Chapter 4: Inventory
In this chapter:
4.5: Import/Export Data
Adding items to your catalog one at a time can be very boring (pass the oxygen mask, please). The good news is that you can import entire catalogs to your store at once. Not only that, but also entire discount options, product options, and price lists. Also, if you need to export your data for a local back-up or for whatever reason, EDatCat gives you the option to do so.
On the Import/Export page, you will see several links. A brief explanation of each is below...
Import Data
This option allows you to import new inventory to your database.
Product Data can be imported in comma or tab delimited text formats and can replace or add
to your existing inventory. These files are best crafted in a spreadsheet
application such as Microsoft Excel. You will have several import options.
They are as follows:
What to Import
Here, you may choose to import products, customer lists, or orders. You can import complete files for each or select your import fields. If you choose to import select fields, those fields should be placed in columns on your spreadsheet in the order they are required.When you build your spreadsheet, the columns must appear in the SAME ORDER as the EDatCat data fields or the information will not display correctly. It is recommended that you first export your present data and use that file as a guide as you build your import file. You must also remove the column names (data field names) or that row will be listed as a product in your catalog.
Import Options
In this field, click "Browse" to select a comma or tab delimited file on your computer to import.
Mode
You may choose how EDatCat will use your new data. Below is an explanation of the options:
Overwrite- The changes in your new data file will overwrite the existing data. This is useful if you have made a number of changes to existing data and are simply updating your data file.
Append- Your new data will be added to the data that is alredy on your site. Nothing will be replaced or overwritten. Duplicate product numbers are not allowed. This is useful if you are adding a number of new products to your database.
Replace- EDatCat will delete your current data before adding your new data. Your new data will completely replace the data that is already in your database. Be careful when you use this option as it cannot be undone.
Import Current Price Lists
If you have just conducted a massive re-structuring of your pricing
schedule, you may want to import this pricing information to your catalog. Rather
than importing all of your data, EDatCat let's you import just the pricing data in comma
or tab delimited text format. When you contruct this spreadsheet file, use only the
catalog number, retail price, and wholesale price as your columns.
To download a sample price list spreadsheet, click below...
Export Data
EDatCat allows you to export your data for products, orders, order
details, customers, or product categories. To export, select the type of data you
wish to export. next, give the export file a name. A URL, file extension, or
server path is not required...just the filename you wish. i.e.- export. Once
you've named your export file, tell EDatCat to use either comma or tab delimiters in
creating your file. Finally, click Export to retrieve your file. EDatCat will
give you a link to your exported data that you may download to your computer.
Next: Product Options