What needs to be considered when importing / exporting Excel tables

Basically, almost all data available and created in BIMQ can be imported or exported as an Excel file. This functionality is provided in the areas of project components, model components, requirements and documentation and can be used from the "S +" license model. The Excel tables are structured according to a certain layout, which differs depending on the type of data. The exact structure of a certain table layout can be determined by exporting a certain component. The figure shows the data structure of the Excel table exported in BIMQ.

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The exported table also shows all the settings defined in terms of Software, IFC, Classification and Languages. The columns are listed in the Excel table, regardless of whether they are displayed in BIMQ or not. This also applies to the BIMQ standard columns Code, Description, Type, Unit and Comments

 

The exported Excel table can then be edited. However, some general rules must be observed for this so that there are no error messages when later importing to BIMQ: 
 

  • If a concept (first column in the model components / requirements) already exists in BIMQ, all associated data are checked for existence in the same line. If changes are made, the new content is adopted (update).

  • If a concept is not available in BIMQ, it is created as a completely new line in BIMQ.

  • The first line with the column names must not be changed.

  • No data in a guideline is deleted.

 

It is also possible to delete table columns completely. When doing this, however, care must be taken to delete the column using the "Delete cells" command. If only the content of the cells (concerns the top row) of the column is deleted, an error message will appear during the later import. For this reason, it is recommended to hide the columns that should not be shown in the Excel table.

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Any number of hierarchy levels can be created when editing the Excel table. The following example shows the expansion on 4 levels. It is important to note that the levels are executed in the correct order and spelling. The "Type" column must also have the correct content. The figure shows the edited Excel table and the view in BIMQ after the import. 

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To ensure an error-free import, the following workflow is recommended: 

1.    Export of the desired area in which data should be added or edited. 

  • For clear Excel tables, it is recommended to only export the desired area, such as model elements or properties. 

  • The exported table serves as a template and shows the structure and structure of the Excel table. 


2.    Editing the Excel table 

  • Data must be edited according to the rules described above, otherwise there may be error messages when later imported into BIMQ. 

3.    Import the Excel file into BIMQ