This guide provides data import overview and specifications for use during system startup and ongoing maintenance.
Data import is used to populate initial master tables
The data import screens are used with the Startup Wizard to populate initial master tables during system implementation.
Data import can also be used for ongoing maintenance
Data import is also used for ongoing maintenance. New field values can be imported into existing records or new records can be imported into existing tables.
WARNING: Only import data using the data import screens
Never import data by any means other than the data import screens provided within the system. The data import screens include many safeguards that protect the integrity of your database.
NOTE: Importing data on your own or through any third party tools or utilities is prohibited by our end user license agreement.
Import Process
The import process goes like this.
| • | For each table to be imported, you export the data from your old system. You either export the data directly into an Excel spreadsheet or you take your export file and convert it into an Excel spreadsheet. |
| • | You then edit your Excel spreadsheet so that the data conform to the requirements of the DBA system. |
| • | Once your spreadsheet is finalized, you map each of its columns to its corresponding field in DBA and then you import the data in a single batch transaction. |
Excel - Special Warning Regarding Leading Zeroes in your Reference IDs
Excel will automatically drop leading zeros from a Reference ID in a spreadsheet data column. This can lead to an "unable to find value" error during data import. If you encounter this issue, you may consider using the Open Office spreadsheet tool. The Open Office spreadsheet .csv format will not auto-format your data.
