicts and Actions Window

Click for full size image

The three windowpanes are Conflicting Objects, Object Differences, and Attribute Differences.

Conflicting Objects Windowpane

The Conflicting Objects windowpane displays the hierarchy of object definitions for which there are differences. It is used for navigation and behaves like the Object Explorer in Detail mode. The hierarchy in this windowpane mirrors the object type/object definition hierarchy in a Siebel repository, but shows only conflicts to resolve rather than all repository or archive object definitions.

If you select an object definition in the hierarchy, it and others at its level appear in the Object Differences windowpane.

Object Differences Windowpane

The Object Differences windowpane displays object definitions, one to a row. It shows for each object definition whether it exists only in the archive file, only in the target repository, or in both, and what resolution is specified. You can change the resolution here.

The object definitions displayed in the Object Differences windowpane include those at all hierarchical levels, not just top-level object definitions. This provides the means for making adjustments to the resolution for any affected object definitions.

The File and Repository list columns indicate whether each identified object definition is present in the archive file or target repository. An "X" indicating the object definition's presence can appear in the File list column, the Repository list column, or both. These list columns are for information only; you cannot change the check marks.

The Action list column indicates the proposed resolution for each object definition in the list. This setting is initially generated for each object definition from the default behavior selected in the Conflict Resolution radio button group in the Preview window. You can right-click on the value in the Action list column and select a different value from a shortcut menu. The available selections include the following:

For more information about these options, see Loading Object Definitions from an Archive File Into the Preview Window.

Attribute Differences Windowpane

The Attribute Differences windowpane displays the property value conflicts for the currently selected object definition in the Object Differences windowpane. Those properties are listed only where there is a conflict.

The Attribute Differences list contains the following list columns:

After you click Next in the Review Conflicts and Actions window, you are shown a summary of your changes and prompted to proceed or cancel, as shown in Figure 241.

Figure 241. Summary Prompt

Click for full size image

If you choose to proceed, the Summary window appears, as shown in Figure 242.

Figure 242. Summary Window

Click for full size image

Importing occurs while the Summary window is displayed. The import actions are logged and displayed as they occur. When the import process is completed, click Finish.

A log file named importlog.txt is created in Siebdev\temp. It contains the same list of messages that appeared in the Summary window. You may find it useful to store this file elsewhere for a record of what changes were made to the repository. It is also a good idea to change the filename so it reflects the date of the import.


 Siebel Tools Reference, Version 7.5, Rev. A 
 Published: 18 April 2003