# Loader

## Prerequesites for the data import

| Please note that prior to any user data import, the repository data (entity, table, field ...) must exist. Also it must be checked if the tables and fields have been created on the database. This is an assential prerequesite for any data import as otherwise the loader won't be able to identify the type of data to be imported!
| In order to provide the database with the structure data you can follow one of the two ways described below.
| 1. SQL script + loader file You can write a sql script with the structure data and import this to the database. The script will create the structure in the database. You can then create a loader file and import it to the database. The loader file will fill the repository and import the meta data to the database.
| 2. Loader file + manual adaption within the PLM system You can create a loader file only for the repository data (e.g. entity, table, field, data classes....) and import the system tables in this loader file to the database. After the import you have to create the tables manually within the PLM system by clicking the Create table button on the entity mask. Then you can import ordinary table data to the database.