When moving data between Ecolego, Excel or the Parameter database, two types of links can be created between the exporting format and the importing format. The links are necessary so that the values can be synchronized. A typical case would be when parameter values have once been imported from the database to Ecolego. Later, when the values have been updated in the database and the model is to be synchronized with the database, a link must exist to connect a specific parameter with a database parameter instance.

There are two types of links: soft links and hard links.

An obvious link is the name of the parameter. The name is not enough however: a model may contain several parameters with the same name but in different sub-systems.

When exporting values from Ecolego to either Excel or the database, tags can be assigned to each exported parameter. By creating tags for the sub-system a soft link is established.

Each parameter in the model has a GUID which is used to directly connect an Ecolego parameter with a database/Excel instance. Once this link is established, the parameter can be moved and even renamed in Ecolego without breaking the link.

• Exporting and importing data