Import Fields and Rules
This guide outlines the required fields and formatting rules for importing Order data. The import feature supports bulk creation or updates of order records through a structured spreadsheet template, helping streamline the order setup process.
The Order Import function enables users to upload multiple orders or update existing ones in bulk. Fields must follow strict validation rules, especially those tied to Site Settings configurations such as status, departments, and customer details.
Quick Check - Before You Start
- Site Settings lists (status, departments, customers, agents, factories, shipping methods, currencies, etc.) are up to date and match what you will type in the template.
- Date columns use DD/MM/YYYY as required.
- For multi-select style fields in the template, you use commas (,) or semicolons (;) between values as described below.
Fields and Descriptions
| Field Name | Description |
|---|---|
Status | Order status. Must match defined values in Site Settings. |
Order Number | Unique identifier for the order. Required for updates. |
Bulk Order | Use Yes if the order is part of a bulk order. Leave blank if not. |
Style Number | Associated style number. |
Component Number | Linked component number (optional). |
Critical Path | Must match values defined in Site Settings. |
Resources | Staff assigned to the order. Must match user/staff list. |
Customer | Customer name. Must match entries in the customer list. |
Department | Must match defined departments in Site Settings. |
Buyer Code | Buyer reference code (optional). |
Customer Ref No. | External reference from the customer. |
Season | Must match values defined in Site Settings. |
Agent Code | Code for agent. Must match Site Settings. |
Agent | Name of the agent. Must match Site Settings. |
Factory Code | Factory code. Must match factory list in the system. |
Factory | Factory name. Must match defined types in Site Settings. |
Terms | Commercial terms (e.g., FOB, CIF). Must match configured options. |
Start | Production start date (format: DD/MM/YYYY). |
Ex-Factory | Ex-factory date date (format: DD/MM/YYYY). |
ETD | Estimated Time of Departure date (format: DD/MM/YYYY). |
ETA | Estimated Time of Arrival date (format: DD/MM/YYYY). |
In-Store | Target in-store date date (format: DD/MM/YYYY). |
Origin | Must match defined origins in Site Settings. |
Shipping Method | E.g.,Air, Sea, Ground. Must match configured options. |
Freight Status | E.g.,In Transit, Delivered. Must match defined values. |
Warehouse | Must match defined warehouse entries in Site Settings. |
Destination | Must match defined destinations in Site Settings. |
Colour Code | Colour code. Must match configured colours. |
Colour Description | Colour description. Must match configured descriptions. |
Pack | Pack type. Must match defined types. |
Size | Size of the item. Must match system-configured sizes. |
Ratio | Ratio used for size breakdown. |
Size Qty | Quantity for the specified size. |
Buy Price Currency | Must match configured currencies. |
Sell Price Currency | Must match configured currencies. |
Retail Price Currency | Must match configured currencies. |
Alt Retail Price Currency | Must match configured currencies. |
Buy Price | Price paid per unit. |
Sell Price | Price sold per unit. |
Retail Price | Suggested retail price. |
Alt Retail Price | Alternate retail price. |
Custom Fields | Any custom-configured fields (optional). |
Data Entry in Templates
To enter data into the template file for multi-select fields such as tags or custom fields, usecommas (,) or semicolons (;) to separate the values.
Validation Requirements
All dropdown values such as Customer, Agent, Department, Factory, Shipping Method, and Currencies must match the values set in Site Settings.
Helpful information
- Always validate your data againstSite Settings before importing.
- Download the Import Summary after processing to verify results or check for any errors.
Related Actions
Troubleshooting
Why does the import reject my Customer, Agent, or Department values?
These fields must match the exact entries configured in Site Settings. Extra spaces, different spelling, or obsolete list values cause validation failures.
Steps to resolve:
- Open Site Settings and copy values from the live lists rather than retyping from memory.
- Trim leading and trailing spaces in Excel.
- Re-run the import and review the Import Summary for remaining errors.
My dates look correct in Excel but the import fails—what is wrong?
Order import expects DD/MM/YYYY. Excel locale or cell formatting can display dates differently while storing another format.
Steps to resolve:
- Format cells as text or verify the stored value is DD/MM/YYYY.
- Avoid ambiguous dates; use leading zeros where needed.
- Import again and check the Import Summary if errors persist.
How do I enter multiple tags or custom field values in one cell?
Multi-select template fields expect separators as documented for the template.
Steps to resolve:
- Use commas (,) or semicolons (;) between values as described in the Data Entry in Templates note on this page.
- Ensure each individual value exists in Site Settings or custom field configuration.
- If a row still fails, simplify to one value per cell temporarily to isolate the bad entry.