The Arclink software package also contains the Data Import Function (DIF) that can link to and import data from any database or from flat files such as excel or .csv files.

This allows for the import of existing file lists and catalogs. The DIF can be used to import data to any table as required.

File lifecycles will automatically be generated for imported files, based either on the level they are being added to or based on a default lifecycle defined through the DIF. A file’s current lifecycle record can be selected based on the status of the file as it is imported.

The import definitions can be saved, removing the requirement from users to map and define imports every time a file has to be imported.  This time saving mechanism allows users to quickly import from file sources that are structured the same, time after time.

The DIF function has a number of different user options to configure file imports, allowing files to be added to the system with the correct lifecycle etc.

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Note  : The advice for any initial import is that if possible, the sections and levels are added and their lifecycles configured before the import of files.