Setting up the batch and job database

Setting up the batching database

The batching database works together with Job Mode to attach part and process information to batches and, in Guided mode, to step through a defined list of parts in a fixed order. It is stored as one or two CSV files loaded into TAMS from the SD card.

Create the main database file (TAMSdatabase.csv)

The main database is an Excel/CSV file with up to 15 columns and up to 100 rows (including the header).

• File name: TAMSdatabase.csv
• Separator: Comma or semicolon (detected automatically).

Structure:

• Column 1 – Part name (required):
  List of batch/part names (for example “Panel A”, “Door LH”, “Cover 1”). This name can be used as the batch name and is shown on the main screen in Manual and Guided Job Modes.
• Columns 2–15 – Additional fields (optional):
  May include model, colour, process step, environment, coating type, repair status, customer, etc.
  Up to 15 fields in total (including Part name), with a maximum of 60 characters per entry.

Example:

Fields shown on the Info screen

Up to four database fields can be displayed on the Info screen:

• These must be in columns 2 to 5 of TAMSdatabase.csv.
• Typical choices include model, colour, process and environment, helping identify each batch during review.

Loading the batching database

1. Copy TAMSdatabase.csv to the root of the SD card (not inside a folder).
2. Insert the SD card into the TAMS SD slot.
3. On the instrument, open Menu → My Car → Load database from SD card.
4. Wait for the “Loading database completed” message, then return to the main screen.

Job Mode can now use the part list and fields when naming and organising batches.

Using the database with Job Mode

Job Mode is set in Menu → My Car → Job mode and defines how the database is used.

• OFF

  • Database is ignored.
  • Batches are recorded without names; suitable for quick checks.

• Manual

  • Database is used as a pick‑list when closing batches.
  • After a batch is closed, the instrument prompts to assign a name or leave it unset.
  • Available names come from Column 1 (Part name) in TAMSdatabase.csv.

• Guided

  • Database is used to guide the operator through a predefined list of parts.
  • After selecting Start new job/car, identification fields are set, and the next part to measure is shown at the bottom of the main screen.
  • Parts are presented in the order they appear in Column 1, or in a sequence list if configured (see below).

In both Manual and Guided modes, part names and associated fields are stored with each batch for easier filtering and analysis later.

Configuring sequence lists (optional)

Sequence lists allow Guided Job Mode to follow different measurement orders (for example S1, S2, S3…) using an additional sequence file.

Step 1 – Add a SEQUENCE field to TAMSdatabase.csv

In TAMSdatabase.csv:

• Add a column named exactly SEQUENCE (it must not be Column 1).
• For each part, enter the sequence ID to which it belongs (for example S1, S2, S3…).

Example:

Include an entry such as none in the SEQUENCE column for parts that should follow the default order and not use a special sequence.

Step 2 – Create the sequence file (TAMSsequence.csv)

Create a second CSV file:

• File name: TAMSsequence.csv
• Same basic limits as the main database (up to 15 fields, up to 99 items per list).

Structure:

• Each column header is a sequence ID (S1, S2, S3, etc.).
• Under each header, list the Part name entries in the exact order you want them measured in that sequence.

Example:

Save the file and copy it to the root of the SD card alongside TAMSdatabase.csv.

Step 3 – Load and use sequences in Guided Job Mode

1. Load both TAMSdatabase.csv and TAMSsequence.csv from the SD card using Load database from SD card.
2. Set Job mode = Guided in the My Car menu.
3. When starting a new guided job, select the desired sequence (for example S1, S2…).
4. TAMS will now propose parts in the order defined in TAMSsequence.csv for that sequence.

If the sequence file or selected list is not found, TAMS automatically falls back to using the order in Column 1 of TAMSdatabase.csv.