CutLogic 1D imports data from Excel, CSV, TXT, XML, and Access files, the clipboard, and databases through connection files.
You can import data into the following tables: plans, plan stocks and parts, materials, material stocks and parts, material settings, assemblies, assembly parts, and storages.
In the Import form, you can review, filter, sort, and edit the source data, map source columns to target fields, and set default values or numeric multipliers. Settings are remembered for each target table, making repeated imports quick and simple.
Importing data
1. Select the destination and source
Open the relevant window and select the tab you want to import into. For example, to import parts into a plan, open File > Plans, select the plan on the Plans tab, then switch to the Parts tab.
Press Ctrl+I and select a source file. To import from the clipboard, copy the data in another application, then return to the destination tab and press Ctrl+J.
If the source contains multiple sheets or tables, the program prompts you to select the one containing the data you want to import.
The source data is then loaded into the Import form.
2. Adjust import options
The available options depend on the source type.
First row is header: Enable this if the first row contains column names. That row becomes the column headings and is not imported as data. This option is available for Excel, CSV, TXT, and clipboard imports.
Delimiter: For CSV/TXT files and clipboard data, select the character that separates values, such as a comma, semicolon, or tab.
Text qualifier: For CSV/TXT files and clipboard data, select the character used to enclose text, usually a double quotation mark. This allows text to contain the delimiter without being split into separate columns.
Changing any of these source settings immediately refreshes the displayed data using the new settings.
Clear existing data: Enable this to delete the existing records in the destination tab before importing. Leave it unchecked to keep the existing records and add the imported data.
3. Review the source data
Check that the correct data is loaded. You can filter the rows to import only the records you need, sort them, edit values, or delete unwanted rows.
These changes affect only the data prepared for import. The original source file or clipboard contents remain unchanged.
4. Map fields
Field mapping determines which source column supplies each target field. The source column names do not need to match the target field names.
Source column: Select the column containing the values for the target field. For example, map a source column named Quantity to the target field Qty.
Default value: Enter a value to use when the source cell is empty or no source column is mapped.
Multiply by: Enter a factor to multiply numeric values during import. For example, use 1000 to convert lengths from meters to millimeters when the destination uses millimeters.
When importing detail records, you can also map a parent field to assign them to existing records by description. For example, mapping the target field Plan lets you import parts into the existing plans identified by the source data.
5. Complete the import
Click Import to import the prepared data into the destination.
Settings and source selections are remembered separately for each destination tab. For subsequent imports with the same structure, you can select the source and confirm the saved choices without changing them.
Importing parts for multiple materials
You can import parts for several materials in one operation. When the target field Material is mapped to a source column, the program automatically creates a separate plan for each material and imports the corresponding parts into it.
All materials listed in the source must already exist in Materials, and the source material names must match their descriptions.
If you need to add materials first, you can use the same source file. Open File > Inventory > Materials, select the Materials tab, and import the file with the material-name column mapped to Description. Leave Clear existing data unchecked to preserve your existing materials. The program creates one material for each unique description and skips descriptions that already exist.
To import the parts, open File > Plans, switch to the Parts tab, and load the source data. Map the part fields as usual, and map Material to the column containing the material names. You do not need to create the plans manually. Click Import and complete the prompts for creating the plans.
For example, a source containing parts for three materials creates three plans, each containing only the parts for its material.
To further automate plan creation, you can also load inventory stocks into new plans automatically. Enable Tools > Options > Automation > Load marked inventory stocks to plan > On plan creation, and make sure the stocks you want to use are marked in inventory.
Importing through a connection file
A connection file lets you import data directly from databases and other sources accessible through ODBC or OLE DB, such as an ERP or production management system.
The connection file is a text file with the .conn extension containing the information needed to connect to the source. The appropriate ODBC driver or OLE DB provider must be installed on your computer. The file can also specify a table or an SQL query to select, filter, or combine data from several tables.
To use it, select the destination tab, press Ctrl+I, and open the connection file. Select a source table if prompted. The retrieved data appears in the same Import form, where you can review it, map fields, and import it as usual.
For setup instructions and examples, see Import via connection file.
Other ways to enter data
Import complements the other ways of entering data. You can enter records manually, copy existing records, or load stocks and parts from material inventory into plans.
For recurring products, you can define assemblies and load their parts into plans with the required quantities. If an assembly contains parts for different materials, the program automatically creates separate plans for those materials.
These methods can be combined. For example, you can import a customer's parts list, load suitable stocks from inventory, and add a few extra parts manually.