Model synchronization

Chapter 7 Linking and Synchronizing Models in PowerDesigner

Model synchronization

If you want to link models that do not have a generation link or if this link is broken, you can use the synchronize models feature.

Synchronizing models allows you to associate two models of heterogeneous types in order to create a pair of synchronized models. You can then iterate generations, as you would do with models linked by generation.

Make sure you select the Preserve Modifications check box to display the Merge dialog box that you will use to select which object you want to create or remove in the target model. Selected merge actions are saved into the target model and will no longer be suggested the next time you generate the source into the target model.

To synchronize models:

Open the origin model and make sure the model you want to synchronize is loaded in the workspace, it can be open or closed.

Select Tools→Generate Model Type from the origin model.

The generation dialog box is displayed. By default, the Generate New Model Type button is selected since the model is not linked to any other model through a generation link.

Select the Update existing Model Type button.

The Select Model list is empty.

Click the Ellipsis button beside the Select Model list to display a Select Model dialog box. This dialog box lets you select a model of the correct type to update among models available in the workspace (either open or closed). You can use the Workspace Location and Physical Path columns in the Select Model dialog to select the model to update.

Select the Preserve Modifications check box and click OK.

In the Merge dialog box you can define the content of the target synchronized model. The additions and removals are kept in memory and will not be suggested anymore the next time you generate the model.

The next time you will generate the origin model, the corresponding synchronized model will appear in the Select Model box in the Update existing Model Type group box.