The Basics

​The Fourth Shift™ Import module (IMPM) enables data to be input automatically into Fourth Shift™, just as if you were entering data from a keyboard. A Template definition (TMPT) screen enables a text input file fields to be mapped to Fourth Shift fields on an appropriate Fourth Shift™ screen. The data Import batch execution task (IMPT) is used to define a import task. A macro file specification is used to provide Fourth Shift™ with the instructions on how to import data into Fourth Shift™ and effectively emulating keystrokes. The import text file can be a comma delimited(CDF) or a space delimited(SDF) file formats. For example:

Comma Delimited: “ITEM NUMBER”,”ITEM DESCRIPTION”,”UM”,”ST”
Space Delimited: Item number Item Description UM

Understanding the Data Import Dictionary

Using the Fourth Shift™ Data Import dictionary enables Fourth Shift™ field mapping and is accessible through Quick Reference(Start Menu-All programs-Fourth Shift™ Tools-Fourth Shift Help) and the Online Manuals Library. The Archive.fil file is a transactional log for all transactions entered into Fourth Shift™. The format of archive transactions define the expected format of transactions for data import. The location master maintenance add transaction (LMMT01) is a good example:

The asterisks (*) are required fields to ensure uniqueness
The 2 digit number represents a Fourth Shift screen action for example: 00=Add 01=Change 02=Delete

​Your import file should be in a Text Comma delimited or space delimited file format:

Fourth Shift Template Maintenance (TMPT) provides the ability to map your import file fields to the Fourth Shift transaction field definition:

Creating a Import BSET Line

​How to create a Template Definition (TMPT)

Choose a unique Template name. Press ALT-F4 to view existing templates
Choose Template Type defining import file format either CDF – comma delimited or SDF – space delimited
A literal/table name corresponds to the Fourth Shift transaction code for the transaction to import. In this example: LMMT01
Define the incoming field number and length
Use the Data Import Dictionary to lookup Fourth Shift Screen field associated with import field to populate field number, length and field type in Fourth Shift
Repeat the process for all fields in the import file required to be imported into Fourth Shift

How to create a data import BSET line

Use the batch process setup (BSET) to define your batch execution task
Type in the task or if navigated to specific data export batch execution task will be filled in automatically
Press enter and arrow key up to show parameters associated with data export batch execution task
Data Import Batch Execution Task Parameters:
M<Macro name> - Data View Definition name
I<path and file name> – Import filename
T<Template name> - Template name

How to find the Macro filename required​

Use Fourth Shift™ Data Import dictionary defines the Fourth Shift™ field map specification and is accessible through Quick Reference and Online Manuals Library
The Transaction Cross Reference Lists section provides a Macro filename by Screen reference.
Testing your Fourth Shift™ Import Batch Execution Task
Add the following parameters to your IMPT Batch Execution Task:
S – Step mode allows you step through the import by pressing the space bar
VS – Show view mode allows you to view the import process on the Fourth Shift™ screen

Continuous read import

Continuous read enables a Import Batch Execution to continually loop and to import new records into Fourth Shift™, when added to import file
Add the following parameters to your Import Batch Execution Task:
R – continuous-read parameter expressed in seconds representing how frequently the import file is reviewed for new records
U – Multi-User Retry is a count on how many times to try to import a record. Another user may have the transaction open causing a conflict
E – Error level:
E1(default)– do not stop if an import error accords continue and add record in error log file (IMPORT.ERR)
E2 – stop at first error. Record the error in error log file and abort
E3 – do not stop and report additional macro debugging information in the error log file
Using Literals

Using Literals

On the Template maintenance (TMPT) screen a field value can be used instead of a incoming field in the import file

Using A Data Conversion Table

A data conversion table can be used to convert values in an incoming field in a template definition (TMPT) create a field template definition and add a table name. Press ALT-F4 to produce a list of values to convert

Fourth Shift Data Import Advanced Topics 

Get help with your Fourth Shift data import requirements

Data Import macro programming

Fourth Shift data import troubleshooting

Methods of manipulating information for Fourth Shift import

Configuring a batch execution for continuous import

Interfacing with external bespoke systems using the Fourth Shift Transaction Interface(FSTI)