The Synchronize Wizard compares a set of folders and files located in a file area with the item revisions and folders in a Dimensions CM project or stream, and tells you about the various types of changes that have occurred between them. It provides a graphical display containing icons and text descriptions. It can make updates to the work area and/or the Dimensions CM project/stream based on this comparison, and critically, provide easy resolutions to conflicts. In order to do this Dimensions CM creates and maintains client metadata relating to the status of the item files. Dimensions CM creates the metadata for a file when you first get or check out the item to the work area. It subsequently updates it when you synchronize or perform certain item operations such as check in or check out.
NOTE Dimensions CM does not maintain metadata for directory items. Operations using the Synchronize Wizard, such as deliver, update, and synchronize may not work as expected for directory items.
Synchronization can be invoked from any subfolder acting recursively from that point. However, Dimensions CM makes the comparison relative to the root folder in the work area that corresponds to the top-level folder in the project/stream.
Subsequently, if you have made changes to the files or folders beneath this root folder, or someone has updated the items or folders in the project/stream, Dimensions CM can use this metadata to determine the types of change, which versions of the files are the latest, and if any conflicts exist.
NOTE The Synchronize Wizard runs on Windows platforms, but it can access files on Dimensions UNIX platforms that are referenced using the NODENAME:: or AREANAME:: syntax. It does not, however support MVS file systems.