Automated Synchronization

Another method for implementing ChangeSets is to schedule an ActiveBatch job to actually perform the migration of objects. This is done by creating an .abx file. For example:

 

 

Assume the above figure represents the objects we want to synchronize and apply on our Target system. To create a .abx file, click the File category on the menu bar and select Export. A special “Save As” window appears that allows you to save the resulting file with an .abx extension. That file can be submitted as an ActiveBatch job. Let’s go through the steps required to do so (we will assume you know the overall basics of creating jobs using the ActiveBatch AbatConsole and focus on the actual process of implementing the ChangeSet).

 

Create a job named ApplyChangeSet (or give it a name to suit your preference). Set this on the General property sheet. Rather than create a specific job looking for a specific file, we’ll define a variable named ChangeSetFile. Set this on the Variable property sheet. Notice the variable has a constant value that specifies the fullpath to the .abx file. When we create the Jobs Library Job Step that will import the ChangeSet, we’ll use ActiveBatch string substitution (i.e. ${ChangeSetFile}) in the appropriate Job Step property. Please note that using a variable is suggested, but not required.

 

 

Next, set the Job Type to Jobs Library. To do this, click on the tab just below the General tab (the tab's label will vary, depending on the default job type), then select Jobs Library from the Job Type dropdown.

 

 

On the left side of the Job Step Editor, expand the ActiveBatch category and drag and drop the “ImportChangeSet” job step to the right side (see "Drop Job step here"). Rather than enter a static file specification in the "Changeset Filename" property, we’ll use the variable we created as shown above. Remember that an .abx extension file must be used.

All that’s left is to enter the normal information required of any job (i.e. Submission Queue, User Acccount). With that done, let’s execute our job step using the Synchronize Configuration we’ve been using this chapter.