1.1 Introduction
When you need to import large amounts of data from a file or you have new data to import regularly, you can use the HYMOS Import Wizard to read the files and transfer the data to your HYMOS database. The format of the files that can be imported leaves more freedom to the user than is available in the standard HYMOS import formats. The type and structure of the import file are represented in a template that the Import Wizard uses to read your files. The HYMOS Import Wizard is in this somewhat comparable in its functionality with the MS Excel 'text to columns' function. In the template characteristics like the number of header lines, column separator sign etc are defined. The Hymos Import Wizard helps you to create and apply these template files. An important difference with MS Excel is that you can store and retrieve format templates, so they can be used again and again.
You can choose to import via the wizard user interface or through a routine that is started by your system at scheduled times. In the latter case you will find the data inside the database automatically updated according the schedule without manual intervention.
There are various types of files that can be automatically imported. The types are:
- ASCI files, containing a data block and possibly a header
- DELFT FEWS published interface files
- Microsoft Excel sheets