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Component Import Update Existing Components

The Component Import function is a powerful tool for updating existing records in bulk. It is ideal for making simultaneous edits to pricing, composition, suppliers, colours, or other details across multiple components.

To update existing components, you must use the same import template as for creating new ones. The system identifies each record by its unique Component Number and applies changes only to the fields that contain new values in your uploaded file.

Quick Check - Before You Start
  • Every row includes the correct Component Number for an existing component (export from Component Search if you need the list).
  • You downloaded the latest Import Template from Import Component.
  • Only columns you intend to change contain values; all others are blank so existing data is preserved.

How to Update Components

Step Description
1 Download a new copy of the Import Template.
2 In the template, populate the Component Number column with the unique identifiers of the components you wish to update. This field is mandatory.
3 Fill in only the columns for the fields you want to change. Leave all other columns blank to keep the existing data for those fields.
4 Upload the completed file using the Import Component function.
5 Carefully review the data in the preview window and click Yes to confirm and proceed with the update.
Partial Updates Only

The system will only update fields that contain new values in your import file. Any blank cells will be ignored, and the existing data in those fields will remain unchanged.

Helpful information

  1. Export Data to Get Component Numbers: If you need to update a large number of components but don't have their unique Component Numbers readily available, use the Component Search feature to filter for the items you need, and then export the results. The exported spreadsheet will contain the Component Numbers, which you can then use to populate your import template for the update.

  2. Focus on One Type of Update at a Time: When performing bulk updates, it's often safer and easier to focus on one type of change at a time. For example, perform all your pricing updates in one import, and then handle supplier changes in a separate import. This approach simplifies troubleshooting, as it's much easier to identify the source of an error when you're only dealing with a single data point.

  3. Double-Check Your File Before Uploading: Before you upload your file, take a moment to double-check it for common mistakes. Ensure there are no hidden rows or columns, that you haven't accidentally left data in the wrong field, and that the Component Number for each row is correct. A quick review can save you from having to correct unintended changes later on.

Troubleshooting

Why did some components not update?

Updates are keyed by Component Number. Wrong numbers, typos, or validation failures on populated columns can leave rows unchanged or in error.

Steps to resolve:

  1. Verify each Component Number against an export from Component Search.
  2. Open the Import Summary and correct rows listed as failed.
  3. Re-import only the corrected rows if preferred.
I accidentally changed a field I did not mean to—how do partial updates work?

Any cell that contains a value in the import file is treated as an update; blanks are ignored.

Steps to resolve:

  1. Before upload, clear every column you do not intend to change.
  2. Watch for stray values in hidden columns or copied blocks in Excel.
  3. If needed, restore from a backup export taken before the import and run a narrower update file.
Validation failed on Supplier or Brand though the name looks right—why?

Values must match Site Settings and existing records exactly, including spacing and casing.

Steps to resolve:

  1. Copy values from the system lists instead of free-typing.
  2. Trim cells and remove duplicate spaces.
  3. Re-run the import and use the Import Summary to confirm all rows succeed.