🧩 Section 1: ITK Overview

1. What is ITK?
ITK (Integration Toolkit) is a C-based API provided by Siemens Teamcenter. It
acts as a low-level, server-side programming interface that allows developers
to:
 Interact with Teamcenter’s core data model and services.
 Extend or modify existing functionality.
 Integrate external applications with Teamcenter.
It provides access to:
 Business object operations (Item, Dataset, BOM, etc.)
 Workflow actions
 Query execution
 Property management
 Security and preferences
2. What can you customize using ITK?
Using ITK, you can customize:
 Business Objects (Item, ItemRevision, Dataset, BOM)
 Rule Handlers (Validation logic)
 Action Handlers (Business logic on actions)
 Preferences and runtime behaviors
 User exits and event handling
3. What are the different methods of ITK customization?
A. Batch Utility Executable
 Compiled into a .exe.
 Run from Teamcenter command prompt.
 Used for batch operations like mass creation or updates.
B. DLLs as Handlers
 Compiled into .dll.
 Deployed in %TC_ROOT%/bin.
 Used for pre/post actions, user exits, workflow handlers.
🔄 Section 2: Exits and Handlers
4. What is a User Exit?
User exits are predefined extension points in Teamcenter where custom logic
can be added. Example: modifying USER_new_item_id to customize part
number generation logic.

5. What is a Server Exit?

Server exits are custom server-side functions triggered by UI actions or
client-side events. For example, clicking a custom button in RAC calls a
server exit function.

6. What is a Custom Exit?

Custom exits are wrappers around user/server exits to isolate core logic from
custom logic. They reduce the risk of modifying base functionality and make
debugging easier.

⚙️Section 3: Runtime Properties & Handlers

7. How to register runtime property using ITK?
1. Create the property using BMIDE.
2. Enable runtime behavior.
3. Regenerate code and recompile.
8. How to register a rule handler using ITK?
Use EPM_register_rule_handler("handler_name", function_ptr,
rule_type);

9. How to register an action handler using ITK?

Use EPM_register_action_handler("handler_name", function_ptr,
action_type);

10. What is a Pre-condition?

Logic that must return true before an operation is allowed. Used for
validations.

11. How to register pre-condition?

Use EPM_register_rule_handler() with EPM_pre_condition type.

12. What is Pre-Action?

Function executed before an operation (e.g., before Save).
13. How to register Pre-Action?
Use EPM_register_action_handler() with EPM_pre_action_type.

14. What is Post Action?

Logic executed after an event (e.g., after Save or Check-In).

15. How to register Post Action?

Use EPM_register_action_handler() with EPM_post_action_type.

16. How to register post action on LOV?

Create a post action handler and associate it with the LOV business rule.

17. On which operations can we register custom actions?

 Save
 Check-in/Check-out
 Workflow transitions
 Object creation
 LOV selection

📦 Section 4: Object Operations

18. How to create an Item using ITK?
Use ITEM_create_item() or ITEM_create_item_with_id().

19. How to create a Dataset using ITK?

Use WSOM_create_dataset() and attach using AE_add_dataset().

20. Difference between AOM_save and

AOM_save_without_extension?
 AOM_save: Saves object and triggers extensions (handlers).
 AOM_save_without_extension: Saves object silently without triggering
handlers.
21. What is the (OF) variable in ITK reference?
OF = Output Free. Indicates that the function allocates memory which must
be freed by the caller.

22. How to free memory in ITK?

Use MEM_free() or MEM_free_if_not_null().
23. How to get target attachment using ITK?
Use AOM_ask_value_tags() on relation property like IMAN_specification.

24. How to display custom error messages?

Use EMH_store_error() or EMH_clear_errors() with custom message IDs.

25. How to create a custom handler with arguments?

 Parse args_t* parameter.
 Use ITK_ask_argument_named_string().

🛠 Section 5: Batch Programs & Compilation

26. How to create a batch ITK program?
 Define ITK_user_main(int argc, char **argv) as the entry point.
 Link required ITK libraries.
 Use ITK APIs within this function.
27. How to compile and run batch utility using cmd?
 Use Teamcenter command prompt.
 Compile using cl with required -I and -L flags.
 Run using: tc_profilevars && your_program.exe
28. What is ITK_User_main?
It is the main entry point in an ITK batch program. Equivalent to main() in
standard C programs.

29. How to configure Visual Studio for a batch ITK program?

 Set include directories for Teamcenter headers.
 Link against ITK libraries (e.g., tc.lib, tcinit.lib).
 Define ITK_USER_MAIN macro if needed.
30. How to configure Visual Studio for custom handlers?
 Same as above.
 Output type should be DLL.
 Export handler functions using extern "C" __declspec(dllexport).

🧱 Section 6: BOM, Dataset, and Workflow Operations

31. How to register post action on the property using ITK?
Use EPM_register_action_handler() for EPM_post_action_type, and apply in
BMIDE rule.
32. How to create BOM using ITK?
Use CSM_create_occurrences() or BOM_create_occurrence().

33. How to read BOM assembly using ITK?

Use BOM_window_open(), BOM_line_ask_child_lines(), and
BOM_line_ask_all_child_lines().

34. What is a POM inquiry?

POM inquiry is used to search or access object properties at the persistence
level, e.g., POM_enquiry_execute_query().

35. What is the difference between AOM_ask_value_string and

AOM_get_value_string?
 AOM_ask_value_string: Allocates memory (caller frees).
 AOM_get_value_string: Returns pointer to internal structure (don’t
free).
36. How to attach a secondary object to a primary object using
ITK?
Use GRM_create_relation() and AOM_save().

37. How to purge dataset versions using ITK?

Use WSOM_purge_versions() or use WSOM_delete_object() with all revisions
looped.

38. How to create a change object using ITK?

Use CME_create_change_request() or equivalent ECR/ECO creation API.

39. How to initiate workflow processes using ITK?

Use EPM_create_process() and EPM_start_process().

40. What is the difference between AOM_save and

AOM_save_myself?
 AOM_save: Saves object and may invoke handlers.
 AOM_save_myself: Saves only the object’s in-memory state, no
handlers.
🔐 Section 7: Memory, Access & Locking
41. How to assign memory to char** variable?
Use ITK_alloc() or MEM_alloc() to assign memory, and later free using
MEM_free().

42. How to read BOMLine properties using ITK?

Use BOM_line_ask_attribute_tag() followed by AOM_ask_value_string().

43. What is the difference between AOM_lock and AOM_refresh?

 AOM_lock: Locks object for editing.
 AOM_refresh: Refreshes in-memory copy with latest database values.

44. How to release objects using ITK?

Use AOM_unlock() or AOM_save() post modifications.

45. How to bypass the access rule in ITK?

Use privileged user sessions or use ITK_auto_login() with admin user
credentials.

🗑 Section 8: Object Deletion & Replication

46. Can we delete released objects using ITK customization?
Yes, but it requires bypassing lifecycle protections and access checks
explicitly.

47. How to delete released objects?

Use AOM_unlock() → WSOM_delete_object() → AOM_save().

48. How to delete object references using ITK?

Use GRM_delete_relation() and save the primary object.

49. How to delete the Master object if a replica is available on

another site?
Use the replication module’s purge tools or ensure all replicas are removed
before master.

50. Can we delete the master objects without deleting replica

objects?
Not directly. All replicas must be deleted or orphaned handling logic must be
written.
🔗 Section 9: Integration with RAC & Headers
51. How to call the ITK function from RAC?
Use Java Native Interface (JNI) or SOA custom extension on server side.

52. How to include ITK header files into your code?

Add TC_ROOT/include, TC_ROOT/poms/include, etc., to your include path.

53. How to find header file names for a particular ITK API?
Refer to the ITK function reference documentation.

54. Where are the ITK header files located?

In the %TC_ROOT%/include and %TC_ROOT%/poms/include directories.

⚙️Section 10: Compilation Artifacts & Return Types

55. What is the ITK_main.obj object file?
It is an object module required when linking batch programs with
Teamcenter.

56. What is the return type of custom rule handler?

int, returning ITK_ok or an error code.

57. What is meant by EPM_go and EPM_nogo?

Return values indicating pass/fail conditions for rule/action handlers.

58. What are DLL and executable in ITK customization?

 DLL: Loaded dynamically for workflow, handlers.
 Executable: Used for batch scripts or standalone processing.

🚀 Section 11: Deployment & Update

59. Can we run DLL built in Debug configuration in a 4-tier
environment?
Not recommended. Use Release builds to avoid runtime issues.

60. How to deploy a custom DLL in Teamcenter?

Copy the DLL to %TC_ROOT%/bin and register it using BMIDE or manually via
tc_profilevars.
61. In which preference do we add a custom DLL name?
Use TCCS_custom_handlers, EPM_custom_actions, or similar handler-specific
preferences.

62. How to read preferences using ITK?

Use PREF_ask_char_value() or PREF_ask_string_value().

63. Can we update custom DLL at runtime when clients are

active?
Not recommended. Requires server bounce or user re-login.

64. Is it necessary to take down Teamcenter to update the

custom DLL?
Yes, to ensure clean unload/reload of the updated module.

🎨 Section 12: UI & Icon Customization

65. How to change object icons using ITK?
Modify the icon mapping in the RAC XML configuration or BMIDE stylesheets
based on a custom property value.

🔧 Section 13: Version Upgrades & Deprecation

66. What changes are needed in ITK code after Teamcenter
upgrade?
 Replace deprecated APIs.
 Rebuild with new ITK libraries.
 Validate behavior against the updated data model.
67. How to handle deprecated ITK APIs?
Refer to Siemens documentation for alternatives and use replacement APIs.

🧠 Section 14: Miscellaneous

68. What is User_gs_init_shell.module?
It registers a custom shared library module for handler execution via
tc_profilevars.

69. Can we bypass Deep Copy Rules in ITK?

Yes, by overriding deepcopy_rules preference or using custom handler logic.
70. What is the return type of ITK API?
Most return int, with ITK_ok as success or a specific error code.

71. Difference between Query_execute and

Query_execute_query?
 Query_execute: Runs pre-defined queries.
 Query_execute_query: Executes dynamic queries at runtime.

72. Can we set default values in object creation dialog?

Yes, via BMIDE default rules or post-action handlers.

73. How to prevent attachment of specific datasets?

Use rule handler to block addition based on dataset type or revision.

74. How to copy objects from current revision to new revision?

Manually duplicate and attach using GRM_create_relation() and AOM_save().

75. How to enforce mandatory attributes before Check-In?

Use a pre-condition handler to validate required properties.

76. How to release all secondary objects of an Item Revision?

Loop through IMAN_specification children and use WSOM_release_object().

77. How to set last modified date/user?

Use AOM_set_value_string() and update relevant attributes.

78. How to set default property values post creation?

Use post-action handler or AOM_set_value_string() immediately after
creation.

79. How to update named reference file names?

Use AOM_set_value_string() on the ref_name property.

80. How to download dataset files using ITK?

Use IMF_ask_original_file_name() followed by file I/O routines.

81. How to decide which module (AOM, WSOM, POM, EPM) to use?
 AOM: General object operations.
 WSOM: Dataset and workspace objects.
 POM: Low-level persistence.
  EPM: Workflow and process management.
82. How are POM APIs different from AOM/WSOM?
POM is low-level and deals directly with persistence; AOM/WSOM offer higher
abstraction.

83. How to Check-Out and Check-In objects using ITK?

Use WSOM_checkout() and WSOM_checkin().

84. How to auto-login into Teamcenter in ITK?

Use ITK_auto_login() with username/password or session ticket.

85. Who is logged in when using auto-login?

The credentials provided to ITK_auto_login() determine the session user.

86. How to log info into syslog?

Use TC_write_syslog() or EMH_store_error().

87. How to read workflow reviewers?

Use EPM_ask_attachments_of_type() on the relevant task.

88. How to change object ownership?

Use AOM_set_owning_user() and AOM_save().

89. How to create BOMViewRevision?

Use BOM_create_bom_view_revision() with required parameters.

90. How to apply variant conditions?

Use VariantCondition_create() and associate it with relevant lines.

91. How to get object UID?

Use AOM_ask_value_string(tag, "object_string").

92. How to search objects using UID?

Use POM_string_to_tag() or query with object_string property.

93. How to send mail notifications?

Use MAIL_send_message() with recipient list and content.
94. How to read command-line arguments?
Access argv[] from ITK_user_main().

95. How to handle ITK error messages?

Check return codes, then use EMH_ask_error_text().

96. How to find relationship between objects?

Use GRM_list_relations() and filter by type.

97. How to delete a relationship?

Use GRM_delete_relation().

98. How to create a relationship?

Use GRM_create_relation().

99. How to check if property is array?

Use POM_attr_is_array().