Note:  This feature is available by request only!

The CSV import tool provides administrators the ability to import existing form data into SYNCHRO from a CSV formatted spreadsheet.

Within each form grid the option has been added which provides a downloadable template file of the form definition. This file can be used to fill in form data and import it into SYNCHRO.  The file can be used to record multiple form instances. Once imported all of the instances will be available to be viewed/edited in the form grid.

This procedure is only designed to import new instances and not for editing existing ones. Editing the instance data should be done individually using the editor in SYNCHRO Control.

IMPORTANT:  It is recommended to try this out on an empty test project first as any instances imported cannot be deleted.

Requirements

Before the CSV file can be successfully imported there are a few requirements that must be first met:

• Required form fields must include data to be able to import the file.  To find out what fields are required you can open a new form from the grid and see which fields are designated with a red asterisk (*). These will be required to be filled out before you can import the file. (Example: Subject and Priority are usually required fields)
• Any form instance uploaded must be in a Status that is allowed to be used as a starting status. This can be updated in the workflow. (Click Here for details).  During the upload process, SYNCHRO Control will give an error specifying the line where the issue arises and what that issue is. This happens before any importing is completed as the CSV file needs to be error free before importing form instances.
• The Assigned To field must be filled with an email address of a user that exists in the project. 
  Note: Roles are not supported at this time.

To Import a CSV File

1. Go to a forms grid and click the more  icon.
   
   
   
2. Select Import from CSV from the drop down to display the following dialog:
   
   
   
3. Download the template file and open it.
   
   The template file columns are taken from the fields in the form type. (Issue, Daily Log etc.)
   Note:  Currently the following form controls are not supported by this import process:
   • Timestamp
   • Photo drop
   • File upload
   • Signature
   • Weather
   • Survey
   • Grid Control
     
     
4. Fill in the data for the fields identified and save the file. Some examples are in the file below.
   Remember: Required fields must include data to be able to import the file.  
   
   
   
5. Once the file has been saved drag the file into the Import dialog:
   
   
   
6. Select Import to complete the process. The new form will display in the grid.
   
   The form can be edited using the normal form editor as well as progressed through the workflow defined for the form type.

Sample Template File

The sample issue template file below can be used to view how data fields are populated.  If working in a test project, this file could be used with the above procedure to view the import outcome.