Sigma Online User Manual
Importing Data Manually
Introduction
The Importing activity allows you to import data into the database with various file formats. This data can be for Channels, Site information, Meter Readings or Associated Data. The importing can be manually done as and when required (see below), or the importing can be scheduled to load at a desired frequency picking up data from an email account, FTP or FTPS. To schedule imports, click here for more information.
You can choose to import data immediately, or schedule it to regularly import automatically.
To schedule imports to run automatically on a recurring basis, click here.
This section will show you how to import data immediately.
Importing data
Click on Importing
Click
Adding an Importer
If the Importer isn't in the Favourites list, you need to add it in.
Click
to open the search wizard
Enter the name of your data source (e.g. "IMServ" or "SIPe") and search to find an appropriate importing option (buffer), select it and click OK
Click Next to confirm your choice
Click Finish
Click
Click
The Importer will now show in the Favourites list and ready to be used.
Note: You will not need to do this the next time you import, as the Importer will already be in the Favourites list.
Importing the Data
Once the Importer has been added to the Favourites list:
From the Importing Activity:
Click
Highlight the Importer you want to use
Click
to move to the Importer Options
Amend the import options as necessary:
Use date range - generally, no change is required
Time Zone - Best practice is either GMT or Europe/London, depending on whether your data includes the clock change data or not (ie 1 hour extra in October, 1 hour less in March)
It is recommended that you use the same Time Zone as the Channels you are importing data into, ie
If you data does NOT include the clock change data, use GMT
if your data DOES include the clock change data, use Europe/London
Click
to move to the Source Options
This is where you specify where the file for importing should be retrieved from.
The options are:
Import from file - the file is stored on the local computer and can be uploaded via the screen
Import via Email - the file is attached to an email in a mailbox
Import via FTP - the file is located on an FTP server
To manually import the data:
Click
and browse to find the file you want to import
Click
to move to finish the import
Note: Once you have uploaded the file, the Upload file option changes to Change file (if required)
Click
and a prompt will show to say the import request has successfully queued
Click
to allow you to carry out another import
Scheduling Imports using Email or FTP
Click here for details how to Schedule Imports using Email or FTP