Using the Import Utility

The file import process involves the following:

• Loading all records from the import (delimited) file to the warehouse file
• Validating the records against the appropriate files
• Committing the valid records to the destination file(s)

To use the Import Utility:

1. Select Signature Utilities > Import Utility.
2. Select Job Cost or Service Management.

3. Select a file to import data to. See Field definitions for import field definitions. The Import window opens. The lower scrolling window displays the existing records in the file you are importing to. 

   When importing a large amount of data, you may want to place the import files and client on the server for faster importing. When importing the Customer Master File, address codes referenced in the customer records must also exist or be imported in the Location Master File
4. Select the Import button to import the delimited file. Respond Yes to the message asking if you want to continue. The delimited file is imported to a warehouse file where the validation takes place. The contents of the warehouse file display in the upper scrolling window of the Import window.
5. Select whether to show valid records, invalid records, or both in the upper scrolling window by marking or unmarking the Show Valid Records and Show Invalid Records checkboxes.

6. Select the show/hide detail button to view the status and description. Valid records have a status of Add or Update. Invalid records have a status of Missing, Duplicate, or Invalid. 

   Although only three fields from the warehouse file display in the upper scrolling window, all required fields are validated, updated, or rejected during the import process.
7. Select Commit to commit the records. Records with a status of Change or Add will be moved from the warehouse file to the corresponding Signature and Microsoft Dynamics GP tables. Rejected records will not be added to the master file. If you are importing Customer, Equipment, or Contract records, you will receive a message asking if you want to update the appropriate quicksearch file. If you have a large quicksearch file, you may want to select No and update it later to save time. If you select No, you must delete the contents of the quicksearch file and run the update after you finish importing (Signature Utilities > File Maintenance Utilities > Service Management > Customer Update).
8. You will receive a message stating how many new records will be added. Respond Yes to the question "Do you want to copy the records?"
9. Print the report by choosing the printer button in the Import window. Review the report.

See also: