Here’s a comprehensive solution for automatic token refresh in MS Project-Windchill integration:
API Token Management Implementation:
First, verify your Windchill OAuth configuration includes refresh_token grant type (Site > Utilities > OAuth Applications). Then implement a token manager in your integration layer.
Key implementation approach:
// Token refresh logic
if (tokenExpiresIn < 3600) {
String newToken = oauthClient.refreshToken(refreshToken);
connector.updateAuthToken(newToken);
}
MS Project Integration Architecture:
-
Token Storage: Store access token, refresh token, and expiration timestamp securely in the MS Project add-in’s encrypted storage. Never store tokens in plain text configuration files.
-
Proactive Refresh Strategy: Implement a background thread that checks token expiration every 30 minutes. Refresh tokens when they have less than 1 hour remaining (not at expiration). This prevents race conditions during active sync operations.
-
Automatic Token Refresh Flow:
- Monitor token expiration timestamp before each API call
- If expiration is imminent, trigger refresh using stored refresh_token
- Update both access and refresh tokens (Windchill issues new refresh tokens with each refresh operation)
- Retry the original API call with new token
- Log all token operations with timestamps for audit trail
Error Handling Implementation:
When you receive HTTP 401, don’t immediately fail:
- First attempt: Refresh token and retry the request
- If refresh fails: Check if refresh_token is expired (requires re-authentication)
- Implement exponential backoff (1s, 2s, 4s delays) for transient network issues
- After 3 failed attempts, notify user and log detailed error context
Critical Configuration Changes:
In your Windchill OAuth application settings:
- Access Token Lifetime: 3600 seconds (1 hour) for security
- Refresh Token Lifetime: 604800 seconds (7 days) for convenience
- Enable ‘Refresh Token Rotation’ for enhanced security
MS Project Add-in Code Structure:
Create a TokenManager class that:
- Initializes on add-in startup and loads saved tokens
- Runs background timer checking expiration every 30 minutes
- Exposes getValidToken() method that guarantees fresh token
- Handles all OAuth communication with Windchill
- Persists token updates immediately to survive MS Project crashes
Testing Approach:
- Set token lifetime to 5 minutes in test environment
- Verify automatic refresh occurs without user intervention
- Test sync operations across token refresh boundary
- Simulate network failures during refresh
- Verify audit logs capture complete token lifecycle
Additional Recommendations:
- Implement health check endpoint that validates token status
- Add metrics tracking: refresh success rate, average token lifetime, failure patterns
- Create admin dashboard showing token status for all active MS Project integrations
- Document token refresh behavior in user guide (users should see seamless operation)
This solution eliminates manual re-authentication while maintaining security through short-lived access tokens and automatic rotation. Your task synchronization will remain continuous even during extended project work sessions. The key is proactive refresh (before expiration) rather than reactive (after 401 errors).
One final note: ensure your MS Project add-in has proper exception handling around all token operations. Token refresh can fail due to network issues, Windchill downtime, or expired refresh tokens. Always provide clear error messages guiding users to re-authenticate when automatic refresh is impossible.
This draft is based on general Windchill knowledge. It has not been verified against your specific version and environment. Practitioners: verify the steps and share your experience below.