Requesting a quotation with an XML file

With an XML file you import parts, material, thickness and quantities in a single action in the Sophia® online ordering software. Manual entry disappears, so you work faster and the risk of input errors drops. This works for individual parts and for a complete assembly. You upload the design files, click through to checkout and receive a quotation straight away.

What is an XML file?

XML stands for Extensible Markup Language and these files have the extension .xml. An XML file is a text file in which the structure and properties of a document are described using custom labels. It can be read by both machines and humans.

What data does your XML file need to contain?

Your XML file contains the data needed to have a quotation calculated. If that data is correct, all you do is click through to checkout. This is what you need:

• The part. You upload the design files yourself online
• Material
• Thickness (for sheet metal)
• Quantity of each part

Use material names that the software recognises. You can download the list here: List of material names for importing. Does your system export materials as ‘steel’ or ‘aisi’? Under ‘Custom naming mapping’ in your company preferences you map your own terms to ours once, after which that mapping is applied automatically to every import. You will find the setting under your name in the top right, then Company preferences, then Imports, then Map names.

What doesn’t the XML import do?

The import fills in the part data, not the additional properties. You add those to the part manually. This concerns:

• Changing the assist gas (if possible)
• Grinding/rolling direction
• Edge rounding
• Material certificate
• Other manual actions, such as ignoring holes or placing start points

How do you create an XML file?

XML files are generally created by a different software application, usually your own ERP or PDM system. Writing an XML file yourself is possible, but rarely worth the effort. If you want to know exactly how the file is structured, download the explanation.

How do you import an XML file?

Six steps and your request is ready to be calculated. Log in to Sophia® and follow this route:

1. Click the arrow next to ‘Start new request’ and click XML import
2. Select the XML file on your computer
3. Click ‘Upload your design files’ and upload the files in the pop-up. The software runs in your browser, which means it cannot search for files on your computer itself. A green tick shows which files have been uploaded, so you can check that all files referenced in the XML file are included in the project
4. Click ‘Configure your design’
5. Complete any manual steps if required and click ‘To checkout’
6. Your request is processed in real time and you receive a quotation. If the request includes bent or folded parts, the manufacturability check follows immediately

Frequently asked questions about XML import

What data does an XML file need to contain?

An XML file contains the part, the material, the thickness for sheet metal and the quantity of each part. You upload the design files themselves separately online. If that data is correct, your quotation is calculated straight away.

How do you create an XML file?

XML files are generally created by a different software application, usually your own ERP or PDM system. Writing an XML file yourself is possible, but rarely worth the effort.

What can’t you define in an XML file?

You add the additional properties to the part manually. This concerns changing the assist gas, the grinding and rolling direction, edge rounding, the material certificate and other manual actions such as ignoring holes or placing start points.

Why do the design files need to be uploaded separately?

The ordering software runs in your browser, which means it cannot search for files on your computer itself. You upload the files via the pop-up. A green tick shows which files have been uploaded, so all files referenced in the XML file are included in the project.