iMIS import templates

A template file is a comma-delimited text file that defines the format of the data imported into the Name table in the iMIS database. The template file acts as an interpreter, defining for the database the data that is imported, and enables the iMIS database to consume the data accurately.

The import template is a guide only and must be created based on the data being imported.

Create the template file in a flat editor. The rows in the template file correspond to the columns in your .csv (comma-separated values) file that contains the data you are importing.

Note: The template file and the corresponding .csv file must be in agreement on the order of the columns to ensure the data is imported accurately.

Do the following to import a file with five records. There will be six items that will be imported for each record:

  • First name
  • Last name
  • Company
  • Email
  • Home phone
  • Work phone
  1. Create a template file. The template file for this import will look like the following:
    2. Name.FIRST_NAME,0,0,C
Name.LAST_NAME,0,0,C
Name.COMPANY,0,0,C
Name.EMAIL,0,0,
Name.HOME_PHONE,0,0,
Name.WORK_PHONE,0,0,

    Note: In the template file, the values 0,0,C correspond to the Position, Length, and Processing Code in the Import Utility. These are explained later in this document.

    Each row in the template file represents an entry in the header row of a .csv file, and corresponds to a column name in the iMIS database. For example, data entered through the Import Utility as Name.LAST_NAME,0,0,C and Name.FIRST_NAME,0,0,C is placed under the Name (Last, First) column in the iMIS database.

  2. Give the template file a name, for example, template.txt. The corresponding rows in the .csv file must match the order of the items in the template file.
  3. Create a .csv file to import. Give it a name, for example, Contacts.csv. Include the following information in the Contacts.csv file:
ALAN,ADAMS,ADANAC ELECTRIC,AADAMS@YAHOO.COM,512-334-7834,512-222-5389
MICHAEL,BAKER,ADANAC ELECTRIC,MICHAEL99@GMAIL.COM,512-672-8302,512-332-7378
JENNIFER,CARSON,ADANAC ELECTRIC,CARS212@HOTMAIL.COM,512-373-2383,512-564-9765
GENE,DARRENS,ADANAC ELECTRIC,GD_555@DARRENS.COM,512-254-9492,512-759-8545
LISA,EBERSOL,ADANAC ELECTRIC,EBERS73@GMAIL.COM,512-998-7259,512-213-2596