This dialog allows you to define a new link or edit properties of an existing link. Import links are required before data import can take place.
You can import data only into a target table which has a table definition (that is, a table which has a correct definition of a primary key, foreign keys, and reference tables). If you import data into more than one table, using the Module import method, all the tables in the target module must have a table definition.
If you select a target table which does not have a table definition or has an incorrect table definition, an appropriate message is displayed. In this case, you must either select another target table or modify the table definition.
Import method
Single table
Allows you to select a specific target table from the Name of module or table.
Module (multiple tables)
Allows you to select a specific module from the Name of module or table to be able to import data to all or specific tables associate with this module. The software displays the module tables in the Import Link window, after you select Apply and close the dialog.
Name of module or table
Depending on the import method selected, displays a list of Smart Instrumentation modules or tables. The software only displays those tables that have table definitions for data import. The list contains:
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Instrument Index
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Process Data — Control Valve
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Process Data — Relief Valve
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Process Data — Flow
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Process Data — Analyzer
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Process Data — Pressure
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Process Data — Level
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Process Data — Temperature
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Process Data — Line
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Specification
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Create cable by Reference
Source
These options allow you to define the import source.
Database type
Allows you to select ODBC as an import source.
ODBC profile
Allows you to select a data source after you selected ODBC from the Database type list. The data source can be a database or a file. The data sources contained in this select list are those which you have installed during Smart Instrumentation setup and those which you have installed manually. If you select a file as your data source, you must specify the required file. Your selection affects the way you connect to the data source and dialog options change accordingly.
If you need to connect to a domain residing in another SQL Server database, you cannot use existing profiles that are available for selection in the Profile name list but must first define an ODBC profile for connection to the source database. When creating a new ODBC profile for SQL Server, make sure the new profile name is unique in the Windows registry of the computer where you run the Import Utility.
User name
Allows you to type the user name required to connect to the source database. This option is only available if you have selected a database as your SQL data source.
Password
Allows you to type the password required to connect to the source database. This option is only available if you have selected a database as your SQL data source.
File name and path
After connecting to the required source database, allows you to select Browse and specify select the appropriate source file in this box. This box is available only after selecting a database as your SQL data source and connecting to the source database.
Table
After connecting to the required source database, allows you to select the appropriate source table from this select list. This list is available only after connecting to the source database.
Connect
Connects to the source database. This button is only available if you have selected a database as your SQL data source.
Save as new link
Duplicates the current link, provided that you modified the current link name.
We recommend that you do not modify the import method when duplicating a link. This is because the source link properties are also duplicated and might be not applicable for a new link if you change the import method. For example, suppose your source import link properties include multi-tag spec options and the link is assigned to the Module (multiple tables) import method. If you change the import method to Single table, select a specification table, and save the link under a new name, the multi-tag spec option properties are applied to the new link as well. You cannot manually dissociate these properties from the duplicated link because the multi-tag spec options are disabled on the Link Properties dialog when the link is assigned to the Single table method.
View
Displays the source data for the selected file.