Product Tip of the Month – Prolog®
Using the Import feature in Prolog Manager
By Michael Hokson, Meridian’s Senior support Analyst
Need to transfer large amounts of data from an Excel spreadsheet to Prolog Manager? With the Import feature, Prolog Manager allows you to transfer data from an external file with an easy-to-use wizard. However, there are a couple of considerations..
Using the Import feature in Prolog Manager
Importing data from Excel, Access or text files is useful when making quick, repetitive changes to Prolog Manager data. You can use the import feature when you need to transfer large amounts of data from an Excel spreadsheet.
Why should I export sample data before importing data?
Prolog Manager expects the data you import to be in a certain format. To ensure success, be sure to first export data from the same data group into which you will be importing. Exporting data creates a file displaying the formatting you should apply to the file you want to import. You can also use the exported file as a template into which you can add the data you want to import. If you choose to use an exported file as a template, ensure that you erase the original data in the file before importing it back into Prolog Manager.
For example, let's say you have an Excel file with Punch List items you wish to import. Before importing the data, create an export file in Excel (XLS) format with the fields you wish to import. Make sure to use the Punch List data group. Open your import file and exported file in Excel. Compare the column headings to make sure the headings you have in your import file match the headings in the export file you created. You can then import your file and use Smart Match to have Prolog Manager make sure your data is transferred to the right places.
What about validation?
When importing from an external file, Prolog Manager does not validate the data. Any data records that are imported must contain the required fields of each form within Prolog Manager.
For example, when importing to the Daily Work Journal, there are three required fields, Date, Company, and Crew. If your external file does not contain Crew data, Prolog Manager will automatically create a value for this field when you open the imported records. To avoid this type of issue, make sure your external file contains all required fields.
So how exactly do I import or export data?
For instructions on importing data, press the F1 key on your keyboard to open Help and search for the topic, "Importing Data from an External File". For instructions on exporting data, search for the topic, "Exporting Data to an External File".
Meridian Systems and the Meridian Systems logo are the property of Meridian Systems, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2006 Meridian Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
