Importing a Tab Delimited File in to a Table Variable
Only the option to automatically map column headers is available when importing a tab delimited file. In this example, a table variable with four selection criteria will be created.
- Navigate to the Edit Variable tab for the table variable from where you want to import a table. Make sure you have any linked variables and selection criteria already entered. Save your entry prior to importing.
- Click Import Data on the navigation bar and select Tab Delimited Text.
- Click BROWSE… to locate your file. The automap feature is checked by default. If you do not want the fields to automatically map, uncheck the option. Columns that have been auto mapped can be changed.
Importing a Tab Delimited Table Variable
- Once the data file has been selected, click Open to begin the import process. The location path of the file is entered in the selection field. Click Import to upload the file.
- Clicking Yes matches the column headings to the variable(s) and variable criteria automatically and displays the import file data. This allows you to verify the matches are correct.
Previewing Data File with Automatically Matched Columns
The import window is split into two parts. The top portion displays the import file data as you created it. The bottom half lists the criteria and variable(s) you created within RateManager. If the column headers, the criteria and table variables names match exactly, the columns will be matched automatically. If there is a difference in the name or position, you will have to match up each element with the correct column in the import file manually.
Note: For best results when auto mapping, column header names, criteria and table variable names must match exactly, including capitalization.
If the table contains multiple rows, you can use Next 50 and Previous 50 to navigate through the table. You also can go directly to a row by entering the row number in the Go To box and clicking anywhere outside the box. If you want to verify the column matches, you can click the drop-down to check the header list.
Note: Asterisks“*” in the import file are stripped out during the import process in RateManager, so you will not see them in the edit data box. Likewise, if you manually enter your data into the edit data box, there is no need to put an “*” in the wildcard field. Simply leave the field blank.
- Clicking No automatically matches the column headings to the variable(s) and variable criteria without viewing the import file. This saves time when trying to import a large table
Previewing Data File with Manual Matching Required
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To manually match columns to variable(s) and variable criteria, select the drop down next to a variable or criteria and choose the column from the import file that contains data for that item. When you are finished matching columns, select Import.
If you do not have a match for a column you need, click Close to close the import process without bringing in any data.
If you want to add or remove a column, you will need to re-import the data.
- After columns have been matched, click Import. A success or fail message is displayed.
A common reason for a file failing to import is the data type not matching. For example, if you have criteria that are dates and you have matched this to a string type column, then the import will fail. Failure messages will inform you what has failed and why.
- If the table variable already contains data, you will be asked if you would like to delete the data first.
- Select Ok to have existing data in the table variable deleted before the new data is imported. Select Cancel to leave the existing data in the table variable and have the new data added at the end of the table.
- When finished, a confirmation box will display, telling you how many rows were imported.
