Importing Data from Files

You can import data from files, such as text files or Excel .xlsx files, to existing models.

Context

Note
This procedure also applies to datasets.

The data is imported and analyzed, and then mapped to the dimensions of the target model. Note that the data to be imported must fit the structure of the existing target model.

When you import data into an existing model, you can align the new data with existing version categories or create new version categories during the import. For example, if the existing model contains actual values, you can now import planning data by selecting the Planning category and entering a label for the new version data. Then, in stories generated from the model, both the actual and the new planning columns will be visible.

The workflow to import data from a file into an existing model is:

  1. Open the model that will be updated.
  2. Select a source file.
  3. Start the import and initial mapping process.
  4. Finish mapping the imported data to existing dimensions in the model.
  5. Cleanse your data and fix any mapping or data quality problems.

Data files can be in your local file system or in your network. The source data can be an Excel spreadsheet (.xlsx) or a delimited text file (.csv or .txt). If you import data from Microsoft Excel, and if the data is saved in separate sheets in the Excel workbook, either you can choose which sheet to import (if from a local file system) or the first sheet is automatically imported (from a network file).

The source data must include columns that can be matched to the existing dimensions in the selected model. It must also include transactional data (measures) in numeric format (for example, 1,587,370.50 or 1.587.370,50 ) but not scientific notation.

Procedure

  1. Select Start of the navigation path (Main Menu) Next navigation step  Browse Next navigation step  FilesEnd of the navigation path.
  2. Open the model you want to update.
  3. Switch to the Data Management screen.
  4. Select Start of the navigation path Next navigation step FileEnd of the navigation path.
  5. Choose whether you want to import data from a file on your local system, or from a file server.
    If you don't see the option to import data from a file server, see Allowing Data Import and Model Export with a File Server.
    Tip
    If you import a file from a file server, you can also schedule imports from that file. For more information, see Updating and Scheduling Models.
  6. If you're importing from a file server, choose a file server connection, or select Create New Connection.
    If you create a new file server connection, specify the path to the folder where the data files are located. For example: C:\folder1\folder2 or \\servername\volume\path or /mnt/abc.
  7. Choose the file you want to import.
  8. If you are importing from a local Excel workbook containing multiple sheets, select the Sheet you want to import.
    If you are importing from an Excel file on a file server, the first sheet is automatically imported.
  9. If you're importing a .csv file, select which delimiter is used in the file.
  10. Select Import.
    You can continue to work on other tasks while the dataset is being uploaded in the background.
  11. When the draft data is finished uploading, open it from the Draft Sources list.

    The data appears in the data integration view, where you can complete the mapping of your new data to the model's dimensions.

Next Steps

After the initial import of raw data, continue with the data preparation task before completing your model: Preparing Data.
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