Bulk import of attribute values

Use an Excel file to specify the values to use for text attributes, text area attributes, and enumeration attributes.

You can update all entities in a top-level entity type node. For example, if the top level entity type Type A has a child entity of Type B, and Type B has a child entity of Type C, you can use the same Excel file to update entities that are assigned to the Type A, Type B, and Type C entity types. When you import the Excel spreadsheet, you must select Type A in the import dialog.

When you create the Excel spreadsheet, you create one column for the entity ID. You create additional columns for the attributes. Attributes do not need to be shared by all entities to include them in the spreadsheet.

For example, Type A has defined attributes of Color and Fabric. Type B inherits attributes from Type A and also has a defined attribute of Sleeve Length. When you create the spreadsheet, you can include columns for Color, Fabric, and Sleeve Length. When you enter data into the spreadsheet, you can specify Color and Fabric values for entities assigned to Type A. You can specify Color, Fabric, and Sleeve Length values for entities assigned to Type B. If you specified a value for the Sleeve Length attribute for an entity assigned to Type A, the value that you specify is ignored.

Guidelines

To import attribute values from an Excel file, follow these guidelines:
  • If multiple accounting entities are available in PIM, ensure that you have selected the accounting entity that you want to use.
  • The entity must exist. You cannot create a new entity in the import process.
  • The attribute must be a defined or inherited attribute for the entity. You cannot create a new attribute in the import process.
  • The first column in the Excel file must contain the entity ID. Ensure that the first column is named Entity_ID.
  • Optionally, you can include an Entity_Type column. This column is informational only. You cannot use an Excel file to change an entity's type.
  • If you are importing enumeration attribute values, use the key of the value that was defined during the setup of enumeration types.