Core FileNet Concepts

1. What are the key components of FileNet P8?

Answer:

 Content Engine (CE) → Stores documents, metadata, security.

 Process Engine (PE) → Runs workflows.

 Application Engine (AE) → Provides web UI (Workplace, ICN).

 Content Navigator (ICN) → Modern UI with plugin extensions.

 Enterprise Manager (FEM) → Admin tool for object stores, classes, and security.

2. What is an Object Store and how is it created?

Answer:

 Object Store is a repository where FileNet stores all documents, folders, metadata, and
security info.

 Created in FEM → define DB connection → configure storage areas → run creation

3. What is the difference between Document Class and Property Template?

Answer:

 Document Class: Defines schema for documents (e.g., Invoice, Policy).

 Property Template: Defines metadata fields (e.g., Invoice No, Vendor Name). Multiple
classes can reuse the same template.

4. How is security managed in FileNet?

Answer:

 ACLs (Access Control Lists) at object/document/class level.

 Role-based access via LDAP groups.

 Security Inheritance from folder to documents.

5. What are common APIs for FileNet development?

Answer:

 Java CE API → Document/Folder operations.

 Workflow API → Create/track workflows.

 Web Services (SOAP/REST) → External integrations.

 ICN Plugin API → Extend UI (menus, actions, layouts).

Workflow & Process Engine

6. Explain FileNet Workflow concepts.

Answer:

 Workflow is designed in Process Designer.

 Has Steps (user/system), Routes, Queues.

 Work items go to In-basket.

 Roster maintains list of all workflow instances.

7. Difference between Roster and In-basket?

Answer:

 Roster → Tracks all workflow instances.

 In-basket → Shows pending work items for a user/group.

8. How do you troubleshoot a stuck workflow?

Answer:

 Check Process Administrator to see queue status.

 Look at PE logs for errors.

 Restart workflow or reassign items if stuck.

9. How do you integrate workflows with external systems?

Answer:

 Use Component Integrators or Web Services (SOAP/REST).

 Example: Workflow step calls a REST API to validate invoice from SAP.

Development & Customization

10. How do you create a custom plugin in ICN?

Answer:

 Create ICN plugin (Java/JS).

 Define [Link].

 Extend actions, menus, features.

 Deploy as JAR into ICN’s plugin directory.

 Restart ICN application.

11. How do you upload and retrieve a document using CE Java API?

Answer:

 Use [Link]().

 Add properties using [Link]().putValue().

 Attach content via ContentTransfer.

 Save document → Check-in.

 Retrieve via SearchSQL query and [Link]().

Answer:

 Use FileNet Deployment Manager (FDM).

 Export package (XML).

 Import to target environment.

 Validate objects and test.

Troubleshooting & Performance

13. Common performance bottlenecks in FileNet?

Answer:

 Large workflows → Queue delays.

 Database → Missing indexes, slow queries.

 JVM Heap → Memory leaks in CE/PE.

 Storage → Slow disk I/O for documents.

14. Which logs are useful in troubleshooting?

Answer:

 CE logs → Document upload/retrieval issues.

 PE logs → Workflow errors.

 Application server logs (WebSphere/WebLogic).

 ICN logs → UI/plugin issues.

15. How do you handle document retrieval failures?

Answer:
  Check ACLs → User may lack access.

 Verify Storage Area is mounted/accessible.

 Check Content Cache settings.

 Review CE logs for IO/DB errors.

Scenario-Based Questions

16. A user cannot see a document they uploaded. How do you troubleshoot?

Answer:

1. Check if document is successfully checked-in.

2. Verify user has read permission.

3. Confirm document is in correct folder/object store.

4. Check if document class security restricts visibility.

17. Your workflow is stuck at a system step. What will you do?

Answer:

 Open Process Administrator → check system step logs.

 Verify external system availability if integration is used.L

 Retry/reassign step.

 Debug error in PE logs.

18. You deployed a new workflow, but users still see the old version. Why?

Answer:

 Users might be using an in-progress workflow instance (old version continues).

 Need to start a new instance to reflect updated design.

Answer:

 Add indexes on frequently searched properties.

 Avoid using wildcards at start (%value).

 Use Batch size properly in CE API.

 Archive old documents.

20. How do you ensure FileNet audit compliance?

Answer:

 Enable Audit Definitions at class level.

 Track create, update, delete events.

 Use Audit Viewer or custom queries to review.

Advanced Questions

21. Difference between Stored vs Inline Content?

Answer:

 Stored Content → Stored in FileNet storage areas.

 Inline Content → Small text/binary content stored directly in DB (not external storage).

22. How do you secure sensitive documents?

Answer:

 Use Role-based access via LDAP.

 Apply document-level ACLs.

 Encrypt storage areas if required.

 Enable audit logging.

Answer:

 FileNet provides object store integration with ICM/BAW.

 Documents stored in CE are linked to cases.

 Workflows can be invoked from cases.

24. How do you handle bulk document upload?

Answer:

 Use Batch Processing with CE API.

 Use Content Engine Bulk Import Tool (CEBIT).

 Ensure indexing & properties mapping.

25. How do you monitor FileNet system health?

Answer:

 Use System Dashboard / FileNet System Monitor.

 Monitor JVM heap, database connections, workflow queue size.

 Check WebSphere PMI metrics.

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