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, parts, fittings, operations and phrases required and the quantity and other details about each product.
The format is similar to import requirements, however, import quote has a more comprehensive method of handling customer data.
The file format consists of two sections, a header section for fixed one time item data and an item section for data that is repeatable such as a product or part.
If customer data such as address or contact details are required, this is specified in the header
Other data, the products, parts, fittings, operations and phrases are imported in the item section, the main body of the file. The only field that is necessary is the item type, so the import can determine what type of data to import.
The file format can be something as simple as: item type, product code, quantity.
0,PRD/1,20
1,DX1/3,5
3,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 (myquote.txt)
quote file,sample quote file,DEFAULT,DEFAULT,,CS1001,Kitchens Direct,Ashford Road,Birmingham,B11 2RX
BASE-SINGLE,0,Single base unit,500,870,600,7,,,
BASE-SINK,0,Sink base unit,1000,870,600,2,,,
WALL-DOUBLE,0,Double wall unit,1000,750,300,5,,,
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 'Quote Import parameters'. (Main screen - Parameters - Quote 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 quote 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.
