CSV Import (CsvBox) Setup

Simply360 uses CsvBox to provide a powerful, user-friendly CSV import experience. Import data from spreadsheets with automatic column mapping, validation, and error handling.

Overview

The CSV import feature allows you to:

• Import data from CSV or Excel files into any Data Collection
• Automatically map columns to Data Fields
• Validate data before import
• Create new records or update existing ones
• Handle hierarchical data (parent-child relationships)

Starting an Import

1. Navigate to the Data View containing the Data Collection you want to import into
2. Click the Import button in the toolbar
3. The Import Wizard will open

Import Wizard Steps

Step 1: Upload Your File

• Drag and drop your CSV or Excel file, or click to browse
• Supported formats: .csv, .xlsx, .xls
• Maximum file size: 10MB

Step 2: Map Columns

CsvBox will attempt to automatically match your CSV columns to Data Fields. Review and adjust mappings as needed:

• Exact matches — Columns with matching names are auto-mapped
• Suggestions — Similar column names are suggested
• Manual mapping — Select the correct field from the dropdown

Step 3: Choose Import Mode

Step 4: Select Matching Field

For Update or Upsert modes, select which field to use for matching:

• Unique fields — Email, ID, SKU, or any unique identifier
• Composite keys — Match on multiple fields (e.g., First Name + Last Name + DOB)

Step 5: Preview and Import

• Review the preview of records to be imported
• Check for validation errors (highlighted in red)
• Click Import to process the file

Handling Validation Errors

CsvBox validates data against your field configuration:

• Required fields — Must have a value
• Data types — Numbers, dates, emails must be correctly formatted
• Dropdown values — Must match allowed options (see Custom Lists)
• Unique constraints — Cannot duplicate existing values

Rows with errors can be:

• Fixed in the preview before importing
• Skipped during import
• Downloaded as an error report for later review

Importing Hierarchical Data

For Data Collections with parent-child relationships (e.g., Contacts with multiple Addresses):

1. Include parent record identifiers in your CSV
2. Map the parent reference field
3. CsvBox will create records and link them appropriately

Best Practices

• Clean your data first — Remove duplicates and fix formatting issues before importing
• Use consistent date formats — ISO 8601 (YYYY-MM-DD) works best
• Test with a small sample — Import a few rows first to verify mappings
• Back up before bulk updates — Especially when using Update or Upsert modes

Troubleshooting

File won't upload

• Check file size is under 10MB
• Ensure file format is .csv, .xlsx, or .xls
• Try re-saving the file from Excel

Columns not mapping correctly

• Ensure column headers exactly match field names
• Remove special characters from column headers
• Manually map columns if auto-detection fails

Records not updating

• Verify matching field values are exactly correct
• Check for leading/trailing spaces in your data
• Ensure matching field is configured as unique in the Data Collection

Related Topics

• Data Collections Overview — Understanding collections you import into
• Managing Data Fields — Field types and configuration for column mapping
• Creating Data Views — Views where the Import button appears
• Data Permissions — Collection-level Create permission required for importing
• SSP Integration Setup — Alternative import method for SSP data