Data Uploader
Last updated
Last updated
This option allows you to upload entries from a third party csv, HTTPS, or SFTP service to a tracker that has already been created.
This menu shows the recorded log for data imports. Files currently being imported will be indicated by a blue "Running" status. Completed runs will be indicated with a green "Successfully Run" status. Click the rotating arrow icon to refresh the tracker and Run Logs. Clicking the Last Run or Run Status columns will sort the columns.
This menu records the source of each import instance of data. From this menu, you are also able to download the original file. Only directly uploaded files will be available for download.
With this option, you have the flexibility to either upload your entry data directly or link to a third-party service with the necessary permissions. Following the upload, you can easily map your database columns to the existing columns in your tracker. Once you've reviewed and confirmed your settings, your data will be imported.
.csv or .xlsx: Choose a file from your computer to upload. A max of 20,000 rows in the file will be uploaded. Only one file may be uploaded at a time, but multiple upload instances can be added to the import queue. Clicking Download sample file link will download an .xlsx file with your tracker headings as a template.
SFTP: Provide the complete SFTP endpoint from which the file needs to be fetched. For instance: 'sftp://masftp.mangoapps.com/data_entries.xlsx'. Nest, login with your SFTP authentication credentials. Once the file is successfully processed, it will be renamed by adding "success_ddmmyyyy_hhmm_" as a prefix to the original name in your FTP database. For example, a file on the SFTP server is named "data_entries.xlsx," and was successfully processed on October 6, 2023 at 10:23 am. After process completion, the file will automatically be renamed in the server as "data_entries_success_06102023_1023.xlsx." Please note that a maximum of 20,000 rows in the file will be processed.
HTTPS: Input a valid HTTPS API endpoint for data retrieval, such as 'https://api.example.com/data'. Additionally, provide an authorized API key that has the necessary permissions to read data from this endpoint.
Tips for Importing and Updating Rows in Trackers
When importing new or updated rows from downloaded Tracker data, make sure to match your Row IDs (this is NOT the Auto Number Column Type):
Existing Rows with the auto-generated Number Row ID: If you have pre-existing rows with an auto-generated number row ID and you update data in other columns before importing, the Tracker will match the row ID number and efficiently update the corresponding data in your Tracker. This guarantees that the updated information is accurately reflected in the Tracker.
Data Rows without Auto Number Row ID: For data rows without an auto number row ID, the Tracker will automatically generate new row ID data for any new rows of data you import. This feature streamlines the process of managing and organizing newly imported data.
Matching Number Format for Import: It's important to note that the data will NOT be imported into the Tracker for any data rows where the number format does not match the auto number format. Ensure that the number format in the imported data aligns with the specified auto number format in the Tracker to ensure successful import and accurate data representation.
Once your file has been imported, you will be prompted to map headings from your imported file to the headings in the tracker.
Column mapping will not add new columns to the tracker. Make sure to double check that all columns in your tracker have been set up before you proceed with the upload. Trackers will NOT automatically update the data type imported into each column. Make sure the type of data you are importing to each tracker column matches the data type set up for your column. For example,
You have a Column Type: Date and the Date Format has been set to MM/DD/YYYY
In your .csv, the entered dates are formatted DD/MM/YYYY.
Since the data format of your .csv does not match the data format set up in the tracker, the column will be left blank or entries will populate incorrectly.
If .csv data is imported into a column set as Column/Data Type: Text, the tracker column type can be changed post-import in the Column menu. For more information on changing column types, click here.
For example,
You have a spreadsheet containing columns of numbers. You import these numbers into a tracker with Column Type: Text. After the import process, you would like to change these entered numbers to reflect dollar amounts. You change the column type to Amount and choose a data type of Dollar. Since no formatting changes need to be made to the numbers currently in the column, the column type can be updated to Data Type: Amount without a loss of entry information.
As well, you can import data to special field types as long as the imported data matches the data format for the tracker column exactly.
For example,
You have a .csv containing a column of Yes/No responses and would like to import the column into the tracker. The tracker column has been set up as a dropdown with options "Yes" and "No". Since the the data matches exactly to the available choices (capitalization, spacing, and special characters matter) the data will import.
However, a couple data entries have the responses "yes" and "N". These entries will NOT import because they do not match the tracker column data format type.
In this step, you will choose your data import settings as well as choose a notification setting for when the upload has been completed.
Data Settings: These settings allow you to control how your data is merged into the current tracker.
Policy: Choose between merging the new data with the current data within the tracker, or replacing all current entries.
Merge Data: The data uploader will use the unique column in the tracker to lookup rows. New rows will be added and existing rows will be updated (depending on the add rows & update rows setting values). No rows will be deleted.
Replace Data: Data uploader will replace all the entries in the tracker with the entries from the input source.
Toggle options: Toggle the below actions to activate or de-activate their function for the current upload.
Add entries to the tracker that are new in the input source. Toggle this ON and the uploader will add new rows.
Update entries in the tracker to match the input source. When toggled on, the uploader will update columns in existing rows with new data. It's important to have one column in the tracker designated as a unique identifier for accurate updating.
Run active automations on completion of data uploader
Notification setting: Elect to receive a notification when events happen during your data upload.
Don’t notify: Data uploader will not generate any activity notification when it runs.
Only when there are errors: Data uploader will generate activity notification when there is an error during its run. Notification will be send to tracker creator & team admins.
On data upload completion: Data uploader will generate activity notification, when the file upload is complete. Notification will be send to tracker creator & team admins.
Click Import Now and your data upload will begin.
Refresh your tracker once the upload is complete to view your new data.