Import linked spares

This function can be used to quickly and readily maintain spare objects, including possible links with assets. It uses an Excel file in a particular format that can be generated using the counter function to export a certain asset scope to Excel, including linked spares.

The function itself acts on a chosen scope in the FMECA tree. The exported Excel file has a specific format, consisting of two work sheets. The first work sheet Assets with spare links describes all the assets in the scope and the (possible) links to spare objects. The details of each spare object can be found in the second work sheet Spare Objects. The two work sheets are linked using the column called spa_id in both work sheets.

Excel format that is generated while exporting assets within the chosen scope, including possible linked spare objects. The column spa_id forms the linking pin between an asset in this work sheet with the details in the next

The second work sheet defines the details of each of the spare objects. The user can change this detailed information here.

Note: Not all information included here will be used to update Asset Strategy Optimization. A number of columns are included just for reference purposes. Changes to information in these columns will therefore not be reflected in Asset Strategy Optimization.

Note: A template of this file can be created easily by choosing a scope in the FMECA tree (that includes linked spares) and by starting the function Stock Management > Exporting assets incl. spares

Importing of (existing or new) spare objects and linking these to assets in the chosen scope can be done as follows:

1. Prepare the Excel file based on a template that was generated before (see remark above) and fill it with information about the spare objects to be added or changed

2. Save this Excel file in a folder where you have write access

3. Start the function Stock Management > Import linked spares

4. Follow the instructions in the wizard

5. After successful completion of the wizard, the result can be shown in the screen Spare objects management

   If the contents of the Excel file was not found to be correct, then no object will be imported, while an error message will be shown indicating that the import was unsuccessful. In that case, check the format of the Excel file.

New suppliers that are included in the Excel file will be added to the suppliers list automatically.

If a line in work sheet Asset with spare links has duplicates, while the corresponding spare object does not yet exist in the spare list, then the spare object will also be shown multiple times in Asset Strategy Optimization.

If the combination ns1:Name, ns1:Reference and ns1: Manufacturer exists already, then only the link to the part or component will be established.