Is the machine or unit for which the graphics were created a standard product or a customized product? The design of a standard product is usually subject to a long-term, ongoing development process. The amount of updates tends to be high. Consequently, placing is the most suitable method. In contrast, a customized product is not likely to be resupplied in the same form. It is not always feasible to predict the scope of any updates that may apply to the next customized product. When, for example, newly developed assemblies are used on a regular basis, it is usually recommended that the relevant data is imported.

A company produces a product range using several identical components (assemblies). As a result, design and development work impacts on different products simultaneously. In this case, the graphics are used in documentation for numerous products at the same time. When graphics need to be updated, this work therefore needs to be carried out in various items of documentation simultaneously. In such a scenario, placing is definitely more beneficial than importing.