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Introduction to the Sigmafine Data Importer

Making manual adjustments to the data from a historian is common. Also, sometimes data may not be available from a historian or other source, and it might need to be entered manually. This can be done using client tools like PI System Explorer or ProcessBook using the Modeler add-in or the Sigmafine Diagnostic add-in. However, when a large amount of manual data needs to be uploaded daily, that work can become extremely tedious when having to enter each type of input data, one at a time. Pimsoft has designed the Sigmafine Data Importerfor the sole purpose of simplifying and expediting the handling or large amounts of data and daily uploads, with the use of either an Excel spreadsheet or a comma-separated value (.csv) file.

What the Data Importer Does​

The Sigmafine Data Importer tool simplifies the creation of inputs to Attribute values in cases, the creation of Transfers in the database, the uploading of Component Data Tables for Analyzers and the uploading of Strapping Tables for Tanks. It is used to load data from an Excel spreadsheet or csv file into an AF Database. Using the Data Importer, you can :

  • Import data into the Sigmafine Model for Elements

    Elements can have their Attributes updated/modified for specific cases. Even though it can be done manually, Data Importer provides an efficient time-saving approach especially when the number of elements is high.

  • Import data into the Sigmafine Model for Transfers

    Transfers can be created and if they already exist or have been created, their Attributes can be updated or modified. Even though it can be done manually, Data Importer provides an efficient time-saving approach especially when the amount of Transfers is high.

  • Import multiple Strapping Tables

    Tank may have their height level measured to obtain their volume using Strapping Tables. Even though Strapping Tables can be created manually one-by one, it can be very cumbersome and time-consuming if the number of Strapping Tables is high. Data Importer is the perfect tool to load from one to several hundreds of Strapping Tables to Sigmafine with little effort.

  • Import Component Data Tables

    With the same concept as in Strapping Tables, Data Tables can be imported to Sigmafine, saving time and effort.

  • Import any data table in an Element Attribute

    This feature is suitable to be used whenever you are faced with the need to initialize data for composition tracking and quality tracking analysis rules. Both the analyses require the initialization of data tables like Composition Tracking Results (Composition Tracking) and Quality Tracking Results (Quality Tracking) on the first Sigmafine case.

How the Data Import Works​

The Data Importer uses the configuration stored in the Sigmafine Database to locate Element Attributes. It works with the Attributes in a Case context that imports data directly into a Sigmafine Analysis Case results set. That data is made available only to the Analysis Rule running the case.

The Data Importer will import:

  • Measurements for Meters/Analyzers
  • Inventories for Tanks
  • Transfers for Transactions
  • Tables for Tank Strapping Tables
  • Tables for Data Tables
  • Any other table for Data Tables

The remaining \topics in this \Help system describe the use of the Pimsoft Data Importer based on the type of data to be imported.

Note: For details about the installation of the Sigmafine Data Importer, please refer to the Sigmafine Server Management Manual.