Gower Optimal Algorithms Ltd.

CARGOMANAGER datafile formats.

CARGOMANAGER uses a very open format for datafiles so that it relatively easy for users to create these files from data held in other systems. 

During 2004 we have introduced a number of significant enhancements to the facilities available for linking to other systems - in particular for the input of a complete set of consignment details using a comma separated linkfile - and you are directed to the link below which describes there in detail:

Link to Appendix 3 - enhancements to datalink functions.

Having read the text of Appendix 3 the information below on the format of the Item database within CARGOMANAGER may also be of assistance.

In addition to the CSV Linkfile described above (which can be used to import complete details of a consignment) CARGOMANAGER also has an inbuilt database which is used to hold information on potential cargo items. This ITEM DATABASE is used when entering consignment data manually into the software. When adding cargo items to a consignment this file is used to hold dimensional and other information on each cargo item so that it does not have to entered manually. A small sample file is given below. The first line provides details on the number of items in the file - here 7 (max 4000), and the number of significant characters for each of the product codes. The following lines - one for each product code - provide dimensional and orientation information. The format is similar in many respects to the linkfile which is discussed below. Thus it is possible to generate an itembase file from other data sources, although users can naturally add all the information entered manually into a CARGOMANAGER input screen automatically to the itembase.

   7,  12
"101.7427                    ","  380","Y","  290","Y","  134"," 28.07","N","N","99","   0"
"120.0178                    ","  242","Y","  184","N","  218","  3.90","N","N","99","   0"
"120.0428                    ","  361","Y","  244","Y","  316","  0.00","N","N","99","   0"
"120.2904                    ","  715","Y","  357","Y","  245"," 14.35","N","N","99","   0"
"120.2944                    ","  515","Y","  375","Y","  327"," 20.59","N","N","99","   0"
"120.3666                    ","  710","Y","  356","Y","  233"," 18.06","N","N","99","   0"
"120.4316                    ","  505","Y","  385","Y","  327"," 20.54","N","N","99","   0"

Prior to May 2004 the following format was used for the LINKFILE. 

Whilst the use of this format is still supported users are strongly recommended to use the information provided in Appendix 3 (together with a copy of the latest product CD which can be obtained from GOAL).

In 'normal' use CARGOMANAGER uses a number of data input screens to obtain information on the container to be used, and the items available for loading. The information requested includes:

A 40 character cargo description. (One to cover the whole consignment - one or more containers as detailed below)

A 25 character container description. (One to cover the whole consignment as detailed below)

The Container Internal Length, Width and Height and the load weight limit. (all containers are the same size if multiples are needed)

And, for each product type to be loaded (up to 600):

The length, width and height in mm.

Information of whether the length and/or width can be placed vertical.

The weight of each product.

Information on whether the product must be placed on the container floor (Y/N)

Information on whether the product is fragile (Y/N)

Information on the number of high it can be stacked (1-99 layers - set to 99 if no limits)

The number of the product available for loading (up to 5000 / data entry line)

A priority code for each product (1-99 - all may be set = 1)

In situations where this information can be made available from other computer systems in the fixed format required by CARGOMANAGER - as described below, then such a file may be used as input into the software.

This file might have been produced from, for example, a mainframe order-entry system. A number of CARGOMANAGER users already utilise such a link but it should be emphasized that GOAL are unable to take on any projects which involved the production of such a file..

On the main Options Menu of CARGOMANAGER the Link option allows you to take in a datafile containing product information which could be created on another computer system (mainframe or PC). This can then be processed by CARGOMANAGER and, if required, information passed back to other applications. The name of the linkage file is CMLINK.FIL. It is a comma separated ASCII file containing details of the dimensions, quantities and loading characteristics of a consignment. An examination of the file CMLINK.FIL, as supplied with the application will assist users in setting up the simple file format required. This is also detailed below.

It would however require that the product dimensions and weights were available from your software system and that, if not available, assumed entries could be made in the file to cover other cargo properties.

Details of the linking file are given below.

Example of the CMLINK.FIL file: (ASCII):

Line 1: 'cargo description (max. 40 characters) ','container code (max. 25)'

Line 2: 12000, 2500, 2000, 12000.0

Line 3: 5

Line 4: '1st item (max. 28 chars.) ', 1000, 0, 500, 0, 450,105.55, 0, 0, 99, 23, 1

Line 5: 'Second item ', 750, 1, 300, 0, 350, 23.0, 0, 0, 99, 10, 2

Line 6: 'Third item ', 1200, 2, 1000, 0, 1600,1234.5, 1, 0, 1, 4, 1

Line 7: 'Fourth item ', 456, 0, 123, 1, 200, 1.54, 0, 1, 5, 50,99

Line 8: 'Fifth item ', 800, 1, 700, 1, 710, 12, 0, 0, 99, 11, 6

Line 1 contains cargo and container descriptions (in quotes)

Line 2 contains container length, width, ht and wt limit.

Line 3 contains the number of item types in the consignment. (Max 600)

Lines 4 to 8 contain -

Description,

Length and can it be vertical N/Y = 0/1

Width and can it be vertical N/Y = 0/1

Height

Weight

Is it Heavy (Must be on floor) N/Y = 0/1

Is it fragile N/Y = 0/1

How many layers high is OK?

Number to go (0-20000)

Priority (usually 1)

(All items are free format - text must be in single quotes and weights of container and each cargo item must include a decimal point.)

Further Information:

We should emphasise that whilst GOAL is happy to advise on the creation of the above files the work will almost certainly need to be carried out by you own IT team.

In terms of returning from CARGOMANAGER to the PC disk a file containing details of the cargo loaded into each container this is currently carried out to a file MCONTENT.OUT. Customisation could be considered but might be costly depending upon the information and format required.

A good starting point for any company interested in developing such a linkage system is for them to examine whether CARGOMANAGER can provide them, as standard, with the packing solutions they require. If it can then further exploration into the technical aspects of a linkage can then be considered.