Characteristic links

This chapter describes how to export and import characteristic links.

To benefit from this best practice, you should be familiar with the basic functionality of the import tool. Check the Using the import tool page of the manual for general information about how the plugin works.

1.1. Creating the format in the FormatDesigner

The characteristics currently linked to variations can be exported using the FormatDesigner. To do so, go to Data » FormatDesigner and create a new format of the type Item.

After that, select the data fields:

  • To allow mapping during import, from the Item area select the ID of the item or from the Variation area select the ID or the Number of the variation.

  • You then add the actual characteristic links in the VariationProperty area:

You can select between 3 values:

  • value: Returns the value of the characteristic mapped in the format.

  • all: Returns all linked characteristics of an item with values.

  • allIds: Returns all linked characteristic IDs of an item without any values.

After you have saved the format, you can set up the export in the elastic export.

1.2. Setting up the export in the elastic export

Go to Data » Elastic export to set up the export of the format you created.

To do so, click on New export and save a name, the type Item, the format you created, a limit and a file name.

Exporting the file in CSV format

If you want to download the file in CSV format, specify the suffix .csv as part of the file name.

Once you save the format, you are done setting it up.

1.3. Exporting data

There are several ways of exporting the data:

  • In the export, click Download.

  • Open the URL in a browser.

  • In the export overview, click Download.

2.1. Creating the import via the import tool

To import the characteristic links, you can go to Data » Import and create an import of the type Item. Alternatively, you can add the fields to an existing import.

The synchronisation can be based on a variation-specific field, for example the Variation number, or based on the item ID if the links are created using a separate import.

In the mapping of the import, you can select different fields to create or edit the links. For example, you can add the fields ID, Value and Language (you need to add all 3 fields) or instead the field Characteristics combination. The latter must be structured as follows in the file:

InternalName1:Value1:Language;InternalName2:Value2:Language

If you want to delete characteristic links, use the field Delete (Yes/No). In the file, the value 1 must be specified if the links are to be deleted. Specify the value 0 if you do not want to delete the link.

That is all you need for the link. The import is now ready to go and you can start linking characteristics.