Explanation of Conversion Table Rules

Overview

This topic explains the special characters which can be used in code conversion tables along with providing examples of different uses of code conversion tables.

Special Characters

& is a substitution character. This is used when characters need to be copied into a different position in the Target Code. For example, if a 3 character product is included in the middle of the Source Code but is required in a different position as part of the Target Code.

? is a wildcard. If this is used in the source code then this will match any character. If this is used in the target code this will contain the character in the same position in the source code (unless alignment characters are used).

For example, you may wish to consolidate part of an item code to use wildcards in the source code which will include any characters in that position.

Item Code Conversion Tables

Note: When using tables for code conversions, IFP will apply any consecutive rules which have the same source code. If there are rules with the same source code which are not consecutive then only the first rules will be applied.

Code Conversion

When copying or importing data, one or a set of item codes can be used to change these to new codes. This can be done either by using wildcards in the code to form all or part of the item code as shown in rule 1 or can use the full item code to convert from old to new as shown in rule 2.

Copying / Importing Using a Factor

When copying or importing data, an item code can have the Units / Price of a specific item code multiplied by a factor. This can be positive or negative and also include a number between 0 and 1 if you wish to divide by a factor. It is also possible to use wildcards (?) in order to apply these factors to a range of item codes.

Allocating Sales / Expenses

After creating a forecast you may need to split the total amount forecast into various different item codes, e.g. you may forecast direct selling expenses and then use allocations to split this across various products.

Item Mapping Tables

Note: When using tables for item mapping, IFP will only match the first rule found in the table. Therefore, if any additional rules are included which use the same source code, this will be ignored

Applying Mapping Rules Based on Another Classification Variable

This is used when creating rules which map one classification variable based upon what exists for another variable or some component of this.

In the example above the source code can be broken down as follows:

[Target Variable Index (01)] C [Source Variable Index (03)] [Source Variable Value (ABC)]

This means that the entry for BU (target variable index (01)) would be dependant on the Brand (source variable index (03)) having a matching source variable value. Therefore, in rule 1 if the Brand equals ABC then the BU should be set to the target code 1. Rules can also include wildcards here. Factor and Description are for reference only.

Applying Mapping Rules Based on an Item Code

This is used when creating rules which map one classification variable based upon the item code or some component of this.

In the example above the source code can be broken down as follows:

[Target Variable Index (03)] I [Item Code Value (123456_UK)]

This means that the entry for Brand (target variable index (03)) would be dependant on the item code. Therefore, in rule 1 if the item code is 123456_UK, the Brand should be set to the target code (ABC). Rules can also include wildcards here. Factor and Description are for reference only.