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tbusch1-Visitor
1-Visitor
March 3, 2011
Question

Source control for customizations

  • March 3, 2011
  • 7 replies
  • 1245 views
Hello Windchillers!

I've long done source code management using subversion, and this works well for a large portion of our customizations for Windchill - Java classes, Webject tasks, JSPs, etc. However, I don't have a good way of doing source control for Workflows, Lifecycles, OIRs and other similar configuration-type things. What are you guys doing to manage these things outside of Windchill?

I thought about putting the exported XML from the workflow admin & lifecycle admin in subversion, but since it's kind of poorly used XML it seems like it might be more trouble than it's worth.

Thanks in advance for all your input!

-Thomas R. Busch
Sr. Software Developer
Stryker Instruments
(269) 323-7700 x4014
tom.busch@stryker.com<">mailto:tom.busch@stryker.com>


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7 replies

D
ddemay1-Visitor
1-Visitor
March 3, 2011
Since I load all the workflows and lifecycles using load from file framework and not the UI, I store the XML. I also store the jar file versions in separate subfolders. In the past I have used ANT to extract xml from jar and auto commit to subversion. All depends on how much time you think this will help you save.


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T
tbusch1-VisitorAuthor
1-Visitor
March 3, 2011
I hadn't thought of using ant to extract & commit. That's a good tip - I'll take a look at that!

Is there any way to export the workflows from the command line?

-Thomas R. Busch
Sr. Software Developer
Stryker Instruments
(269) 323-7700 x4014
tom.busch@stryker.com<">mailto:tom.busch@stryker.com>
M
22-Sapphire I
MikeLockwood22-Sapphire I
22-Sapphire I
March 3, 2011
We're interested in this and would like to participate in discussions.

Along this line, we're currently putting quite a bit of effort into developing configurations and a process in our production Windchill system for using Windchill change management for management of changes to the Windchill system itself.

On using change management for this, our approach is still in development, but consists of primarily:

- Separate object types for Problem Report (PR), Change Request (CR), Change Notice (CN), Change Task (CT), each with appropriate attributes

- Separate Library for just these changes objects, open only to Admin (except that all users can create PRs against the system here)

- Admin group takes on all change management Roles

- Where change management for product data focuses on revising and editing documents and parts on CTs with controlled state change, change management of the system instead focuses on a series of assignments on the CN, with the CTs used only for the documents that need to be Revised and edited for the update; these consist mostly of user best practices & procedures, along with global configuration documents.

- We're using CRs for development work assignments (including for example rehosting various systems), and CN's for deployment to Validation, Training and finally production, with all needed files such as workflow templates, OIR's etc as attachments to the CN (or pointers to code files stored in separate code management system).

- Note: Intent is to have the overall Windchill system configuration labeled as and traceable to the latest implemented CN Number.

Haven't yet started using this for real - would like to learn how others are handling. Happy to share our experiences.
P
pwilliams-313-Aquamarine
13-Aquamarine
March 3, 2011
Mike,
I think using Windchill to track Windchill changes is an interesting idea.
However; I do know that many large companies have an in house ticketing
system (help desk) that also has the capability to track changes to
systems, implementations, etc. For example such a system might be used to
track SAP transports and when they are scheduled to be implemented and
what the implementation outcome was. The change in this system could
contain the external links that you are suggesting.

With all of that said, why should Windchill changes be managed in a
separate manner than other enterprise software changes? Yes Windchill has
the capability to manage and track changes, problems, and requests but now
the business (IT support groups) would need to interrogate two different
change systems to report on SLA performance for example. I can see if a
company doesn't have a change tracking system, then Windchill might be the
only alternative. Just something to think about.

PATRICK S WILLIAMS
Information Technology
Mechanical Engr Solutions
Missile Systems
Raytheon Company

+1 520.545.6995 (office)
+1 520.446.0244 (pager)
+1 520.545.6399 (fax)
-

6221 S Palo Verde Rd
Tucson, AZ 85706-5093 USA
www.raytheon.com

Follow Raytheon On




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D
DanielReid12-Amethyst
12-Amethyst
March 3, 2011
We were shown a way to manage this by a PTC consultant and to use
Subversion as well. We're not quite there yet because extracting and
loading didn't quite work as advertised (surprise). We did consider
keeping this in Windchill but I think we finally decided that if it is
something that could possibly break Windchill, we don't want to keep all
the records for knowing what was done and undoing the change in
Windchill. We have a Subversion system set up now since it was desired
by IT for other uses anyway. For the level we've started using it, it
is really easy. We're going to manage ModelCheck and other updates in
it too. The automated indication of changes made is great for MC.
P
pwilliams-313-Aquamarine
13-Aquamarine
March 4, 2011
That's a really good point. If you make a change and implement it, AND
store what the change was in WC, and WC breaks (assume a catastrophe), how
would you analyze the data that supported making the change? The chicken
is inside the egg!

PATRICK S WILLIAMS
Information Technology
Mechanical Engr Solutions
Missile Systems
Raytheon Company

+1 520.545.6995 (office)
+1 520.446.0244 (pager)
+1 520.545.6399 (fax)
-

6221 S Palo Verde Rd
Tucson, AZ 85706-5093 USA
www.raytheon.com

Follow Raytheon On




This message contains information that may be confidential and privileged.
Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive mail for the
addressee), you should not use, copy or disclose to anyone this message or
any information contained in this message. If you have received this
message in error, please so advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete
this message. Thank you for your cooperation.


D
ddemay1-Visitor
1-Visitor
March 4, 2011
This is how I was burnt once. It has to be a separate install that is not your dev or test either.

While application lifecycle management embraces CMII, you need a separate system. A good audit from a software quality assurance manager will tell you this.

Lastly, its not part of what you sell or manufacture.

PTC Global Services (Solution Centers) uses Jira and Subversion as part of their ALM strategy.



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