NOTICE: The Database Management Utility is a powerful tool that modifies large sections of data in the current configuration.  ALWAYS back up your data before performing a data import.

The Library Import functionality of Database Management is designed to import into configurations already containing the same type of library.  For example, it is OK to import a Component Cabinet Library into a configuration already containing a Component Cabinet Library.  However, this tool should NOT be used to import a Foundation Library into a configuration containing a Component Cabinet Library or vice versa.   Depending on the source library and destination database, additional development may be required after import to successfully set up the new library. For more information, please visit the  Microvellum Knowledge Network.

Import Export Utility

(The article that follows provides an overview for using this tool, also known as the Import-Export Utility.)

Microvellum makes extensive use of databases to maintain data as you work with the software. There are multiple reasons to utilize databases instead of separate files of various types. Among these rationales are security and speed.

While databases are an attractive choice for software designers, they also present a few design challenges, primarily relating to data management. For example, you almost certainly don’t want all your users working directly within the databases for reasons of security and data integrity.

As of Microvellum build 15.6.2404 or greater, we have enhanced the user experience by creating a new interface for interacting with the databases. See the figures below for the new and former access point and database tools interfaces.

Manage Various Data

In general, use the new Database Management Utilities to manage your data in various Microvellum databases. This includes the export and import of the data below.

• Libraries
  
• Projects
  
• Products
  
• Subassemblies
  
• Materials
  
• Reports
  
• Tool files
• Processing Stations
  
• Work Orders
  
• Graphics
  
• Misc Item(s)
  
• Report Groups
  
• AutoCAD Render Layers
  
• Activity Stations
  
• It also includes a suite of tools for maintaining and preserving existing data structures from corruption.
  

One of the concerns that this new data management tool resolves is that the supporting files necessary for proper operation of the target machine when the transfer has been completed are included.

As an example, using the previous version of this tool, it was possible to send an export that would fail when imported because either the materials were missing or the incorrect processing stations were included. The tool now establishes what supporting files are required and automatically includes them in the export file. See the help text under the Tree View or the accompanying reference article for more information about what is included with each category of data.

See Database Management Utilities (Reference) in the Microvellum Help Center for a reference article explaining the commands and control options of the Data Management screen.

Export from Multiple Categories

You may select items from multiple category types and include them in a single export. For example, you may export both projects and products in a single export file. Previously, if you wanted to export a project, processing station, and reports for a support inquiry, you were required to export to three separate databases. Now you may export them all to a single database and send that single database.

The Data Management utility displays the products in the same categories as the interface you use for drawing them or adding them to a project in Toolbox.

Database Objects Display

The center section of the new interface supports two display options – one for a tree view, and the other for a combined view. Most of the database objects display in a Tree View, similar to what is shown in Figure 06 below.

The exception to this rule is the Graphics category. The objects in this category are not stored in the database but are individual folders and files stored on the computer hard drive. Although they are not database objects, they are included in the database management utilities to facilitate data transfer between computers or between Microvellum configurations.

They are displayed in a combined folder and file structure similar to Windows File Explorer as shown in Figure 07 below.

Archiving Data

One of the intended uses of this tool is an archiving tool. For example, you may want to clean out your old work orders, but as you may need to refer to them again in the future, you don’t want to simply delete them. Use the Data Management Utilities to move them out of the configuration databases and into archival databases that you create in the export process. See the reference article for more information.

Export Folder Structure

When you export from a factory database, you must first select a destination folder in which to create the export files. Not all category types create the same structure. See the reference article for examples of the different data structures in use.

See Database Management Utilities (Reference) in the Microvellum Help Center for a reference article explaining the commands and control options of the Data Management screen.