Integration packages are exportable and importable collections of information based on a set schema. When the export or import action is performed on an integration package, these integration packages take the form of XML documents generated using the Asset Information Integration Manager tool. Integration packages contain the information on the business objects and their relations that have been selected for export and import. There are two types of integration packages:
The outbound integration package is generated with details defined on a particular export job. The resulting xml file acquires the filename export.xml and all the business objects that have been selected to be exported on that particular job. It is possible to analyze the contents of the outbound integration package prior to export, by selecting that particular export job as the current job, to determine the exact number of business objects destined for export. Modifying the content of this package is also possible where you can exclude previously selected business objects or select and include new business objects from the business object tree for that particular package. Finally the outbound integration package can be exported.
The inbound integration package is generated with details defined on a particular import job. The resulting xml file acquires the filename import.xml and all the business objects that have been selected to be imported on that particular job. It is possible to analyze the contents of the inbound integration package prior to import, by selecting that particular import job as the current job, to determine the exact number of business objects destined for import. Modifying the content of this package is also possible where you can exclude previously selected business objects or select and include new business objects from the business object tree for that particular package. Finally the inbound integration package can be imported.
Relations are defined to link business objects in an integration package. E.g., two objects are connected to each other using the following functional relations:
PM-31-1 (Target object for PM-311-PA-001)
PM-311-PA-001 (The source object for
PM-31-1)
However it is possible to perform a filtration to achieve the export or import of only one business object defined by the relation, as well as the relation itself. As a result of this filtration, the other business object, which is called a soft-relation, will not be a part of the integration package and any data assigned exclusively to it will not be exported or imported either.
Note: In the Manage Integration Package window, the business object ID of the soft relation that is not exported or imported will appear in red, as an indication that it is not included in the integration package.