Each object exported to XML contains the Reference_Resolution_Mandatory attribute. The Reference_Resolution_Mandatory attribute specifies whether a referenced object must exist in the target database. By default, the Reference_ Resolution_Mandatory attribute is True for a root object, and False for a referenced object.
The following rules apply to objects imported into Metrics Management:
If the attribute is True, the referenced object must exist in the target database. If it does not, the import fails.
If the attribute is False, the import succeeds whether the referenced object exists or not in the target database.
If the attribute is True for the root object, the following import action rules apply to an import of a root object containing referenced objects:
Add
The import fails if any referenced objects exist in the target database.
Edit
The import of the root object succeeds only if all referenced objects exist in the target database.
Add, Edit
Metrics Management applies the Edit action to a reference object if the object is found in Metrics Management or the Add action if it is not.
Delete
The import deletes the root and referenced objects, except those marked as Read-Only.
Importing preserves valid references in the target database and defines as invalid references with the property value of None.
If the attribute is True, the referenced object must exist in the target database. If it does not, the import fails.