In this article, learn how to import your custom properties from a CSV file
Applicable Subscription Levels:
QC MANAGER | STARTER | PRO | PRO+ | ENTERPRISE
Overview
Using the Custom Property Import feature is a fast an easy way to create new Custom Properties in bulk rather than manually adding them one at at time. This article explains how to create the import file correctly so there are no errors during the import.
Topics in this article include:
Creating Custom Property Import File
Anatomy of a Custom Property Import File
Creating the .CSV File
Importing the File
Excel Template
Creating Custom Property Import File
The Custom Property import file must be in the comma separated value (CSV) format. This format separates each value with a comma. The easiest way to make this file is to use a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel. Just put each value in a different cell, making sure there are no skipped columns or rows. When it is time to save the file, use Save As, and select the CSV (comma delimited) file format.
Anatomy of a Custom Property Import File
The import file defines the Custom Properties that should be created. This includes the basic Custom Property information (i.e., Name, Type, etc.) as well as any special characteristics of the property (is a value required, should the property be totaled in shipments, etc.).
To learn more about these special properties see the Idencia Setup - Custom Properties article.
Above is an example of the columns included in a Custom Property import file. Below is an overview of each column.
| Column | Header | Required | Description |
| Column 1 (A) | Property Category | A value in this column is always required |
The category of the Custom Property. This attribute defines the entity to which the Custom Property will apply. Valid Values: |
| Column 2 (B) | Property Type | A value in this column is always required |
The type of Custom Property to be created. Valid Values: Text, |
| Column 3 (C) | Property Name | A value in this column is always required |
The name of the Custom Property. Valid Values: Any text value |
| Column 4 (D) | Show In Mobile App | A value in this column is always required |
Setting this attribute to Yes (Y) will cause the value entering in this field to be displayed for each item in the mobile app. For example, if you set this attribute to Y for an Item Type Custom Property called "Weight", the "Weight" value of each item will be displayed for the user in the mobile application. A maximum of four (4) custom properties (totaled across Item, Item Type, and Job Custom Properties) can be marked for display in the mobile application. Valid Values: Y, |
| Column 5 (E) | Required |
This column must be filled in when the "Property Category" column (Column 1 (A)) = Item Type. If the Property Category Column does not equal "Item Type", this column should be left blank |
Setting this attribute to Yes (Y) will cause the field to be required when new Item Types are created or existing Item Types are updated. Valid Values: Y, |
| Column 6 (F) | Total in Shipments |
This column must be filled in when the "Property Category" column (Column 1 (A)) = Item Type AND the "Property Type" = Numeric. If the Property Category Column does not equal "Item Type", and/or the Property Type does not equal "Numeric" this column should be left blank |
Setting this attribute to Yes (Y) will add the field to the Shipment Details screen. The application will automatically calculate and display the sum of this field across all items included in the shipment. For example, a numeric field called "Weight (lbs)" could be added to each Item Type. For each item included in a shipment, the application will sum up the total weight of all items. This information can then be used to make sure shipments are not overweight, and the value can be included on Shipping Tickets and Bills of Lading. Valid Values: Y, |
The first row of the file should include the headers shown for defining the Custom Properties. The second row should include the information to go along with each header item. Each corresponding value should be directly under it's header.
Make sure you spell each column header and valid value exactly as defined above. Including a column or value that has not been defined in Idencia will cause an import error.
Below is an example of a Custom Property import spreadsheet.
Creating the .CSV File
Once you have the data correctly entered into your spreadsheet, you'll need to save the Excel file in .CSV (Comma Separated Value) format. Click on the File menu in Excel, then choose Save As. In the File Type drop down list, choose the CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv) option.
Importing the File
To import a file of Stock Item Types:
- Go to Settings --> Custom Properties
- In the upper right-hand corner of the screen, click Import
- Browse to the file and click Open.
- Click Next. The file will be scanned for errors.
- Click Import.
Excel Template
Below is a link to an Excel template you can use to get started. The workbook includes an information sheet and an example sheet. Click the link to download the template file.