How to Import Data into the PIM using Microsoft Excel

Owned by Mahtab Haj Ali (Deactivated)
Last updated: Sept 09, 2024 by Nick Spencer
2 min read

This guide will walk you through the process of importing data into Jasper PIM from Microsoft Excel. To ensure data integrity and a seamless transfer, it's crucial to follow these steps precisely.

Overview

Jasper PIM supports the import of data from Microsoft Excel, making it easy to manage and update your product information. This tutorial will guide you through the necessary steps to successfully transfer your data, with a particular focus on handling special characters and maintaining data integrity when working with UTF-8 encoded files.

Preparation

1. Selecting or Creating a Profile

  • Bulk Edits: If you're performing a bulk edit of existing PIM data, select an existing profile or create one using the guidelines provided in the relevant documentation.

  • New Data Import: If you're importing new data, start by creating a new profile to ensure your import process is configured correctly.

Importing CSV Data into Excel

To correctly import CSV data into Excel and handle special characters in UTF-8, follow these steps:

1. Open Excel and Prepare for Import

  • Open a new Excel spreadsheet.

  • Navigate to the Data tab.

  • In the Get External Data group, select From Text.

2. Import the CSV File

  • Browse to the CSV file you wish to import and select Import.

3. Configure the Import Wizard

  • Step 1: In the Import Wizard, choose Delimited as the original data type. Click Next.

    • Ensure the File origin drop-down is set to UTF-8.

  • Step 2: Select Comma as the delimiter (deselect the Tab checkbox if selected). Click Next.

  • Step 3: To prevent Excel from altering your data formats:

    • With the first column in the Data Preview selected, scroll across to the last column.

    • Hold the SHIFT key and select the last column to highlight all columns.

    • Choose Text as the Column Data Format and click Finish.

4. Insert Data into Excel

  • Click OK to insert the data into cell A1.

5. Modify Data (If Necessary)

  • If you need to work on the data in Excel, do so at this stage.

6. Save the Data in CSV UTF-8 Format

  • Go to File > Save As.

  • Choose CSV UTF-8 as the format.

  • Save the file.

Importing Data into Jasper PIM

1. Importing from a Saved File

  • Important: Always import data from a saved file that has not been reopened. Reopening a UTF-8 file in Excel can automatically alter certain fields, requiring you to restart the import process.

2. Complete the Import Process

  • Follow the steps outlined in the Jasper PIM documentation to complete the import process.

Conclusion

By carefully following these steps, you can ensure that your data is imported into Jasper PIM without errors or issues related to special characters or data formats. Maintaining the integrity of your data during the import process is crucial for the accuracy and reliability of your product information within Jasper PIM.