You can import data to inFlow, but first, you’ll need a file! This guide will show you all you need to know about importing to inFlow

Import file

Check out the Importing Data playlist for more importing videos!

Creating a CSV import file

inFlow needs data to be in a specific format so it knows where to place all your information when importing. You’ll also need to ensure you have a .csv file (spreadsheet) too.

The CSV file only has one required field: product name. All other fields are optional. The image below is an example of a Product Details CSV import template.

You can add more columns to import more information. The template doesn’t include stock levels, as they are imported separately.

Multiple barcodes on a CSV import file

For products with more than one barcode, use a comma to separate the barcode numbers.

Creating a CSV import file from inFlow

To create a CSV that inFlow will recognize when importing, you can start by exporting a CSV file from inFlow.

1. In inFlow for Web, go to Main Menu > Export data.
2. Select one of the options from the Data type list, then click Export. 
3. When your CSV is ready, a window will pop up asking you where you want to save the CSV file on your computer.

Importing special characters

To import data with special characters, save it as CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited). You can do this by choosing “Save As” and selecting the file type in Excel or your spreadsheet software.

CSV file guides for inFlow

Every program reads CSV files differently, so to make things easy, you can find guides below relating to how to import different types of data to inFlow.

• Creating a file for product details (product name/description/prices) import
• Creating a file for stock levels (product name/quantities/locations) import
• Creating a file for purchase orders/sales orders import
• Creating a file for vendor/customer import
• Creating a file for bill of materials (BOM) import
• Creating a file for reorder settings import
• Creating a file for product image import

You can take a look at the example files in the Other resources section at the bottom of this article to see how the csv files look like with sample data in them.

It’s not possible to have one file containing all of the above at a time, so depending on what type of data you’re looking to import, please select the corresponding article for further detail.

Are you thinking of using an integration with inFlow? Before you import products and other information you might want to make sure your product names match your other system. Check to see if you can export a csv from your other system and you can use that to create new products in inFlow.

Other resources

Here are some example files available for download if you’d like to use a template or try an import yourself:

Web

Importing products video

For a quick tutorial on creating the CSV and importing your inventory, take a look at the video below.

Check out the Importing data playlist for more importing videos!

How to import a CSV to inFlow

If you have your import file ready to go, read on how to import it to inFlow.

1. Click on Main Menu > Import.
2. In the Data type drop-down menu, select the type of data you’ll be importing to inFlow.
3. Click Select file to pick the CSV file from your computer that you’d like to import, then click Next.
4. A preview of your import file will appear and will let you know how many line products you have in your file.
5. To edit the mapping of CSV columns to inFlow fields, click on Edit data mapping.
6. Match the inFlow fields on the left to the fields in your CSV file that are in the drop-down menus.
7. Once you’re satisfied that all the fields you need match, click Next.
8. A confirmation message noting that your import is in progress will be displayed. Once the import is complete, the team member who started the import will receive an email with the results.

If you need to import a file that uses semicolons as the decimal separator, or if you’re using a CSV file that doesn’t have headers, please import your file in inFlow for Windows to select these additional options.

Other resources

Here are some example files available for download if you’d like to use a template or try an import yourself:

Having trouble importing? Try the steps in our troubleshooting importing problems article.

Windows

Video

Take a look at this video for a guide on how you can import Product details and Stock levels to inFlow.

How to import a CSV to inFlow

If you have your import file ready to go, read on how to import it to inFlow.

1. Click Main Menu  > General > Import Data.
2. Select the data type at the top of the screen.
3. Click the Browse button to select the file you’d like to import, and then click Next.
4. In this screen, match the inFlow field name to the right column in your file by selecting it from the drop-down list (see screenshot below).
5. Once you’re satisfied with your matches, click Next.

inFlow will import the data from your file and let you know what has been updated!

You will have to close your CSV file to allow inFlow to import your document.