How to Import Data into Simpro Premium

Overview

Migrate your existing operational data into Simpro Premium when implementing the system into your business.

Go to Utilities A screenshot of a schedule icon with a grey calendar icon and an arrow. > Import to import data formatted in CSV and text spreadsheets, including assets, plant items, generic catalogues, supplier-specific catalogues, pre-builds, jobs, customers and customer notes, employees and contractors, sites, suppliers and supplier invoices.

It is important to note that while importing is a valuable exercise, it requires careful attention and planning.

For a full list of import file templates, go to Import Templates.

You need to have the applicable security group permissions enabled to import customer assets, plant items, customers, employees and contractors, jobs, pre-builds, sites, suppliers, and stock (generic and Simpro Premium-formatted supplier catalogues).

US only: If you use Simpro Premium in the United States, the term 'vendor' is used instead of 'supplier'.

US only: If you use Simpro Premium in the United States, the terms 'inventory' and 'inventory count' are used instead of 'stock', 'stock take', and 'in stock'.

In order to view content or perform actions referred to in this article you need to have the appropriate permissions enabled in your security group. Go to System A screenshot of a schedule icon with a grey calendar icon and an arrow. > Setup > Security Groups and access your security group to update your permissions. The relevant security group tab and specific permissions for this article can be found here:

Import

Import your operational data

Simpro Premium uses an import process known as Extract, Transform, Load (ETL). Data is extracted from the source system, for example, your existing accounting package, your current software package, or your spreadsheet records, then transformed into a compatible format, and loaded into the target system (Simpro Premium). Successful ETL requires a sound understanding of the source and target systems, as well as careful attention to data quality and integrity.

Simpro Premium is glad to guide you in loading and updating your data once it is in the specified format. However, we are unable to extract the data from your current system and transform it for you, because we do not know your current systems the way you do and cannot guarantee the integrity of your data when extracting it.

If you choose to import the data yourself, we recommend you first review your data for integrity and completeness. You may wish to use a data quality or profiling tool to assist with this process, many of which are available online with varying degrees of ongoing support.

You can then follow the instructions for each import process to prepare your data in a CSV, TXT or ZIP file according to Simpro Premium's specific requirements.

If you need more help with migrating your data to Simpro Premium, ask your Simpro Premium Implementation Consultant about our Data Migration Partners.

It is recommended to test the import process by importing a test file with one or two items before importing all operational data.

Troubleshoot the import process

The following steps may assist in troubleshooting any issues with the import process:

  1. If applicable, download the error file CSV and check the error text.
  2. Refer to the file's preparation and import settings instructions.
  3. Ensure column headings and data are formatted identically to how they appear in Simpro Premium and according to field requirements.
    • This includes spacing, case and number formatting. If the file is saved in Microsoft Excel, certain numerical fields may need to have Text formatting applied to prevent leading zeros from being truncated.
    • Fields containing names of employees, contractors, customers etc, may need to be separated into First Name and Last Name columns depending on how they are set up in the card files.
  4. Ensure the format for any dates is the same as specified in System A screenshot of a schedule icon with a grey calendar icon and an arrow. > Setup > Defaults > System > Date Format.
  5. Ensure cells that have been intentionally left blank to not contain spaces or clear text.
  6. Re-save the file in a CSV or TXT format.
  7. Import a smaller number of items in a test file before attempting the entire list.
    • This may also reduce the file size, as files larger than 75 MB cannot be processed.