Customer configuration XML import (advanced configuration)

Itron recommends using the program-based configuration data method available in IEE v7.0 and higher. (See Configuration import task adapter (program-based).)

However, the Customer Configuration XML Import adapter enables you to import a large amount of configuration data into IEE using the method available in IEE prior to v7.0. You can use this import adapter during initial IEE system installation and configuration, as well as for incrementally adding new configurations on a recurring basis.

Use the following procedure to configure a task template:

  1. Go to System Operations > Task Management > Task Templates.

  2. Use the dropdown menu to select the Task Type and Task Template. (Click Add to create a new task template. For more information, see Adding task templates.)

  3. Configure the Task Specific Parameters. These parameters are defined after this procedure.

  4. Configure the Common Task Template Parameters. For more information, see Task template parameters.

  5. Click Save.

Task specific parameters:

File Mask

Defines a file extension or a partial file name that IEE uses to monitor import directories and create export files. Enter a file mask such as .xml when configuring an import or export task template. When a file arrives in the import directory, IEE automatically schedules the file for import if it matches the mask. IEE ignores files that do not match the file mask. When creating an export file, IEE appends this mask to the file name.

Processing Chunk Size

Defines the number of configuration entities processed by sub-tasks. IEE groups the data that was processed by the task into separate batches of the size you designate here. IEE considers the task completed when all child tasks are finished, and each has reported back to the parent tasks.

Chunk size is a parameter common to several task templates. The higher the chunk size value, the greater the portion of the total available work each IEE task runner performs. A smaller value means dividing the work between more concurrent task runners.

Chunk sizes that are too large overburden a few task runners, while other task runners sit idle. In extreme cases, overly large chunk sizes could result in system failure due to lack of available, allocated memory. Chunk sizes that are too small spawn many task runners that perform more initialization and shutdown than actual work. Both large and small extremes will cause delays in export processing.

When fine tuning chunk sizes, consider database resources, hardware requirements, daily processing levels, and processing windows. Adjust values over time, as hardware and networking conditions change.

Import Directory

Defines the folder that IEE monitors for incoming files. IEE automatically schedules files that arrive in this directory for import. You define the paths to default import directories in the IEE System Administration workbench. When configuring the import directory parameter in an import task template, enter the file path to the directory that IEE monitors for import files specific to this task. This parameter supports standard IEE macros. Reference as ($ImportDirectory) when configuring a task.

Mapping Specification

Enter the full path and file name of the appropriate mapping file if a specific import file needs to be mapped for use during import. The mapping file must be an XSLT transform.

External System

Defines any external system to which IEE configuration data can be associated. In many places this parameter provides you with the dropdown menu to select from the external systems configured in the External System table.