A global information management system includes a collection of standards and methods that allow information management on a global scale. Two sections of polishing pad are positioned so that they contact one another. The tube is insertable in the tube race by movement in a substantially orthogonal direction relative to the tube race so that it extends in through the first tube inlet, around the first race part, out through the first tube outlet, in through the second tube inlet, around the second race part, and out through the second tube outlet.