Export EPC Diagrams as XML

I am on Aris Connect 10.28 and did the XML Export on a Simple EPC Model and the XML Output looks correct or at least it looks like XML as I don't regularly use this feature. 

I used these Settings:

Maybe you could provide some examples of settings you are using and output and then we could maybe see what is different in your instance.

Thanks for the swift response!

I am using the ARIS provided Real Estate Accelerator data set. Here is the export settings (matched your settings above) and chosen file:

Text editors can not view the output file properly. Here is the plain-text and binary outputs of the first bits of the file:

Thanks!

-Zeki 

Hi,

I assume that it relates to the encoding of your editor. Which one are you using? I suggest to use Notepad++. That gives you all options.

Btw. just out of curiosity: Why don't you use your tenant backup? 

Best,

Veronika

Hi,

see Help:

"You can export models in XML format to import them into other ARIS databases. XML files exported from ARIS are encrypted."

Regards

Klemens

So, I was never given an option for the Name of the Download File. The file name was simply "xmlexport.xml". 

How did you get your export file to be called "epcExport.xml"? Is this the right download file for the xml export?

I know that Klemens commented that the XML Export from Aris is encrypted, but that is not what I experienced as my "xmlexport.xml" file opened very nicely with either Notepad++ or Textpad. We are using the Hosting/SaaS option for our Aris instance.

Maybe this will help in pinpointing where the difference is in my experience to yours.

Hi Zeki

I saw in your screenshot that is using Linux command to see the file and is getting the encrypted results, and as the community members here already said try to use another editor. 
If the xml file is not corrupted which can be possible, you could try this command 'head -n 1000 "file.xml" > "newXmlfile.xml" to print the lines into this new file.

BR
AO

Hi Zeki,

I tested the XML export of non BPMN models in different ARIS versions and with the Java and browser interface. I always got an encrypted file that worked correctly for an import in a separate database. This is the way to move models between databases.

@Michael: Can you show us the exact way to come to a non encrypted XML version?

@Veronika, André: It is not a question of encoding. I checked it with different codings with Notepad++. The head command in Linux (afaik) is no more than a file display.

I understand the request to find a way for long time archiving of (non BPMN) models tool independent. @Zeki: Correct?

Non encrypted XML as "normal" text file seems to be a solution but as the ARIS XML format (not the BPMN format, this is defined in the BPMN 2.0 standard) is proprietary, you can not import it to another tool without programming. A tenant backup or a database backup is also no solution for a tool independant long time archiving. May be the only way is to export the diagram image as PDF and the model data  as CSV (Excel) data file.

Regards

Klemens

PDF attached are the exact steps (print screens) of my XML Export of a Simple EPC Model and receiving a Non-Encrypted XML File that I opened in 2 different text editors.

Hopefully, you can figure out where the difference is as to why I can get a non-encrypted xml file, and you can only get an encrypted xml file. Good luck.

@Michael: Thank you for your effort to document the way how to come to the XML file. The result: I see no difference compared to how I am working and have no idea about the reason (may be it is a special version you are using). What I found out is, that the Export only seems to be available in the Cloud Version (I tested 10.2025.5.0.310035181). In on premise versions (e.g. ARIS version: 10.0.26.0.310013113 ) the Export is only available via the Java client Architect/Designer. In all cases in the above versions the XML file is encrypted (no plain text), but working perfect for export/import. That is - I doublechecked it - also documented in Aris Help. In the documentation you also can find that AML = Aris Markup language is used. This proprietary format is defined in Aris-Export.dtd.

How did you get your export file to be called "epcExport.xml"? Is this the right download file for the xml export?

That's the parameter setting in your browser. Set the option in the settings "Always ask you where to save files" (Firefox), then you are asked to change the file name of the exported XML file.

Maybe an expert of ARIS SAG (anybody still here in the forum??) can clarify this mysterious behavior.

Regards

Klemens

Hi Klemens,

I cannot confirm your statement:

In on premise versions (e.g. ARIS version: 10.0.26.0.310013113 ) the Export is only available via the Java client Architect/Designer

This is how it is possible:

This will open a menu where you can do the same settings as before :)

@Veronika: Yes I know, but this function (Icon) is not available in the browser interface of my "on premise installation" (Aris Connect). It's only available with BPMN model types (maybe the system knows that I prefer BPMN :-). Maybe I have a special on premise license??? I have the complete set of rights (inc. Admin). The Cloud version is working as you have shown.

Regards

Klemens

So, just 1 minor difference with my setup. I am using Edge browser. I don't have Firefox and cannot install it on my laptop to test if this might be the difference maker.

Also, I just tested the same XML Export of my simple EPC Model using the Architect/Designer Java Client. I was able to use the same settings for the export as I did via the Connect/Browser and got exactly the same results. That is, an unencrypted XML Export file called " xmlexport.xml" that I can open with any text editor.

I kind of doubt that this minor difference will fix anything for you, but I thought I would mention it anyway.

 It sounds like you may need to open a SAG ticket to get to the bottom of this issue. There is probably some deeply buried configuration setting that is causing it, and the Help documentation doesn't cover it well or at all.

Sorry, I couldn't be more help.

Michael, I tested Edge. Same behavior in my environment (encrypted XML). It would be very strange if this is browser dependent. 

Btw.: The creator of this thread did not commented our discussion, until now. In an earlier post I asked for his motivation to have XML as plain text. I personally would prefer encryption because of data security. I am only curious why there such differences in similar (same Release) installations (see also Veronika's post regarding the availability of the Export function).

Regards

Klemens

I checked the licenses and found out: It is a licence issue.

You need the ARIS_Architect_ExtPack_Access licence. Then the XML is unencrypted. The Architect licence is not sufficient.

Regards

Klemens