Data Importer (UI): Options for Importing

When executing a data import from the user interface in CollectiveAccess, options are available in the Data Importer that determine the extent of error messages and whether data will show up in the system upon import.

When doing a data import, it is helpful to receive error messages, and some of these can be configured in the user interface before executing a data import. This reference page assumes that a data import is being executed through the user interface, where various options can be set.

The Data Importer UI Screen

As noted in Running an Import, a data import can be executed in CollectiveAccess either through the command line (terminal) as recommended for developers or those versed in code, or, through the user interface in CollectiveAccess. ThOnce an import mapping spreadsheet has been uploaded to user interface displayed via Data > Import, and the forward arrow icon has been selected, this screen will be displayed:

This screen is where certain options for the import can be set. Note that these options do not affect the dSetata being imported; they simply generate various levels of error messages, determine if the import is a dry run, or limit the error messages that will be received after the data import is completed. Logs refer to the files that contain these error messages.

The various options are described below.

Data Format

This menu will automatically contain the input format value that is set in the import mapping itself for the source data format (XLXS, FMPro XMLResult, and so on.)

Data File

Select the source data files to be imported. Upload the data file from the computer, or select the data file from the import directory.

Log Level

This setting controls the level of detail displayed in the log for the import. For the most comprehensive log, select Debugging messages.

Option	Description
Errors	All errors will display as the import progresses on the same screen where the import is running
Warnings	Warning messages will display as the import progresses on the same screen where the import is running
Alerts	Alerts wll display
Informational Messages	Informational messages will display
Debugging Messages	Debugging messages will display

Limit Log To

This setting limits the level of detail in the log for the import.

Option	Description
General Information	The log for the data import will display general information about the data import.
Skip Message	The log for the data import will display only Skip messages, meaning only places in the import that were skipped will be shown in the log.
Existing Record Policy Messages	The log for the data import will only contain messages about Existing Record Policies.
Relationship Creation Messages	The log for the data import will only contain messages about Relationships created during the data import.

Testing Options

This setting enables a data import to run without creating any records in the system.

Option	Description
Dry run	The import will run and generate a log including errors and debugging messages, without actually creating any records in the system. A good way to test an import mapping spreadsheet, especially for larger data sets.