Import & Export

Import data from CSV files and export data for external analysis.

Overview

Import and Export features allow you to:

• Import clients, products, and other data from CSV
• Export data for analysis in Excel or other tools
• Backup important data
• Migrate from other systems
• Perform bulk operations

Importing Data

Supported Data Types

You can currently import:

• Clients: Company information and contacts
• Products: Product catalog (including services)

Import Process

1. Navigate to the relevant page (e.g., Clients)
2. Click Import button
3. Select your CSV file
4. Map columns to fields:
   • System suggests mappings
   • Adjust as needed
   • Required fields must be mapped
5. Preview the data
6. Review for errors
7. Click Import

CSV Format Requirements

Clients CSV

Required columns:

• company_name (required)

Optional columns:

• contact_person
• email
• phone
• address
• city
• state
• zip
• country
• notes

Products CSV

Required columns:

• name (required)
• type (required: "product" or "service")
• pricing_model (required: "fixed" or "hourly")
• price (required)

Optional columns:

• description
• sku

Import Best Practices

• Clean data first: Remove duplicates and errors
• Use templates: Download sample CSV for format
• Test small: Import a few records first
• Backup first: Export existing data before importing
• Check mappings: Verify column mappings
• Review errors: Fix errors before final import

Handling Import Errors

The system will:

• Show errors for invalid data
• Skip rows with critical errors
• Import valid rows
• Provide error report

Common errors:

• Missing required fields
• Invalid data formats
• Duplicate records
• Invalid values

Exporting Data

Export Options

You can export:

• CSV: For Excel/spreadsheet analysis (available for most lists)
• JSON: For data integration (available for some entities)
• PDF: For invoices and quotes (individual documents)

Exporting from Lists

1. Navigate to any list page (Clients, Invoices, etc.)
2. Apply filters if needed
3. Click Export button
4. Choose format (CSV, PDF, JSON)
5. Download file

Exporting Reports

1. Go to Reports
2. Select a report
3. Configure filters
4. Click Export
5. Choose format
6. Download

CSV Export Format

Exports include:

• All visible columns
• Current filters applied
• Formatted data
• Ready for Excel import

Export Best Practices

• Filter first: Export only needed data
• Regular exports: Backup important data regularly
• Use for analysis: Export for external analysis
• Share carefully: Be mindful of data privacy
• Format appropriately: Choose format for intended use

Data Privacy

GDPR Compliance

When exporting data:

• Be mindful of privacy regulations
• Only export necessary data
• Secure exported files
• Delete exports when no longer needed

Secure Handling

• Store exports securely
• Use encrypted storage
• Limit access to exports
• Delete after use

Troubleshooting

Import Issues

Problem: Import fails

• Solution: Check CSV format, required fields, data types

Problem: Some rows skipped

• Solution: Review error report, fix data, re-import

Problem: Duplicate records

• Solution: Check for existing records before importing. Update mode is not yet available.

Export Issues

Problem: Export is empty

• Solution: Check filters, ensure data exists

Problem: Format issues

• Solution: Try different format, check file encoding

Next Steps

• Manage clients - Import client data
• Products & Services - Import products
• Reports - Export report data
• Settings - Configure portal and other settings