This activity is used to import a template structure to a serial structure for which serial numbers have not yet been defined. The structure of all parts on which serial number tracking is enabled as well as their sub-structures will be imported. When importing template structure entries for serialized parts with a quantity higher than 1, serial structure entries equivalent to the quantity defined on the template structure will be created. For such occurrences, please note that each structure entry will have the same structure position. If the template structure which is to be imported contains non serialized parts, only the non serialized parts on the first level will be imported. You can also choose to generate serial numbers for the serials in the structure once the template structure is imported.
When a new serial is created, the next level of the serial structure is created automatically with empty structure positions. Empty structure positions, also called Not Installed structure positions, refer to the structure positions where expected serials or parts are missing from the serial structure. When a template structure is imported, the system will first remove these empty structure positions and then import the template structure as described above. However, if serial data is entered into an empty structure position, the structure position becomes installed and you will not be able to import the template structure. If this structure position is disconnected, i.e., through a part or serial removal, and there are no structural items connected to the selected top node, you can then perform an import of the template structure.
It is possible to disconnect all serials from the structure of a serial which is In Operation or Out Of Operation. When this is done, the operational status of the top serial in the structure is set to Out Of Operation. If you import a template structure to this serial structure, the operational status of the top serial is set to Out Of Operation while the operational status of the serials that are imported to the structure is set to Planned For Operation.
You can perform this activity by selecting the option Import Template Structure from the Manage Serial structure page or the Serial Structures page. In the Import Template Structure dialog, enter the template part number, revision and structure position of the template from which details are to be imported. If you want to generate serial numbers for the new serial structure, enable the option Generate Serial Numbers.
Note: This activity can also be performed when you are creating a new serial from the New Serial assistant.