Import data files via template

If you regularly receive data from third-party systems as Excel, CSV, or TXT files, you can import it into a model through an import template. This page walks the full workflow, from designing the import template to running the import.

Run an existing import

When a model has an import template attached, the dataset Actions menu shows Import a data file:

1. Open the Actions menu and choose Import data.
2. Pick the import template and select the file with the data; an upload button appears.
3. After the upload, the model opens with an extra sheet showing the raw data.
4. Click Save to finish the import.

• 1 Choose the import template.
• 2 Select the data file, then upload and save.

Build an import template

The idea: take an example source file, build a model that stores the data you need, then turn a copy of that model into the import template by adding Excel logic that reads from the source file.

1. Inspect the source file (.txt, .csv, or .xlsx) to see what data it holds.
2. Decide which data you need — usually you discard columns you do not use.
3. Create the Nooxl model that stores the data, using data label categories for the dimensions and a cell storage section (advanced mode) to lay out rows and columns. Read label names into the layout so rows/columns are labeled.
4. Add the extraction logic: download the model, open it next to the source file, and write Excel formulas in the cell-storage cells that pull values from the source (for example a SUMIFS across the source sheet). Note the source file name (the string in brackets inside the formula).
5. Upload the import template via the model's version management → Migration / Import → Add a new import template (see Import templates), pointing the linked data file name at the source file name from step 4.
6. Test the import from the Actions menu and verify the data is stored after Save and recalculation.

note

Dates: convert text dates into real dates in the import template (for example with DATEVALUE), otherwise separators may be dropped and you end up with strings.

Special characters: enable UTF7 format when the source uses characters like & or ä.

Automate imports via the automation section

An import can be one step of an automation section (JobRanges):

1. Set up a job in the model as described for the automation section.
2. Create a cell storage section that lets users upload the data file; in advanced mode add a value named DocId to print the uploaded file's document id next to the storage.
3. Reload the model and note the document id.
4. Configure the job step:

Column	Value
Job-Name	Any suitable name for the import.
Job-Type	MatrixDataCopy
Run	1 to run it (make the cell editable so users can decide, or drive it with a formula).
Parameter 1	The name of the import template as shown in the navigation.
Parameter 2	The import options as JSON, including the import template name (migrationName) and the migrationDocId from step 3.

Related

• Import templates
• Automation section
• Cell storage section