Note: This article assumes a basic knowledge of .csv files.
The Transaction Broker is a method of importing data into FactoryMaster. It is designed to be able to run automatically but can be used manually to insert one batch of information.
In this example, the Supplier Price details will be imported.
The files to be imported will be in .csv format and, unlike the usual import/export process, the columns have to be in a specific order with the first column being a code to say what that particular record is for, as a single file may contain many different record types as will be shown below.
To find the Transaction Broker go to the General tab.
First view the particular Transaction Structure.
Then find the one required.
This is part of one that is necessary for the Supplier Prices.
Next set up a .csv file - in most cases, this can be done with Excel. Note: that Column A is the Transaction Type, which has to be the one stated in the Structure. Also, note that fields in bold are compulsory.
For the Batch Prices, use a familiar structure.
Now we have the information to set up the import. This will be done for a Stocked Part which currently has no prices:
For this part there will be two suppliers used, Supp1 & Supp2 and Supp1 will be the Preferred Supplier.
Go to Excel.
Notice the FM-SUPR in column A and the ’Y’ in column N to force this to be the Preferred Supplier.
Now add to that the batch details.
Here the Transaction Type is FM-SUPB. It is the difference that says what type of record is being imported, and the Batch Quantity and Price per Batch are set.
When saving, make sure to choose CSV.
Now to import the file.
The next screen will show the results. All should now be processed, any errors can be corrected here too.
Correction of errors
Here a record has been set up with an incorrect Supplier Code.
The record on the left and the particular field on the right are highlighted in red and the reason for the failure 'Error - Item header could not be found' is at the bottom. This particular error is because the system is trying to find a record for SUPP3 at the top of the supplier prices screen, but cannot.
It is possible to overtype the details (remembering to go into Modify Mode first) and click "Resubmit Transaction".
That brings up a message if there are no other errors.
And now shows in green.
The record has been added.
Example 2
The import manager is just to import new stock batches. There are two 'transaction broker' options which allow stock to be reduced - either 'Stock Adjustment' (which allows negatives) or 'Other Issues'.
To see the structure, please complete the following steps:-
Select General
Select Transaction broker
Select View Transation Structures
Expand Stock from resulting window, then Stocked Part Menu, then Stock Adjustment
Click View
To use this import structure, go back to the Transaction Broker menu and:
Select Transaction Broker Import Menu
Import from CSV File
Press F5 in the empty field and select the CSV file (The CSV file you create must contain columns: Batch Unique, Location and Adjustment Quantity)
Click Open