Data Importer

Modified on Mon, 12 Jan at 5:55 PM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview
Enabling the Data Importer
Preparing Data for Import
Accessing the Data Importer Module
Data Importer Module Layout
Toolbar Features
Import Grid
Further Support

Overview

ManagementStudio supports automated data import from external systems—such as Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft Endpoint Manager Configuration Manager, Lakeside SysTrack, SNOW, and NexThink—via connectors. This provides near real-time visibility of users, workstations, and applications within your project.

In addition to connectors, the Data Importer utility enables project administrators to import data from spreadsheets. The importer is available in the following ManagementStudio modules:

User Migrations
Applications
Devices
Deployment Units
Defects
Tasks
Contacts
Mailboxes
Bespoke
Links
Surveys
Test Sign-Offs

Enabling the Data Importer

To allow use of the Data Importer, confirm that the relevant Role Group has the required permissions:

Navigate to Administration → Role Groups.
Select the required role (1) and click Edit Rules (2).

Enable the Importer permission for all necessary modules you wish to make available via the Import Data menu.
Click Finished to complete the edits, then Save Changes.

Preparing Data for Import

Each module in ManagementStudio provides specific fields for mapping imported data. Refer to the corresponding article for details:

Prepare your spreadsheet to match the fields required for the selected module.

Accessing the Data Importer Module

To use the Data Importer:

Select Import Data (1) from the vertical menu bar.
Choose the target module (2) (e.g., Applications).
Ensure you have prepared your spreadsheet with suitable columns and data prior to this step.

Data Importer Module Layout

The Data Importer interface comprises two main sections:

Toolbar: Located at the top, containing import controls and options.
Import Grid: Area for mapping spreadsheet data to ManagementStudio fields.

The Toolbar contains the following controls:

Feature	Description
`Import (1)`	View the file name, preview data, and initiate data import.
`Options (2)`	- Automatically matches spreadsheet headers to ManagementStudio fields. - Option to specify headers on the second row. - Select the worksheet to import from.
`Basic (3)`	- Allow creation of new items in ManagementStudio. - Allow updates to existing items. - Option to show the first two rows as data samples.
`Process (4)`	Move all matched/created items to a specific process.
`Blueprints (5)`	Assign all matched/created items to up to two Blueprints.
`Match On (6)`	Configure criteria for matching imported records to existing items; matching follows the specified order. If no match is found and 'Create New' is enabled, a new item is created.
`Import Blanks (7)`	By default, blank fields in the import will not overwrite existing data; enable to allow blank values to be imported.
`Data Contract (8)`	- Load Import Contract: Import using a previously saved mapping. - Save Import Contract: Save mapping settings for future imports.

Import Grid

The Import Grid allows you to map data headers and review sample data before import. The features include:

Control	Description
`Toggle row on/off for Import (1)`	Exclude columns that should not be imported.
MCH
`Data Headers (3)`	Displays headers found in the imported spreadsheet. If headers are on row two, use the relevant toolbar option.
`Preview Row 1 & 2 (4)`	Shows sample data from the first two rows to aid field mapping (visibility can be toggled in the toolbar).
`Details Field (5)`	Target field in ManagementStudio for importing data. Selecting a cell provides a dropdown of available fields. Automatically matches both original and renamed field names. Note: For new application imports, `AppId` is automatically generated and not required.
Special Fields (6)
`Discovery Tab (7)`	Maps to Custom Form Fields. The auto-matcher aligns field names regardless of their form section (e.g., 'Target Directory' in Excel will match 'Installation\Target Directory' in ManagementStudio if appropriate).
Connector (8)	Maps to the Connector fields.
Service Plan (9)	Maps to the Service Plan fields

Further Support

For additional assistance, visit the ManagementStudio Service Desk to search the knowledge base or to submit a support ticket.