Getting Reconcile Versions geoprocessing tool published as ArcGIS Server service to work with new version?

Wrangling the Reconcile Versions Tool: Getting It to Play Nice with Newer ArcGIS Server Versions

Okay, let’s talk about the Reconcile Versions geoprocessing tool. It’s the unsung hero of geodatabase management in ArcGIS, right? Think of it as the mediator, helping different versions of your data play nice and merge their edits. Now, publishing this tool as an ArcGIS Server service? That’s where the magic happens, opening up version reconciliation to web apps and a wider audience. But, and there’s always a but, upgrading to newer ArcGIS Server versions can throw a wrench in the works. Trust me, I’ve been there. So, let’s break down how to keep this service running smoothly after you’ve upgraded.

Cracking the Code: Understanding the Reconcile Versions Tool

First things first, let’s get on the same page about what this tool actually does. The Reconcile Versions tool is like a detective, sniffing out differences between your edit version and the main target version. It flags these differences as conflicts, which, let’s be honest, can be a headache. This tool is your best friend when you’re dealing with enterprise geodatabases and managing long, complex transactions using versions. Just remember, the person running the reconcile needs to have full access to all the feature classes that have been tweaked in the version being edited. Think of it as needing the keys to all the rooms in the house.

Navigating the New Version Maze

So, what do you need to keep in mind when you’re dealing with newer versions? Here’s the lowdown:

• Branching Out: Branch vs. Traditional Versioning: ArcGIS has evolved, and now we have branch versioning, which is all about services. Make sure your geoprocessing service is singing the same tune as your geodatabase’s versioning style. If you’re rocking branch versioning, the input workspace needs to be the feature service URL or the feature layer portal item. It’s like telling the tool where to find the data.
• License to Thrill: Licensing: This one’s important. If you’re on ArcGIS Enterprise 11.2 or later and using branch versioning, your users need a license for the ArcGIS Advanced Editing user type extension to even touch this tool. No license, no reconcile.
• Tuning the Engine: Service Configuration: Think of this as optimizing your car’s engine. When you publish the geoprocessing service, you’ve got to tweak the service instances and client timeout settings based on how many records you’re trying to sync. And here’s a pro tip: publish those services in asynchronous mode. Trust me, it’ll save you headaches later.
• Conflict Resolution, Upgraded: Conflict Resolution: Newer ArcGIS Pro versions have gotten smarter about spotting conflicts, even down to the column level. If you want to get fancy, use the Add Field Conflict Filter geoprocessing tool to tell it which fields to ignore. It’s like saying, “Don’t worry about these details, focus on the big picture.”
• Lock It Down… Or Not: Lock Management: The tool can grab locks during the reconcile process to make sure nobody messes with the target version while you’re working. But heads up, for branch versioning, locks are off the table during reconcile.

Taming the Troubleshooting Beast

Okay, things don’t always go as planned. Here are some common hiccups and how to fix them:

• Workspace Woes: Workspace Errors: Ever seen the dreaded “ERROR 000301: The workspace is of the wrong type”? Yeah, it’s usually because the workspace isn’t pointing to the right place. Double-check that the workspace parameter is aimed at the enterprise geodatabase or feature service URL.
• Parameter Pandemonium: Parameter Validation: Watch those parameter names and data types like a hawk. Sometimes, you just need to capitalize a parameter name, and suddenly everything works. Go figure.
• Permission Problems: Permissions: I can’t stress this enough: the user running the service must have full permissions to all the feature classes that have been edited. Otherwise, it’s a no-go.
• Order Matters: Reconcile Order: Reconcile and post the version with the most edits first. It’s like tackling the biggest pile of laundry first – it makes everything else seem easier.
• Target Practice: Target Version Modifications: You can only post changes if the target version hasn’t been touched since your last reconcile. If it has, you’ve got to reconcile again. Think of it as needing to refresh your page before submitting a form.

Pro Tips: Publishing Like a Pro

Branch Versioning: A Few Extra Pointers

If you’re all in on branch versioning, remember these key points:

• URL is King: Feature Service URL: The input workspace has to be the URL of the feature service. No exceptions.
• One Mode to Rule Them All: Reconcile Mode: The only option you’ve got for the Reconcile Mode parameter is to reconcile all versions.
• No Locks Allowed: Locks: Forget about locks during the reconcile process.
• Edit Version Wins: Conflict Resolution: The default is to favor the edit version when conflicts arise.

The Bottom Line

Moving your Reconcile Versions geoprocessing service to a newer ArcGIS Server version? It’s not always a walk in the park, but with a little know-how, you can make it happen. Pay attention to the details, understand your versioning type, and don’t be afraid to troubleshoot. And remember, Esri’s documentation is your best friend, so keep it handy! Good luck, and happy reconciling!