How to describe the layout of the import file
The file to import is typically created by another system, for example, a customer orders program. The file contains the products required and the quantity and other details about each product.
The file format can be something as simple as: product code, quantity.
PRD/1,20
DX1/3,5
PRD2,20
The file may also be more complicated and include product sizes and other variable information. It may also include extra fields and header lines that are not used by the optimising program, for example:-
Import file (myproducts.txt)
**** Product Import file
example1,Week 32/A,standard,single,0
ID No: 32678 - Approved by; JP
PRODCODE1,20,Desk unit,MDF18,OAKANS,900.0,1020.0,600.0
PRODCODE2,8,Floor cabinet,MDF15,TEAKANS,900.0,940.0,550.0
For custom products it may also be necessary to import the answers to product variables. For example, if a customer has ordered RED doors for the product that answer can be imported. It is also possible to import a set of pre-defined answers for a product (called an answer table), for example, a product with red doors may also include red trims, a certain type of handle etc.
The set up (for describing the layout of the import file) is achieved by the 'Requirements Import parameters'. (Main screen - Parameters - Requirements Import parameters). It is possible to set up several different sets of parameters if there are several different file layouts in use.
Whilst the set up can be quite complicated it greatly simplifies the process of importing product requirements since the information can be seamlessly passed from the external file to the optimising program and the data does not have to be re-entered or the questions answered again.
