Use an external ID to identify objects during import

You must use an external identifier (ID) to match an object imported from an external system to the existing object in the CCMS.

1. In the TEXTML Administration perspective, connect to your server.
2. Check out and open the /system/conf/importManager.xml file.
3. Remove the comment tags (<!-- and -->) from around the <external-id-path> element.
   For example, delete the symbols shown in bold:

   <importManager>
   	<!-- Defines the XPath required to locate the identifier (an external ID) in objects being imported. 
   	This is used when objects are maintained in an external system that cannot guarantee consistent filenames on export. -->
   	<!--  
   	<external-id-path>
   		<location  xpath="//resourceid[@appname='external_id']/@id"/>
   	</external-id-path> -->	
   </importManager>

4. In the xpath attribute, delete the example XPath expression and replace it with your XPath expression.
   For example, replace the XPath expression highlighted in bold:

   <external-id-path>
   	<location  xpath="//resourceid[@appname='external_id']/@id"/>
   </external-id-path>

   This XPath expression is unique to your environment and the external system from which you import content.

5. Save, close, and check in the file.
6. Check out and open the Index Definition document.
   CAUTION: Be careful when editing the Index Definition document. Changes can significantly affect the indexing process, and any errors in the document can lead to data corruption or other errors. Consult with IXIA CCMS Customer Support before making changes if you are unsure.
7. Locate the externalId index.
   For example:

   <index  NAME="externalId">
      <stringindex KEEPEXTRACTEDVALUES="True">
         <elements>
            <element DEPTH="0" XPATH="//resourceid[@appname=external_id']/@id"/>
         </elements>
      </stringindex>
   </index>

8. Replace the highlighted (default) XPath expression in the xpath attribute with the same expression defined in the importManager.xml file.
9. Save, close, and check in the file.
10. Inform users of the changes.
    The changes are automatically applied once users close and then reopen their IXIA CCMS Desktop. Users can also apply the changes without restarting their CCMS Desktop by clicking IXIA CCMS > Synchronize Configuration.