Import Data

Importing data is accomplished using Foundant's import tool. This article uses a journal entry import as an example, but the process is similar across all imports in Accounting, CRM, and Fundraising. 

Create Import File

1. Create and save a spreadsheet with your import data.

• • The file can be saved as a .csv, .tsv, .xls, .xlsx, .xml, or .txt format.
  • Headers are optional when creating the file. If you include them, they do not have to be an exact match. You'll have an opportunity to match your data to the appropriate columns during the import.
  • Each import has different field options and required fields. Fields and requirements by import type are listed in the following resources:
    • Accounting: Import Fields
    • CRM: Import Fields
    • Fundraising: Import Fields

Import Data

These steps use a journal entry import. Steps 1-3 can vary by type of import, but the remainder are the same for all imports.

1. Navigate to Accounting.
   • If you are doing a non-accounting import, navigate to CRM or Fundraising.
2. Click Imports on the navigation bar.
   • If you are in CRM or Fundraising, click Data Import on the navigation bar.
3. Click Journal Entry Import.
   • If you are not importing journal entries, click the appropriate import type.
4. Click Upload data from file.
   
   
   
5. Upload your saved import file.
   • If your file has multiple sheets, select the appropriate sheet from the drop-down.
6. Wait for the file to upload, and then click Continue
   
   
   
7. Click Yes, Select another row, or No header row in the the "Does the selected row contain column headers?" section.
   • This example uses Yes.
   • The selected row is indicated with an arrow where the spreadsheet data displays. 
     • Yes - Select this if the import tool correctly identified the row with column headers.
     • Select another row - Select this option to select another row for column headers.
     • No header row - Select this option if the spreadsheet does not contain a header row.
       
       
       
8. Confirm your data is mapping to the appropriate fields. The Foundant Import Tool will use the data in your file to assist with mapping. You have three options: confirm the import tool's mapping, select a different field to map data to, or exclude data from the import.
   
   

   Confirm Mapping
   

   In the two examples in this image, the import tool was able to match the import data to an import description. Notice that ID and Date from the import file mapped to Record ID and Date. If this is correct, click Confirm Mapping.
   
   
   
   

   Select a Different Field

   When the import tool selects the wrong match or cannot identify a match, click the caret icon and select the appropriate match from the drop-down menu. Then click Confirm mapping.
   • Existing custom fields will be available in the drop-down menu.
     
     
     

     Exclude from Import

     If data should be excluded from the import, click Ignore this column. You might ignore data that's not a required field and not populated on your import file, or ignore extra columns that were on your import file and are not available in the import.
     
     
     
9. Once all fields have been confirmed or ignored, click Review.
   
   
   
10. Correct any errors by typing directly into the fields highlighted in red.
    • In this example, there is an error because Description is a required field. Required fields are indicated with an asterisk.
    • Some fields in other imports will have text in the error explaining what needs to be corrected.
    • If you're editing a large file with lots of errors, you can click the Only show rows with problems toggle to limit the display to rows with errors.
      
      
      
    • After a cell has been edited, it will have a subtle icon in the right side. You can also click the Show modifications toggle to limit the display to rows that have been modified. Modified cells will be highlighted.
      
      
      
    • If a cell has been automatically formatted by the import tool, then it will have a dotted gray underline.
    • Any changes made in the edit mode will not be reflected in the uploaded file. If the saved file should reflect the same changes, make changes in both places.
11. Click Continue.
    
    
    
12. Click Yes to confirm submission of the import file.
    • Do not click Yes more than once. The file will import each time Yes is clicked. There is not a way to undo an import.
      
      
      
      
13. Click Ok.
    • You will automatically be redirected to the status import page.
      
      
      
14. Click each hyperlink for both succeeded and failed statuses to see additional import notes. 
    • If the status is Succeeded, there is a possibility that the import couldn't import all data. This will be called out in the notes.
    • If the status is Failed, information about why the import failed will be displayed.