To make it as convenient as possible for users to create, maintain, and manage process support maps, process support maps can be generated by macros as described. The map is then in Macro control operation mode. Attributes are thus protected against manual editing, which means that the models can be edited exclusively in this mode.
The IT landscape macros available support users in complying with the method conventions described, which are essential for using the macros. Basically, a distinction is made between macros that can be run manually and macros that respond to specific events. Furthermore, macros that are used for administrative purposes have special names. These are to be run by IT landscape administrators exclusively and require an in-depth knowledge of the method and functions.
The basic principle of all macros is all or nothing. Either the operation is successful, or a rollback is performed. For example, if a map has a state that is inconsistent with the method, the update mechanism aborts with an error message.
Warning
The macros guarantee that the method conventions are complied with within the model to be edited. However, it is possible, for example, in Explorer, to manipulate objects and connections used in the process support map at the definition level. If such manipulation causes inconsistencies in the IT landscape method, the macros abort with a corresponding error message. For example, this is the case if there is more than one process support unit per cell. In certain cases, repairs are carried out automatically. These cases are documented in the macro descriptions. In all other cases, compliance with the method conventions must be manually restored, for example, by deleting a duplicate process support unit, before macro-based processing can be continued.
Consolidating objects that are part of the process support map, or performing a merge or an XML import can also result in the violation of the method conventions on which macro execution is based. The effects of a consolidation, merge or XML import on the process support map should therefore be checked in detail before using the corresponding function. An unfavorable choice of objects, for example, selecting two functions for consolidation that are used in a process support map, may cause significant manual rework to restore the process support map's adherence to the method conventions.
The individual macros and their use are described below. To start a macro, click Start macro in the Evaluate tab bar and select the relevant macro. If you have opened a process support map you can also run the macros directly in the IT landscape planning tab bar.