Managing Database information for imported ITMs

[Engelhab123]

I started utilizing Trimble MEP content to import ITMs from specific piping manufacturers. I was able to get them into my database and now I'm trying to standardize the Specifications, Materials, and connections to match what I already have in my database. When I go to edit the parts though those parameters are greyed out. I thought maybe making those parameters permanent would give me the ability to change them out but didn't get anywhere. What am I missing?

[cnash]

Trimble/Building-Data content is locked by default so you cannot change specifics on their ITMs.

[Engelhab123]

And there is no way to unlock those parameters for editing?

[cnash]

Technically, "No". and you agreed to that when purchasing them. There are some round about ways to somewhat remove some of that info, but again, heavily frowned upon.
When we switched away from building-data many years ago we just invested the time in rebuilding everything.
It also solved some additional issues we had with how some of the content was developed/built and how it worked within different environments (ESTmep, CADmep, Revit).

[Ian]

One of the great things about Fabrication is its infinite expandability. One of the worst things about Fabrication is its infinite expandability.
Users can specify a material such as stainless as Stainless, stainless, SS316, Stainless Steel, etc. Connectors could be weld, Weld, WeldGap, etc. The choices are infinite. Also, as the connectors (and also potentially the material) controls what connects to what and how, there can be a lot of problems.
Solution 1 would be to build and maintain your own library of parts.
Solution 2 would be to use something like MEPContent which has millions of pre-built and maintained libraries of components from manufacturers.
MEPContent is, I believe, the only 'protected/locked' content that Autodesk has authorized. The idea is that the library is incorruptable. Everything should connect as designed by the manufacturer. The downside is that it is very difficult to 'cheat' and you are stuck with the pre-designated names for materials, connectors, etc. You can certainly add your own 'custom' components to Services but, it is much easier to use the MEPContent materials and connectors for your components rather than the other way round. For things like material names, you could use the Abbreviation parameter that each material has.

[VirtualPilot]

And there is no way to unlock those parameters for editing?

Just find the CID # they are using and build your own... tedious, yes, but like Chris said, you end up with a Content that works to your specifications...