Data from outside sources can be imported into the work instructions building block by converting process plan data from Windchill MPMLink

Importing data into the work instructions building block adds new data to the database following the work instructions building block data model, and storing any referenced binary data in the ThingWorx file repository. Once in the work instructions building block, all data is treated the same, regardless of its system of origin. This allows data from multiple systems to be used seamlessly together. Neither method supports updating or deleting data from the work instructions building block.

Converting process plans is intended to pull released data into the work instructions building block. Any updates to this data in the source system should be treated like a new released version, and pulled into the work instructions building block again as new data. Each time a conversion is performed, that data is pulled into the work instructions building block as a new set of work instructions.

For example, version A.1 of a released process plan is converted from Windchill MPMLink into the work instructions building block. That set of work instructions—the parent work definition, its child work definitions (operations), related materials and other information—is used for assembly in the factory. When version B.2 of the process plan is later released in Windchill MPMLink and converted into the work instructions building block, the result is a new and separate set of work instructions. If either version of the process plan is converted into the work instructions building block again, the result is a new set of work instructions. All these sets of work instructions exist in the work instructions building block at the same time.

When data such as older or duplicate work instructions are no longer needed, remove the data from the work instructions building block using the provided delete services.