How to make life more convenient: Data Imports
Posted Friday, September 4th, 2009
Some people use data maps to do data imports, but I don’t. It’s annoying and time consuming, especially if you make a mistake.
I always, always, always use the Automatic mapping functionality that comes along with the Data Import tool. You need to export a view with the columns you want to import (column header = field on the form), and then remove the data from the spreadsheet you create (from row two down). Insert the new data under the correct columns headers, and save the new, edited spreadsheet as a CSV file. When you import it back into the tool, you will only have to upload the CSV file you edited during the Data Import – sans data map.
One thing I’ve found that makes things quick is to save the CSV file on my computer – one for each entity. This way, when I want to do another import on the same entity, I just have to insert the new rows of data under the correct column headers, re-save the CSV file (sometimes you have to close out of the file in order for the changes to take place), and then run through the Data Import tool again (this will only apply if you are importing the same fields). It will save me from having to create and export the view all over again.
Tags: CSV File Storage, Data Map, Importing Data
Posted in Data Import Utility, Dynamics CRM
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