Content tags: BOM template import, override BOM line, exclude BOM line, additional BOM line, line key, template link, advanced BOM

Labels: BOM, templates, import

Once you're comfortable with the basic BOM importer, you can also link BOM templates and fine-tune the lines they contribute — all from the same Excel file. These options are for occasional setup work; most day-to-day imports only use plain packaging lines.

[VIDEO: Walkthrough of linking a template in the file and using override, additional, and exclude]

Linking a template

Add a row with Row type set to template_link and the template's exact name in the Template column. The product then inherits that template's lines.

Important: Template links are replaced on import just like lines. To keep a template linked, include its template_link row every time you import that product.

Adding packaging on top of a template

To add a line alongside what a template already contributes, use a normal line with Line effect set to additional. It never replaces anything. Here the Black colorway gets a tissue sheet in addition to the inherited packaging:

Referencing an inherited line with a Line key

To change or remove a line that comes from a template, you first need a way to point at it. Add a template_line row that describes the inherited line and give it a Line key (any unique label — T1, T2, and so on by convention). This row creates nothing on its own; it's only a handle.

The template_line row must match exactly one line in the named template — the importer matches on line type, scope, component item number, component SKU, and scope attributes. If it matches none or several, you'll get a "Could not uniquely resolve template line" error.

Overriding an inherited line

An override replaces an inherited line for the same packaging product — typically to change its quantity. Reference the inherited line through Overrides template line. Here the 3-pack socks need three care labels instead of the template's one:

Excluding and swapping a line

To remove an inherited line entirely, use exclude and point Overrides template line at its template_line row. The exclude row still needs the same Component item number as the line it removes.

Because override only works for the same packaging product, swapping one packaging product for another is done by excluding the old line and adding the new one. Here the jacket drops the inherited medium polybag and uses a large one:

Line effect reference

Tip: Only the line being referenced needs a Line key. The override or exclude line just fills in Overrides template line with that key — it doesn't need a key of its own.

Overriding another line in the same product

The Overrides BOM line column works the same way but points at another local line row in the file (by its Line key) instead of a template line. This is rarely needed — most setups only override template lines.

Troubleshooting

Related articles

• [LINK: Importing and exporting BOMs — the basic export, edit, and import workflow]
• [LINK: Setting up BOMs and BOM templates — building BOMs and templates in the product editor]