The Import Selector in MEX 16's functions as a way to import bulk data into the system.
This module can be accessed within the Side Menu, under the More header:
Accessing this module will show a menu where:
- Import templates can be downloaded by using the "Download Template" button
- Previous Import Jobs can be viewed by selecting "View Import Jobs"
- The Import Listing can be Accessed by selecting "Open Listing"
Importing Using a Template
To Import using a Template, first select the Import you wish to use from the listing on the left then select the Sheets that will be included. Sheets are pages that are relevant to the Import. For example, it can include the addition of Trade Codes when importing Contacts, or the ability to specify which Control Files you are directly wanting to import. Some Imports will have Required Sheets which must be included for the Import to run.
Once the ideal Import and Sheets are selected, use the Download Template button to download a spreadsheet where data should be entered. Any sheets that have been added will be visible at within the Document.
Some Import Templates have Link ID's. These Link ID's are specifically to reference items in the Template, and does not relate to existing records in MEX.
In the below example, we show the Preventative Maintenance Import and utilising Link ID's. This Import would create two PM Policies, and the Link ID will allow other Sheets in the Import to associate data with these items.
Below is an example of adding the PreventativeMaintenanceAssets sheet where the Asset "Forklift1" is being linked to the PM policies specified in the PreventativeMaintenance sheet.
Once happy with the Template, use the "Upload" button and select the Template to Import. This will then load the data into the Import Listing where items are translated into Rows, and the different Sheets can be seen as Tabs at the top of the listing.
When in this view, rows can be added and edited before processing into MEX. If at any point you do not wish to proceed with the Import, but want to work on it further later, the Export button can be used to download the entered data as a Template. This is effectively a way to "Save" the current import edit and complete later.
Once happy with the information in the listing, select the Process button. If there are any items that are invalid, the Validator will display.
Upon pressing the Process button, a panel will appear showing the rows count of rows that will be processed to be either Added or Updated. Select "Process: again to insert the data.
Once completed, the Import will be visible as a completed Import Job.
Entering Data Into The Listing
In the Import Selector, it is possible to navigate straight to the Import Listing by selecting the Open Listing button. Then, new rows can be created using the "New" button near the bottom of the listing. This is also possible to perform when in the listing once data has been uploaded via an Import Template.
Now that a row has been added, the fields in each column can have information written directly rather than having to come through the Import Template again.
In the case that an Import Template did want to be included once information has been added to the listing, the "Import" button can be used to then Append or Replace the data that is currently in the listing.
The Validator and Editing an Import Within the Listing
Data present in the Import Listing is able to be interacted with and edited directly. To do this, select a field that is wanted to be changed and the user should be able to type in new values, or in some cases use a Drop Down / Pop Up selector. This is particularly convenient in cases where there are Validation Errors present in the listing.
When in the Import Listing, there is a "Validator" button in the top right hand corner. Selecting this will bring up a panel with a list of any errors in the Import. This could include Mandatory fields being empty, or data that does make logical sense. The Validator panel will also appear when attempting to Process an Import if Errors exist within the listing. Selecting an item in the Validator panel will select the Row where the error is present.
Selecting "Force Process" will process all valid data, and any invalid data will be skipped.