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Configuring IM Cross References

IM Cross Reference builds cross references that you later attach to import template fields on IM Template. Trimble form help: About the IM Cross Reference Form. There is no help slug configuring-im-cross-references. IM lives under Administration → Imports (Data Imports).

Three uses:

  1. Convert one import value to another Vista value.
  2. Incompatible formats — map a third-party format to a valid Vista format (needs an extra identifier on IM Template Detail first).
  3. Multiple records — map several data-file fields/records to one Vista field (also needs extra identifier(s) first). Example: Gasboy Site + Hose + Tank concatenated to one HQ Materials value for EM Material / EMBF / EM Cost Adjustments.

Before you start​

  • The template already exists in IM Template (F4), with record types set.
  • Convert path: no extra identifier; Source Identifier equals Target Identifier.
  • Incompatible-formats and multiple-records paths: first add an additional identifier on IM Template → Template Detail (temporary placeholder). See Adding Additional Import Identifiers.
  • Optional: reuse PM Import Menu cross references via the PM checkbox and PM Template.

Steps (shared)​

  1. Open IM Cross Reference.
  2. Template: name that will use the xref (F4).
  3. Record Type: record type for that template (F4).
  4. XRefName: name, max 10 characters. The import finds values by this name; you link it later on IM Template Detail.
  5. Target Identifier: importing field’s identifier (F4 from Template Detail). For incompatible formats this is the final destination field; field defs: “where the resulting Viewpoint Value is stored during the import.”
  6. Optional: check Use PM Import Cross Reference Values and enter PM Template (F4). Available only when the box is checked and applicable PM Import Menu templates exist. (Field-def heading may pluralize “References.”)
  7. Source Identifiers tab → Import Identifier:
    • Convert: same identifier as Target Identifier (field defs also say enter it on the Info tab Target Identifier for conversion).
    • Other paths: the additional identifier(s) created in IM Template.
  8. Cross References tab (some pages say Cross Reference):
    • Import Value: max 30 characters. Blank source = [null] (lowercase, brackets).
    • Viewpoint Value: valid Vista value that replaces the import value (validated on upload and when processing batches). Null replacement = [null].
    • For multiple records, Import Value is the concatenated field values (example Site 10 + Hose 5 + Tank 2 → 1052), not three separate rows.
    • Repeat Import Value / Viewpoint Value pairs as needed (drop-downs / ECM called out on convert and incompatible pages).
  9. Save (stated on convert and incompatible pages; do it before linking).
  10. On IM Template → Template Detail → Cross Reference, enter the XRefName:
    • Convert: on the importing field only.
    • Other paths: on the importing field and on the additional identifier record(s).

Hard rules​

  • A saved cross reference does nothing until linked on IM Template Detail.
  • [null] must be exact: lowercase with brackets, both directions.
  • Viewpoint Value must already be a valid Vista value.
  • XRefName ≤ 10 characters; Import Value ≤ 30 characters.
  • Multiple-record Import Value is concatenated, not one row per source field.

Notes​

  • Related: About the IM Template Form; Adding Additional Import Identifiers; Importing Data from Third-Party Systems; PM Import Menu / PM templates; PM Import Estimates Form; HQ Materials.
  • Some Trimble steps say “cross-reference name from step 2” when XRefName is actually step 3.