We’ve modified some patterns modules OOB to meet certain needs, but then every month when we install the updated TKU our modified patterns are replaced by the new ones. What is the best practice to maintain the patterns in a way that we can upload the updates every month and still have our modifications on the patterns up to date?

You should override the patterns with your own. You would then only need to update them if the major version of the TKU shipped pattern changes.

Some info on this is available in our online documentation.

Concrete example:

Question: So since patterns have been modified then the Administration>Knowledge Update feature should not be used since it uploads AND activates the TKU package?

Leslie Belcher - 30 July 2012 07:10 PM

Question: So since patterns have been modified then the Administration>Knowledge Update feature should not be used since it uploads AND activates the TKU package?

Either method of upgrading the TKU (the recommended via Administration->Knowledge Update, or the alternative via Discovery->Pattern Management) will disable the old patterns and enable new ones (on activation of the new ones).
Overriding the TKU patterns as I suggested above allows you to continue using the upgrade mechanism and still have your modified patterns remain active.
The only time your patterns will need to be updated is if the TKU pattern you are overriding has incremented its major version, indicating a change in the SI model (i.e. a fairly major change). We aim to make these changes fairly infrequently and only do so if we have obtained information that our current model is incorrect.

The overview page for each release will show (in the Enhanced Pattern Modules) whether a pattern that has been updated has had its SI key change.

It is really not in your best interest to not upgrade because you’ve made changes to the patterns.
Because we release every month, TKUs are a vehicle for delivering not only new product patterns but also pattern enhancements and bug fixes. There are no patches.

Also, do remember that if you feel your changes are likely not to be specific just to your environment, then you should raise a request for enhancement via our Customer Support so that we can incorporate them into a future TKU release.

is there any information about overriding in the online training?

Leslie Belcher - 06 August 2012 06:32 PM

is there any information about overriding in the online training?

No, the online training doesn’t actually cover pattern writing. The online training does cover Intro to Patterns, CAM and mentions template patterns where appropriate. However there is a pattern writing course offered by BMC Education, check here for details.