The Fourth Shift™ Data Import Module

      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:

Fourth Shift™ Data Import Module

Fourth Shift™ Template Definition (TMPT)

Fourth Shift™ Batch Process Setup (BSET)

 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:

Template maintenance (TMPT)

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™

Import Batch Execution tasks

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

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

Data Import advance topics

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)

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