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Master Data Packages#

The Master Data Package entity is used to load data into a Critical Manufacturing MES environment using packages, allowing any authorized user to bulk load data into the system. This entity helps to retrieve configurations and characteristics defined in an Excel file and upload them into the Critical Manufacturing MES.

For the initial master data loading (Facilities, Areas, Products, Flows, Steps, and other fundamental MES entities) we can create a model using the actual Critical Manufacturing GUI. However, the process can become tiresome for an abundant quantity of data and objects.

As an alternative, we can use the Master Data Packages functionality for bulk data loading, using a spreadsheet of interconnected entities that can be loaded without the need for user interaction.

graph LR
    Excel[MasterDataOne.xlsx] -.->MD[Master Data Package]
    subgraph Master Data Loading
    MD[Master Data Package] --> MES[Critical Manufacturing MES]
    end
    Excel2[MasterDataTwo.xlsx] -.->MD
    Excel3[MasterDataThree.xlsx] -.->MD
    Other[MaintenanceManual.pdf] -.->MD
    Other2[WorkInstruction.mp4] -.->MD

classDef mermaid_title color:#000, fill:#fafafa, stroke:#fafafa, stroke-width:0x, font-size:100%, font-weight:200;
classDef mermaid_start color:#000, fill:#fafafa, stroke:#fafafa, color:#fafafa, stroke-width:0x, font-size:100%, visibility: hidden;
classDef mermaid_businessdata color:#000, fill:#65CDE8, stroke:#65CDE8, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_nonbusinessdata color:#000, fill:#B7DEE8, stroke:#B7DEE8, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_entity color:#000, fill:#FB9F53, stroke:#FB9F53, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_entitylinked color:#000, fill:#FCD5B5, stroke:#FCD5B5, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_context color:#000, fill:#B9CDE5, stroke:#B9CDE5, stroke-width:0px, font-size:100%;
classDef mermaid_optional color:#000, fill:#B7DEE8, stroke:#65CDE8, stroke-width:1px, font-size:100%, stroke-dasharray: 5 5;
classDef mermaid_state color:#000, fill:#d7e4bd, stroke:#000, stroke-width:1px, font-size:100%, font-weight:300;
class Excel,Excel2,Excel3,Other,Other2 mermaid_entity
class MD,MES mermaid_businessdata

Master Data File#

This approach uses an Excel file following a pre-defined structure that loads Master Data Package entities into the system. The pre-defined template has multiple sheets, each representing one Object Instance with a sequential order provided. The Master Data Template is available on the Master Data Packages page in the Administration page group.

Info

Selecting Download Template on the top ribbon of the Master Data Packages page provides direct access to an empty Master Data Template but you can download the Master Data Package template here: MasterData.xlsx.

Screenshot showing a Master Data File with filename "masterdata 01".

Where to start#

We recommend you start this deep dive by understanding the structure of the Excel template in Excel Template and continue with a tutorial to have a feel on how to create your own model in Creating a Model. Follow the index on the landing page of this deep dive for the best experience.