Template use

In CDCM, the Templating feature enables efficient management of configurations. Templates are configurations that have distinct characteristics based on their type and state.

Templates can be used to:

• Create new configurations.

• Apply to existing configurations to update or modify them.

Creating a Template Configuration

To create a template configuration in CDCM, follow these steps. Before starting, ensure that you have set up the necessary types for both the unit and the configuration.

Prerequisites:

1. Unit Type with Template Property: Ensure there is a Unit Type with the "is template" property set to true. This can only be done when creating the unit type.

2. Configuration Type for Templates:
   Confirm that there is a Configuration Type that also has the “is template” property set to true. This type must be associated with the unit template type created in the previous step.

3. Associate Unit Type with Configuration Area:
   The Unit Type (which is a template type) must be associated with the Configuration Area where you plan to create the templates.

Steps to Create the Template Configuration:

1. Create a Unit with the Template Type:
   After ensuring that the correct unit type is available, create a new unit using the template unit type.

2. Create a Configuration within the Unit:
   Once the unit is created, proceed to create a Configuration within that unit.

3. Baseline the Configuration:
   A template configuration has to be a baseline. Create a baseline from the newly created configuration.

4. Transition the baseline to the "Valid Template" State:
   Template configurations must be in a "Valid Template" state in order to be used.

   • This state is a special type of "Closed Baseline" state, meaning all the rules and prerequisites for transitioning to a closed baseline also apply here.

   • The "is template" types come with a built-in "Valid Template" state and a default transition from the initial state to the "Valid Template" state. Additional valid template states and transitions can be created and configured as needed.

Once the template is created, users can modify its properties or add configuration items. Some modifications can only be done before the configuration transitions to the "Valid Template" state, as this state is also a "Closed Baseline" state.

Using the Template in a Configuration Area:

To use a template configuration within a specific configuration area, perform the following:

• Associate the Unit with the Configuration Area:
  The unit containing the template configuration must be associated as an "Associated Template" in the configuration area where the template will be used.

After this the template can be used to create new configurations via the “add configuration” dialog in a unit:

Or it can be used to apply it to a existing configuration in the configuration context menu: