The environment file embeds the hex file, SQTP file and programmer settings to quickly allow loading of the programming image and associated support files. Having an environment file on a production floor is always useful. These environment files are created under the environment tab in Advanced Mode as shown in the picture.

It’s a lot easier to have the environment load automatically when IPE opens. IPE’s shortcut can be altered to open your environment.
To create a shortcut, follow these steps:
1. Create a copy of the MPLAB IPE desktop icon.
2. Right click on the new shortcut icon and click Properties.

Right Click Menu:

3. The Properties dialog opens. Click the Shortcut tab.

In the Target field (figure below), add additional commands that will load your environment (-BL"”). Place the command in the Target field at the end of the string after the “....jar”. You must add a space before the command. Commands are preceded by a dash. Commands are not case sensitive. Paths must be in quotations. An example command is: -BL"E:\18f1220_Production.pm3”
5. Click OK.

6. Right click on the new shortcut icon and click Rename. Type a new name for the shortcut.

On the production floor, the technician has to perform these 3 steps.
1. Double click on the shortcut icon that is just created.
2. Click on Connect button to connect to the attached tool.
3. Click on Program and it’s done!