Elements of an import/export file

An import/export file contains the following elements: File header A file header is not required for import files, however, it is recommended. The file header includes information that helps you identify the data contained within the file. The file header is information-only. The export function automatically generates a file header. The export file header contains information, such as the Teamcenter version number, user, node, database server, and creation date. List definitions A list of values is associated with an attribute, such that when a user clicks the down-arrow in the Attribute field, the system displays a list of valid values for that attribute. Teamcenter uses lists when an attribute has a finite set of legal values. The list is more efficient than manual entry because it eliminates the need for the user to memorize the valid values. Lists also enforce consistency. Lists are defined prior to the attribute definition and are associated with the attribute at the time of its definition. A list definition is composed of the menu definition (STV keyword) and one or more menu item definitions (STD keyword). Attribute definitions Attributes are placeholders for values that distinguish one instance of a class/subclass from another. For example, within the sheet metal screws subclass, the length, diameter, and thread attributes distinguish one screw from another. Attributes are defined prior to the class definition and are associated with the class at the time of its definition. Once defined, attributes, like lists, are stored in a dictionary. They are only defined once and can be used as many times as needed. Attribute definitions use the SMV keyword. Group definitions Groups are defined in the import/export file to organize a large set of classes. Groups are essentially classes with no attributes. Group definitions use the SML keyword. Class definitions The class section of the import/export file defines the class, associates the class with a group, and associates a list of attributes with the class. A class definition is composed of the class (SML keyword) and the association of one or more attributes using the STD keyword. Subclass definitions The subclass section of the file defines subclasses, associates each subclass with a class, and associates a subset of the class attributes with each subclass. A subclass definition is composed of the subclass (BLD keyword) and the association of one or more attributes using the BSM keyword. Instances Instances of Classification objects are normally created by classifying a Teamcenter object, but can also be imported or exported. This is useful when loading third-party part or tool libraries, copying a Classification scheme from one database to another, or performing bulk loads of existing data. Instances of Classification objects are created using the DAT keyword.