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Four sample files are used in the following exercises. These files include:

• Two external source files
• a map file
• and one P-CAD library

The external source files contain attributes that are associated with many of the components included in the sample P-CAD library. For example, one such attribute is Quantity. Lets imagine that the values for this and other attributes have changed recently in the company database, or MRP, to reflect the current inventory. We wilkl be looking at how to update the library file to reflect these changes.

For Exercises 1 and 2, we would like to import this data from a company database to update a P-CAD library. The updated library is used for many of the remaining exercises in this chapter.

Lets overview the files...ALE_MRP.TXT This file is a comma-delimited external source file which contains the primary key, ComponentName. The actual field name, Cmp-Name, must be mapped to the field name recognized by P-CAD using the Map Fields command.

ALE_CROSSLINK.TXT

This file is a comma-delimited external source file which, in contrast to the file above, does not contain the ComponentName field. The Part Number field from this company database will be used to link this file to the sample P-CAD library, ALE_TUTOR.LIB. This will be done with the use of a Map File called ALE_MAP.TXT.

ALE_MAP.TXT

In order to import an external source file, such as ALE_CROSSLINK.TXT, that does not contain the ComponentName, an additional step is required to set up the automated import process.

This map file is a simple comma-delimited text file which contains two columns: the P-CAD primary key ComponentName and the database index identifier Part Number. This map file is used to enter the Part Number attribute into the appropriate P-CAD library component’s attributes.

ALE_TUTOR.LIB

The remaining sample file is a P-CAD library. This library contains many of the same components found within the sample MRP databases. These library components are complete and integrated, with an attached pattern, attached symbol, and electrical information.

This file is a P-CAD library containing the components referenced in the external source file.

At this point take a quick look at one of the components so you can see the before and after effect. Click a component from the library and note the Quantity and Cost attributes.

Return to the exercise index.