How to Import Materials using Database Management

How to Import Materials using Database Management

NOTICE: The Import function of Database Management is a powerful tool that modifies data in the current configuration.  ALWAYS  back up your data before executing a data Import.

The articles in this section of the Knowledge Base involve importing and exporting from the Database Management window. For general information regarding the Database Management tool, or how to access it, see Database Management Utilities (Overview).

This simplified article provides a brief tutorial for importing Materials using the Database Management Utility.

All records associated with the selected Material(s) are transferred by default. These records include Sheet Sizes and Categories. If hardware materials are transferred, any associated drawing files are collected and transferred.


Fig. 01 – Database Management Utility – Import Materials 

  1. Select IMPORT from Selected Source to Current Configuration > browse to the file location containing the MicrovellumFactory.sdf to be imported > select the MicrovellumFactory.sdf.
  2. Select the Materials tab. 
  3. The middle panel is populated with data from the database selected in Step 1. Select the Material(s) to be imported from this central panel.
    4. When pulling from an archival database, chances are not everything in the external database needs to be imported. The middle panel in the image above allows you to select only the items you wish to import. The items specified appear in the panel on the right. Items can be selected from multiple categories at once. 
  4. Select Transfer.

Resolving Duplicates

When importing from a database that includes data duplicated from the Factory Database, like an archival database, the Resolve Duplicate Names window appears.


Fig. 02 – Resolve Duplicate Names

There are three options to resolve duplicates:

  1. Skip – Does not change the existing item, and an additional item is not added. The item is ignored.
  2. Replace – Replaces the item in the target location that has the duplicate name.
  3. Keep Both – Appends to the target location. A new name must be given to the item.

    4. Fig. 03 – New Name

When a new Material is imported, an import category is added that contains the Material(s). This appears in the tree-view:


Fig. 04 – Import Category

    • Related Articles

    • How to Import Subassemblies using Database Management

      NOTICE: The Import function of Database Management is a powerful tool that modifies data in the current configuration.  ALWAYS  back up your data before executing a data Import. The articles in this section of the Knowledge Base involve importing and ...

    • How to Import Products using Database Management

      NOTICE: The Import function of Database Management is a powerful tool that modifies data in the current configuration.  ALWAYS  back up your data before executing a data Import. The articles in this section of the Knowledge Base involve importing and ...

    • How to Import a Project using Database Management

      NOTICE: The Import function of Database Management is a powerful tool that modifies data in the current configuration.  ALWAYS  back up your data before executing a data Import. The articles in this section of the Knowledge Base involve importing and ...

    • How to Import a Library using Database Management

      NOTICE: The Library Import function is a powerful tool that modifies large sections of data in the current configuration.  ALWAYS back up your data before executing a Library Import. The Library Import functionality of Database Management is designed ...

    • Create Materials from Import File

      We've added a new “Create New Materials from Import File” command to the Database Management Tools tab. This tool allows you to select an Excel file and create or modify database materials by import. During the import, if a material name is found in ...

    • Recent Articles

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1206.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1206.641 MV Server Nesting Fix There was a reported issue occurring when users attempted to remotely process work orders using a nesting station on MV Server. When attempting to process the work ...

    • Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 24.1127

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum Foundation Library build 24.1127. Additions Added a new Soffit product to the Upper Cabinet Accessories category. Added the Top Filler (Ceiling Scribe) option to Upper and Tall cabinets. (Corner ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1125.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1125.641. IRIB Setmill Location Fix Fig. 1: Setmill being moved to the start of the route (top) rather than at the center of a straight line, as intended (bottom). There was an issue reportedly ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1105.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1105.641 Nesting Fix Fig. 1: The fatal error that would occur during processing. There was reportedly an issue that occurred when clients attempted to process a work order using the nesting ...

    • Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 24.1025

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum Foundation Library build 24.1025. Additions Added new global variable “Remove Stop Dado On Bottom Edge” for wood drawer boxes. Check this option to run the dado through at the bottom of the sub front ...