Advanced Import enables you to import constituent data from other applications as well as donations, pledges, notes, custom fields and form information into both new and existing constituent records faster than manual data entry.
While a host of help documentation exists in the Advanced Import Documentation Cluster, the purpose of this document is to highlight the most common errors encountered when using Advanced Import.
To understand some foundational concepts, refer back to this in-depth overview on Advanced Import here.
Getting started
The information presented in this document covers several common errors while using the Advanced Import tool, including:
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Using correct column headers.
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Meeting character limitations on import file names.
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Finding line breaks detected on import file.
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Uploading correct file type.
If the specific issues you may be encountering are not solved by the steps presented here, please refer to the Advanced Import Data File Best Practices document where you will find additional guidance.
Understanding the Advanced Import Workflow will provide you with basic upload navigation and a clear description of each step in the upload process.
Using Correct Column Headers
When entering column headers into Advanced Import, it is important to only use the defined column headers. If the column headers are not correct, an “Action Required” error will generate to inform you which column header needs to be corrected. For example, if you titled a column header “Zip Code”, that would be incorrect, as the correct Column Definition would be “Postal Code”.
If an Incorrect Column Header error occurs, replace the column header with the correct column definition by following the workflow:
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Go to Tools.
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Select Data Sync.
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Choose Advanced Import.
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Use the Column Definitions to update the Column Headers in your file.
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Save and upload the file with corrected column headers.
Saving the Correct File Type
When using a spreadsheet as the upload file for Advanced Import, it is crucial to use the correct file type. Advanced Import will only accept the CSV file type. If you are using an older version of Excel that creates an incorrect file type, such as the UTF-8 file type, the upload will be unsuccessful.
If an incorrect file type error occurs, reformat the upload file with the correct file type by following the workflow:
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Go to the file location on your desktop.
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Open the Excel file.
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''Save as'' allows you to choose ''Comma Separated Values (.csv)'' from the dropdown menu option.
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Once you save the file as a CSV, the updated file is formatted correctly.
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Reselect the file for upload.
Eliminating Trailing Spaces
''Trailing Spaces'' refers to text within cells of your spreadsheet that extend beyond the last character of text. If there are additional empty spaces that go beyond the text, the upload will populate with the following error message.
If a trailing spaces error occurs, correct the spaces on the CSV file by following the workflow:
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Open the CSV file.
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Delete the trailing spaces for each compromised cell.
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Check the document for any other potential trailing spaces and repair, if necessary.
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Save the repaired CSV and upload the file.
Missing Constituent Type Column Header
When creating the CSV document, there are several mandatory column headers that must be included for a file to properly upload. If the Constituent Type column header is not present, you will receive the following error message informing you that Individual and Organizational information exists without the Constituent Type column header and needs to be added.Troubleshooting Advanced Import
Additional supports for related errors in Advanced Import can be found within the Advanced Import Documentation Cluster.
For all other related and unanswered issues, please contact Customer Service.