Distributing product library components and files

A product library is a database that stores your business rules for data or cartographic production. The distribute functionality in the Product Library window and the Distribute Product library tool are designed to help you share product information more effectively. Only certain information in the product library can be distributed. This information is limited to the solution, the product class, and certain types of files that are associated with either the solution or class such as batch jobs and field configurations. You will not be able to distribute a series or any individual products using this tool.

When distributing a product library, choose the source you want to import from. This can be an existing product library or a Workspace XML you created using the Distribute Product Library tool.

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. If necessary, open the Product Library window by clicking Customize > Production > Product Library on the main menu.

   A tree view of the product library appears.
3. If necessary, add the Distribute Product Library tool by doing the following:
   1. On the main menu, click Customize > Customize Mode.

      The Customize dialog box appears.

   2. Click the Commands tab.
   3. In the Categories list, choose Product Library.
   4. In the Commands list, click and drag the Distribute Product Library button to a toolbar.
   5. Click Close.
4. Click the Distribute Product Library button .

   The Distribute Product Library dialog box appears.

5. Click the Source drop-down arrow and choose the source from which you are distributing.
   • Geodatabase—Allows you to point to an existing product library from which you want to copy product information.
   • Workspace XML—Allows you to point to a file location where an XML workspace exists. The XML must have been created from an existing product library using this tool.
6. Check the check boxes next to the solutions and product classes you want to distribute in the Choose Product Solution(s)/Classes(es) pane.

   The solutions in your product library and any product classes that are contained in that solution display in the pane. You must have at least one product class selected.

7. In the Include area, check the check box next to the types of files you want to include:
   • Batch Jobs—Validation rules you have associated with your product classes
   • Field Configurations—Rules used to define how features are displayed
   • Other files—Files you have associated with the solution or product class using Manage Files
   Tip:

   You can right-click in the list to select all or clear all types of files.

8. Click the Target drop-down arrow and choose the target:
   • Geodatabase—Allows you to choose an existing product library or any geodatabase. If the geodatabase is not already a product library, you will be prompted to upgrade the database. Ensure that you have permissions to create tables in the selected geodatabase.
   • Workspace XML—Allows you to create an XML workspace with the selected information. This XML can be imported into another product library using the Distribute Product Library tool.
9. Click the Browse button and navigate to the location where the target geodatabase is stored or where you want to store the XML workspace you are creating.
10. Click OK.

The solution(s), product class(es), and any files you selected are copied into the target product library or into a new XML workspace.

Note:

A warning message appears if the information already exists in the target product library or XML workspace. Click Yes to continue or No to cancel.