Import and process data

Data is the core driver of the optimization process, providing you with unlimited options in the software solution. You can import part lists from external systems or edit part lists in the software. Providing different levels of part lists, we can merge and process data, at the same time keep the origin imported data for revision or reimport. The following article explains the different levels and the connection between them. 

 

Import Parts

The import parts are generated by importing CSV/TXT files in PackAI. The import is handled in the background and searching for new files from external systems. The data is only being visualized and the editing is blocked. All imported files are kept in the database for future reimport or data checks.

 

Once imported you can either convert them to part lists or delete the entries.

 

Converting to Part List:

 

1. Open PackAI and go to the Import Parts tab
2. Select a list (only single selections are allowed)
3. Click the Convert to Part List menu

Note: converting an imported list creates a part list entry, in case you have already converted the list and you try to convert it again, you will be prompted to first delete the Part List and then convert the Import List.

 

Deleting Part Lists:

 

1. Select a a list
2. Click the Delete Part List menu

 

Note: when deleting an Import Parts List keep in mind that all related data such as Part Lists, Optimization Batches and Optimization Results will not be removed from the database.

 

 

Part Lists

The part lists are a copy of the imported parts lists, with additional editing options. Once imported you have the overview of the source data, but you won't be able to edit or proceed with the optimization unless you convert the data to a part list.

 

Editing Part Lists:

 

1. Select a Part List
2. Double click in the data grid (the value you want to edit)
3. Edit the entry

Note: editing a part list is only allowed for entries which are still not converted in optimization batches, in case you have already created an optimization batch from the part list, you will be prompted to delete the Optimization Batch and Optimization Results connected to the list and then edit the current entry. If you accept the deletion, the process will be executed in the background and you can continue editing.

 

Converting part lists to optimization batches:

 

1. Select a Part List
2. Click the Convert to Batch menu
3. A single batch with the newly provided name will be created

Note: one part list can only be converted into a single optimization batch or be part of one optimization batch group. If you want to create a new optimization batch for the part list, you will be prompted to delete the existing connections. 

Merging Part Lists into a single optimization batch:

 

 

Many external systems are providing single files for customer orders or even cabinets in case of mass production environments. You are able to combine those single part lists into a group called Optimization Batch and optimize them together, which will increase your productivity in the software.

1. Click the Combine Lists in Batch menu
2. Select multiple lists
3. Provide a name for the new batch

 

Optimization Batches

The optimization batches are single part lists or groups of part lists represented in a batch. The entries in the batch cannot be modified, they are a copy of the part list data. The only interaction you have on this level is selecting the machine and optimization parameters.

 

Once you select the parameters, you can continue to the optimization:

 

1. Select an optimization batch
2. Click the Optimize button
3. A pre-optimization window will pop-up where you can drill-down to the best optimization you would like to proceed with
4. Finalize the optimization

All optimization batches are then converted to optimization results where you can review the packing sequence, positioning and package data.

 

 

Note: Once you optimize the batch you won't be able to delete the batch, without deleting the optimization results connected to it.

 

Optimization Results

The optimization results are only presenting the results from the optimization of the optimization batches. You don't have any editing tools here. In case you would like to edit the entries, you can either go back to the part lists and do some manual modifications or to the optimization batches and regroup part lists into a new batch. 

 

Any of the modifications will require deletion of the optimization results. 

 

Available visualization tools:

 

1. Packages - previous and next package overview, as well as part sequencing
2. Package information - weight, dimensions and FEFCO programs
3. Overall optimization results - KPIs and optimization statistical data for the complete batch
4. Box Overview - 3D visualization of the packing process, including standard 2D and 3D views as well as dimensioning grid options

Available export options:

 

1. Send to machine - generating production lists and cardboard cutting programs data, sending the complete batch for processing. If the carboard cutting machine is currently producing, you will get the new production list for immediate execution of all packages together.
2. Convert to CSV - generation of feedback data to external systems, enriching the part data with all the packing information
3. Reports - overview of the current results, fully customizable user reports