Back Office > Administration > SQL Tools > Import & Export > Custom Import

Description

This menu item is used to import data from CSV files.

To Be Considered

1. In V9 and higher, fields like passwords, are now encrypted and will not be imported.
2. Note : Always run the SQL Tools > General Check feature after data has been imported. This will ensure data integrity and compatibility with SwiftPOS.
3. Note : This feature is for advanced users only. Always ensure that backups have been made before invoking this feature.
4. When it comes to importing Products for example, all the Product Groups and Categories referenced in the CSV file, must be created in SwiftPOS Back Office before importing.
5. Also, when it comes to importing Products only import the minimum fields required like Product Code (Inventory Code), Description, PLU, Category Number and Group Number.
6. Importing of Customer/Member's Opening and Current Account Balances data from a CSV file can now be achieved by using the Import Opening and Account Balance feature.
7. Problems importing data, click here.
8. Importing the MemberTable will not import Account Balances as this must be done using the option to Import Account Opening Balances.

Custom Import

Header

• File - Select to open the Import File screen to select the CSV file to be imported. The following is a sample of a simple CSV file for importing into the ProductTable.
  
  

• Table - Select from the drop down list the SwiftPOS Back Office database table to be imported into.
• Match Fields - Select to add all the fields from the Import File to populate the Import File Field column in the grid. The following popup will be displayed.

• Clear Fields - Select to clear and remove the fields in the Import File Field column in the grid.
• Load Spec - Select to load a previously Saved Spec.
• Save Spec - Select to save the current import configuration (spec) displayed for loading at a later date.
• Import - Select to invoke the importing of the data.
• Close - Select to exit.

Grid

• Field - Displays all the fields of the selected table.
• Required - Displays those database fields that are mandatory. That is, data must exist for the import to succeed.
• Unique - Displays those database fields that are unique. That is, the data imported must contain a unique value. Duplicate values will cause the import to fail.
• Data Type - Displays the data type of the database fields. Data to be imported must be compatible with the data types displayed.
• Matching Field - Select from the drop down list of CSV file fields the field that is to be used to populated the selected database field.

Operation

1. Select the File that contains the data to be imported.
2. Select the Table to be imported into.
3. Match the Table fields to the File fields. The Add All button can be used to do this automatically.
4. Select the Import button.
5. Run the General Check after the data has been imported.

Problems Importing Data

1. If errors are encountered while importing, reduce the number of fields imported to troubleshoot (by a process of elimination) which field is causing the error. When finally the importing has worked, then include the fields eliminated, one by one, until all the additional data required has been imported.
2. Delete all the columns from the CSV file that are not required to be imported. This can be done by opening the file in Excel, deleting the columns and then saving the file again as a CSV file.
3. Try exporting an existing database table and importing to see if that works. This can be done here.
4. When it comes to the importing of Product related data, try just importing only the Product Code (Inventory Code), Description, Group, Category and PLU fields.
5. When you have imported the basic data, then you can try adding additional fields to get your additional data required.

Related Topics

1. Data Export
2. Import Customer/Members Opening Account Balances
3. Import/Export Overview
4. Installation
5. SQL Tools