The Import Utility enables you to import data from most common database formats into a selected table or module in the Smart Instrumentation database. The Import Utility also provides you access to database platforms other than your own (Oracle or SQL Server).
To import data, you need to have some knowledge of the Smart Instrumentation database structure and concepts such as naming conventions. You should also know how to connect to the source and target databases (for example, correct ODBC profile, or native connection to the database).
The Import Utility is essential because inserting data into Smart Instrumentation is not a trivial matter. Because the Smart Instrumentation table structure is relational, there is a constant maintenance of integrity constraints. You must keep the relation between the tables and create unique values in the primary key. Therefore, you must insert data into Smart Instrumentation only through the Smart Instrumentation interface or by using the Import Utility.
If you are importing a value for which the number of characters exceeds the maximum allowed, the Import Utility truncates the extra characters in the target field in the Smart Instrumentation database. If, as a result of truncating the value, the string is identical to an existing value in the database, the Import Utility rejects the import if the value is required to be unique and the import mode in the import link properties is set not to overwrite the existing value.
If you intend to import a large number of records (more than 400 records) in one
import session, you must create a new section in the Intools.ini file called [Rules]
and add the following parameter: disable = y.
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When importing an object into Smart Instrumentation the target selected must be in the required Plant hierarchy (for example, Area or Unit). For example, if you are importing a specification for use in the Reference Explorer, because reference data is taken from the Smart Instrumentation Default Plant, it must be imported to the Default Plant.
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The Import Utility enables you to import large quantities of mass data. You can also import a single item with its properties. However, the primary purpose of this utility is to import large amounts of mass data. Importing the data to the Reference Explorer is not certified and leads to the partial import of the data.