When you want to work with the information matrix, you can import data information matrix from the basic table from with the import line, from the master data information or this ification search.
The Information Matrix in Business Central lets you build a focused dataset to work with. You import lines into the matrix from one of three sources: the basic table (with import lines), the master data information, or the specification search. This article covers the first two methods.
When you import lines, the source depends on where you start. If you work from the item table, import lines pulls from the item table. If you start from the customer, it pulls from the customer table, and so on.
You can combine the import methods. Each one adds to the lines already in the matrix, so you can layer different selections to build exactly the dataset you need.
You can also remove lines using standard filtering. For example, you can take out every item that contains “bike” in the description by filtering on the description field and choosing remove lines.
Importing lines from the basic table
When you select import lines from the item table, you see table 27, the item table. From here you can select one or more fields to filter on.
You can add as many criteria as you want. For example, you might filter on base unit of measure being pieces, then add safety stock quantity greater than one. When you select add lines, the matrix finds all lines that match those criteria.
This works like normal filtering functionality in Business Central. You build a set of data based on the item table by combining the filters that matter to you, and you can remove lines afterwards to refine the result.
Importing lines from master data information
The second method is to import from information. As with the first method, you can add these lines on top of what you have already imported.
Here you select from specification, text, or file, and this relates to the information code field. You choose which information code to filter on, then pick the field to match: information value, value, or description.
For example, you can select bike type, then choose from a dropdown list of bike types. If you pick city bikes, the matrix adds all lines that are city bikes.
With this method you can only add one criterion at a time. After adding city bikes, you can run import from information again to add another, such as gender being male, and it appends those lines to the list.
Importing lines from specification search
The third method is to import from specification search. It is more complex, so it is worth treating separately, but the key advantage is that you can create multiple criteria in one go. You can select based on many different master data criteria at the same time, rather than adding them one at a time.
Q&A
What are the three ways to import lines into the Information Matrix?
You can import lines from the basic table (with import lines), from the master data information, or from the specification search.
Which table does import lines pull from?
It depends on where you start. From the item table it imports from the item table (table 27). From the customer it imports from the customer table, and so on.
Can I combine multiple import methods?
Yes. Each method adds to the lines already in the matrix, so you can layer import lines, import from information, and specification search to build your dataset.
How many criteria can I add when importing from information?
You can only add one criterion per import. To add more, run import from information again. If you need multiple criteria in one go, use the specification search instead.
How do I remove items from the matrix?
Use standard Business Central filtering. For example, filter on the description field for items containing “bike” and choose remove lines to take them out.