Abstract: A programming environment for a metrology system comprises a remote accessory managing portion that connects to a remote device (e.g., a user's smart phone or tablet) that is not normally associated with the metrology system. The remote accessory managing portion may comprise an accessory communication portion configured to communicate with a remote device, an accessory authorization portion configured to authorize the remote device for connection to the programming environment, and an accessory data management portion configured to receive and store a set of reference information data from the authorized remote device. The remote accessory managing portion is configured such that when an authorized remote device sends the set of reference information data to the accessory data management portion, it is automatically associated with a current part program instruction representation indicated in at least one of the program editing environment and a user interface of the remote device.