Create an Import Template

If the standard Vista import templates do not meet the necessary criteria for importing data, use IM Template to create custom templates. You can create custom templates from scratch or you can copy and modify an existing template.

Note: It is strongly recommended that you copy a standard template and then modify the copy. For more information, see Copying Import Templates.
The following instructions explain how to create a custom template from scratch. You can also use these instructions to modify existing templates. For more information on specific fields, refer to F1 (field level) help.
  1. In the Template field, enter a name or number for the custom template.
  2. In the Description field, enter a description of the template.
  3. In the Import Form field, enter the form to use for importing data or press F4 to select from a list of available forms.
  4. Accept the default for the Import Routine, Upload Routine, and Viewpoint Routine fields.
    Note: If you require a different routine for any of the options, you must create the routine in the database and reference it in the appropriate field. For more information on creating database routines, speak to your database administrator.
  5. For direct imports only (such as vendor imports), use the Direct Import Type drop-down to specify the direct import type (Insert and Update, Insert Only, or Update Only). For a list of direct import templates, see Standard Import Templates.
  6. If you require additional import functions that do not exist in the import, upload, or Viewpoint routines, enter a routine in the User Routine field.
    Note: To enter a routine in this field, you must first create the routine in the database.
  7. In the Choose the format that best describes your data section, select the file format applicable to this template.
    • Delimited
    • Fixed Width
    • XML
    Important: If you plan to include attachments when importing data, you must use the Delimited file format.
  8. If you selected the Delimited file format for this template, use the Choose the delimiter that separates your data section to select the appropriate delimiter. If you select Other, use the Other text box to specify the delimiter to use.
  9. If you selected the XML file format for this template, use the XML Row Tag field to enter the XML tag (without the '<>' brackets) that determines each row (record) in the data file.
  10. If the template updates more than one table, select the Multiple Table Upload box.
  11. If you selected the Multiple Table Upload box, specify the location of the Record Type column in the import file.

    • For delimited file formats, enter the column number in the Record Type Column field.

    • For fixed width file formats, enter the beginning and ending position numbers in the Beginning Position and Ending Position fields.

  12. If you want the import to skip header rows or bad data in the import file, use the Starting Line Number field to enter the starting number.
  13. Optional. If you require record types for this import other than the record types defaulted for the selected import form, use the Record Types tab to add additional record types. For more information, see Setting Record Types for Import Templates.
  14. Optional. If you require additional template detail other than what defaults for the selected import form, use the Template Detail tab to set up additional identifiers. For more information, see Setting Import Template Detail.
  15. Optional. Set up import notifications on the Notifications tab. For more information, see Setting Import Notifications.
  16. Save the template.