Importing Resources
The Resource Import Tool
The Resource Import Tool (in beta) allows you to import resource data from a .csv file into ProVision. In the Resource Import Tool, you can open one or more user-created .csv spreadsheets, perform basic editing functions if needed, associate the data to a specific Section, and correlate the data columns to specific Section Fields.
In Provision, since Resources can be any desired entity, and Sections can be anything from "customers" to "firewalls" to "racks", you have total flexibility in what type of data to import with the Resource Importer to meet your specific company needs. Check out Working With Resources, Customizing Sections, and Customizing Fields for more details on how to fit these elements to your business.
Step 0: Before You Begin
There are a few items that you will need have set up prior to using the Resource Importer Tool. Ensure that you have:
- The .csv document you wish to import saved with UTF-8 encoding. If using Excel for Mac, save the file as "Windows Comma Separated .csv".
- A header row for the data in the .csv.
- The .csv file should be "clean", that is, only contain the data to be imported and a header row for that data.
A Section created in Provision with fields that correlate to the import data. For example, if you wish to import a list of contact information, there will need to be a Section in provision created for "Contacts", with fields such as "First Name", "Last Name", "email address", "Phone number", and so on. To create a new Section, or edit an existing Section, refer to Working With Resources, Customizing Sections, and Customizing Fields.
Warning If the above preconditions are not met, the Resource Importer Tool may not be able to correctly read the .csv file or complete the import. Verify UTF-8 .csv encoding, a clean dataset with a header row, and that an appropriate Section exists in Provision prior to import.
Opening the Resource Import Tool
To open the Resource Import Tool, navigate to the Data Import Tab from the Admin button to import your aggregate blocks. Select "Resource Import Tool" under "Resource Import".
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| Warning |
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Exiting the Resource Importer Tool prior to completing the import process will result in the current open grids being discarded. |
Step 1: Upload your .csv data file
Under the "File" Menu, select "Open .csv". Browse to and select your UTF-8 encoded data file. For this walkthrough, we will be using the Contact Import Sample available on the Import Templates page as an example.
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