The Import tool

If you have data saved locally on your device or online that you would like to use in your PlentyONE system, then you can have the import tool take care of this for you. The import tool allows you import data into your system once as well as in regular intervals. You can access the import tool by navigating to Data » Import.

Old import UI

The user interface of the import tool has been completely overhauled in order to provide you with a more accessible user experience. All of your existing imports and all features of the old import UI are present in the new UI. The old import UI is accessible under Data » Import (Deprecated) until an End-of-Life date is announced for it. It is explained in detail here.

1. First steps

The import tool is exceedingly feature-rich and complex. In order to enable you to import your data into your system as quickly as possible this first chapter will focus on explaining how to set up your first import. Chapter 2 will then delve into the particulars of the import tool’s user interface.

1.1. Creating an import

Here is how you create a new import:

Creating an import:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on Create import(add).
    → The import creation assistant is opened.

  3. Carry out the settings. The creation of a new import is a 3-step-process. Each step is explained in detail in the following sub-chapters. You may use the stepper in the header section of the assistant to switch to previous steps in the process at any point.

  4. Click CREATE IMPORT.
    → The import is created.

1.1.1. Step 1: Connect file

A screenshot showing the first step of the import creation process
Figure 1. Step 1 of the import creation process

In Step 1 of the import creation process you need to provide some basic information about the import you want to create as well as a means by which your import file can be accessed. For further information on the different options, refer to the following table:

Table 1. Step 1. Connect file
Setting Explanation

General settings

Import name

The name that will be displayed for the import in your system. It is recommended that you choose a name that clearly identifies the purpose of the import.

Import type

Choose the import type that matches the type of data contained in your file. Here is a selection of the supported import types:

This list may not contain all available data categories. A more comprehensive list can be found here.

File format

Select the file type of your file.

Select how to access your data file

Data source

Select the method by which your file can be accessed by the system. Depending on the selected option, different settings may be shown.
Some of these options can make use of the PlentyONE Webspace.

The Plenty Webspace

Every PlentyONE system comes with a dedicated Webspace that allows you to store files online in your system. Additionally, all files stored in a Webspace receive a File URL which can be used to make each file available to other users and applications online. You can manage the Webspace of your system in the Shop » Webspace menu.

WARNING: Usage of the webspace may incur additional costs. The exact terms of use of the Webspace are outlined in your contract with PlentyONE.

CSV upload

Select this option in order to directly upload a file from your device into your system. Here is how you set up a CSV upload:

  1. Click on Select file(more_horiz).
    → The files saved in your webspace are shown.

  2. Click on the Upload symbol (upload) in the Upload file field.
    The Select file menu is displayed. Files in your Webspace will already be displayed here.

  3. Optional: Click on Upload file in order to upload a file saved on your device.

  4. Select the file you would like to import and click Select file.
    → The selected file will be used as the data source for the import.
    Note: The option Delete file after running the import is enabled by default. As such, the file is automatically deleted from the webspace after the data was imported. Deactivate the option to keep the file in the webspace.

HTTPS / URL

Select this option if your file can be accessed via a specific URL.

  1. In the field URL, enter the URL where the import file is available. Make sure to enter a direct link to your file.
    *Tip:*You can save your file in the PlentyONE Webspace and access it via a URL there.

  2. Select if an Authentication is needed to access the file.

    • No authentication: No Authentication required

    • HTTPS authentication: Authentication via a username and password is required

  3. If you selected HTTPS authentication, enter the username and password required to access the server where the file is stored.

FTP

Use this option if the import file is saved on an external FTP server. The following data is required to set up an FTP connection:

  • File name: The name of the file.

  • Host: Enter the host of the FTP server.

  • Port number = Enter the port of the FTP server.

  • Username: Enter the username required to access the FTP server.

  • Password: Enter the password required to access the FTP server.
    Note: You can use wildcards in the field File name. For example, replace a part of the file name with an asterisk (∗). However, only use wildcard characters in combination with the option Move file to the FTP archive folder after successful import.

  • FTP with SSL / TSL: Activate this option if your FTP server uses the SSL or TSL protocols to encrypt data transmissions.

  • Move file to the FTP archive folder after successful import: If this option is activated, then the import file is automatically moved to an Archive folder in the FTP directory after a successful import run.

SFTP

Use this option if the import file is saved on an external SFTP server. The following data is required to set up an SFTP connection:

  • File name: The name of the file.

  • Host: Enter the host of the SFTP server.

  • Port number: Enter the port of the SFTP server.

  • Username: Enter the username required to access the SFTP server.

  • Password: Enter the password required to access the SFTP server.
    Note: You can use wildcards in the field File name. For example, replace a part of the file name with an asterisk (∗).
    However, only use wildcard characters in combination with the option Move file to the FTP archive folder after successful import.

  • Move file to the FTP archive folder after successful import: If this option is activated, then the import file is automatically moved to an Archive folder in the FTP directory after a successful import run.

Click NEXT once you are satisfied with your settings in order to proceed to the next step.

1.1.2. Step 2: File configuration

A screenshot showing the second step of the import creation process
Figure 2. Step 2 of the import creation process

In this step you may specify the formatting of the data in your file in order to ensure that your data is imported correctly.

The table preview

The third section of this step contains a live preview that shows how the first 5 lines in your file are read by the import tool using the selected settings. You may use this preview to gauge if your data is being read as intended and adjust your settings accordingly.
Table 2. 2\. File configuration
Setting Explanation

File settings

Has header row

If the first row in your file is used as a header row that assigns a name to each column in your file, then it is recommended that you pick Yes here. If Yes is picked, then the header row is not imported as a data set, and the column names in the header row are used for the columns in the import UI.

Skip rows

If you select a number above 0 here, then that number of rows at the start of the file (excluding the header row) are skipped during the import. Use this option if the first few rows of your file contain content that you do not want to import.

Column separator

Select the separator used to differentiate columns in your file. In most cases the column separator is detected automatically. However, if you notice that the auto-detection is not functioning correctly you may manually select the column separator here.

Text encoding

Select the text encoding method used in your file. In most cases the text encoding method is detected automatically. However, if you notice that the auto-detection is not functioning correctly you may manually select the text encoding method here.

Data formatting

Field enclosure

Select whether individual data fields are enclosed by single (‘) or double (‘’) apostrophes.

Date and time format

Select which data and time format is used in your file. The following formats can be selected here:

Format Preview

d.m.Y H:i

01.02.2034 05:06

d.m.Y H:i:s

01.02.2034 05:06:07

y-m-d HH:mm

34-02-01 05:06

y-m-dTHH:mm

34-02-01T05:06

m/d/Y g:i a

02/01/2034 5:06

d/m/Y H:i

01/02/2034 05:06

If your file uses an unusual date and time format that is not listed here, then you may enter it directly in the field. You can find an overview of the symbols conventionally used to denote date and time formats here.

Number format

Select whether your file uses the german or english writing style for numbers. This determines how commas and periods are interpreted in numbers.

Table preview

Use this preview to check your settings.

Click NEXT once you are satisfied with your settings in order to proceed to the next step.

1.1.3. Step 3: Import options

A screenshot showing the third step of the import creation process
Figure 3. Step 3 of the import creation process

In this step you can select how the import handles conflicts between new and existing data sets.

Table 3. 3\. Import options
Setting Explanation

Import options

Select how the records in your file are imported into existing records in your system. The following options are available:

Import new records, update existing records

If this option is selected, then all data in your file is imported into your system. This means that:

  • if a record in your file already has a matching record in your system, then the data fields belonging to that record in your system are replaced by the data in your file.

  • if a record in your file does not have a matching record in your system, then a new record is created and filled with the data from your file.

This option covers the majority of use cases for the import tool, which is why it is set as the default option.

Only update existing records

If this option is selected, then only existing data fields in your system are updated with the data from your file. Data rows in your file that do not have a matching data set in your system will be ignored.

Only import new data

If this option is selected, then only new data rows in your file are imported into your system. Data rows in your file that already have a matching data set in your system will be ignored.

Update settings

In order to enable the import tool to associate data rows in your file with matching data sets in your system you must assign at least one column in your file to a data field in your system. These data entries are then used as identifiers.
Identifiers should have the following properties:

  • They are unique within the file or the system.

  • The identifiers of matching data rows from your file and data sets from your system are identical.

  • They do not change over time.

For item data, the Variation ID usually serves as a good identifier.

If there is no single value you can use to clearly assign each row in your file to a data set in your system, then you may use multiple identifiers as well. All identifiers are then used in combination with each other to clearly identify each matching data set.

Click CREATE IMPORT once you are satisfied with your settings in order to create the import.

1.2. Creating a mapping set

In order for the import tool to be able to tell which column in your file belongs to which data field in your system, you must manually map each column to a data field first. In other words, you need to prepare a mapping set.

An import without mappings cannot be run!

If an import has no active mapping sets, then it does not know where your data belongs in your system and therefore cannot be used to import it.

Here is how you create a new mapping set:

Creating mapping sets:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on a created import and switch to the Mapping tab.

  3. Click on Create mapping set(add).

  4. Enter a name for the mapping set and click SAVE.
    → The mapping set is created.

  5. Click on the created mapping set.
    → The Map fields menu opens.

  6. Map your file data to fields in your system. You can find an in-depth explanation on how to do so in the following subchapter.

  7. Click on Save (save).
    → The mapping set is now active and will be used in future runs of this import.

Default mapping sets

Every new import is outfitted with a standard mapping set that contains simple File column mappings for every column in your file. These mappings are sufficient for most use cases. However, the import tool also supports a number of more complex mapping types.

1.2.1. Mapping data fields

When you open a mapping set, the Map fields menu is opened. In this menu you can map any number of columns in your file to data fields in your PlentyONE system.

Some complex mapping types can adjust the data from your file during the import. However, the file itself will remain unchanged.

Here is how you map your data:

Mapping data fields:

  1. In the Map fields menu, click on Add mapping and select the mapping type you would like to use. You can find explanations of the different mapping types in [table-mapping-types].
    <b>→ </b>A new mapping with the selected type is added.
    OR: Select an existing mapping you would like to edit.

  2. If the mapping is inactive, activate it in order to start editing it.

  3. Adjust the settings for the selected mapping type.

  4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you have mapped the data in your file to your liking.

  5. Deactivate or delete any mappings you do not want to use.

  6. Save your changes.

[[table-mapping-types] .Mapping types in PlentyONE

Type Description

File column

Select a source column in your file and then a target field in your PlentyONE system. When the import is run, the data from the source column is imported into the target fields.

Own value

Enter a value and then a source column. When the import is run, the given value is imported into the target fields.

Replacement

You can use replacements to replace certain values in your file with certain other values during the import. To do so, proceed as follows:

Importing data with replacements:

  1. Select a source column.

  2. In the field Old value, enter the value from your file that you want to replace.

  3. In the field New value, enter the value that should be imported into your system in place of the old value.

  4. Select a target field for the new value.

  5. Optional: If the source column contains multiple values you want to replace, then you may add more replacement rows as needed by clicking ADD ROW.

  6. Optional: Enter a fallback value. If a row in the source column contains a value that doesn’t match any of the specified old values, then the fallback value is imported into the target field of the variation corresponding to that row.

When the import is run, every instance of a specified old value in the source column is replaced by the corresponding new value during the import. If a fallback value was entered, then every instance of a value that doesn’t match any of the specified old values is replaced by the fallback value. The new set of values is then imported into the target fields.

Function

You can use functions saved in your system to generate new values from the values in your file and import those generated values into your system instead. To do so, proceed as follows:

Importing data with functions:

  1. Select the function you want to use.

  2. Select a source column for each parameter of the function.

  3. Select a target field.

When the import is run, the function uses the values in the specified source columns as parameters for the selected function, generates new values for each row and then imports these new values into the target fields.

Regular expression

Regular expressions (or simply RegEx) are a complex value type that is implemented in many programming languages and can be used to search, filter and manipulate strings. In the import tool, you can use regular expressions to replace values matching a certain pattern with different values.

Be careful when using regular expressions!

Regular expressions are a powerful and complex tool that can easily produce undesirable results if used carelessly. Only use regular expressions you understand completely. You may use the external website Regexr in order to familiarise yourself with regular expressions and test whether the expressions you want to use function as intended.

Here is how you use regular expressions in a mapping:

Importing data with regular expressions:

  1. Select a source column.

  2. In the field Search, enter a search pattern.

  3. In the field Replace, enter a replace pattern.

  4. Select a target field.

RegEx example 1: "TT.MM.YYYY" to "YYYY-MM-TT"

Value: "24.12.2017"
Search: /^(\\d+).(\\d+).(\\d+)$/
Replace: $3﹣$2﹣$1

Result: "2017-12-24"

RegEx example 2: Change "[Surname], [First name]" to "[First name] [Surname]"

Value: “Musterberg, Maxi”
Search: /^(\\w+), (\\w+)$/
Replace: $2 $1

Result: "Maxi Musterberg"

When the import is run, each value in the source column that matches the Search pattern is replaced using the Replace pattern before the values are imported into the target fields.

Mathematical operation

You can use this mapping type to calculate a new value using the value from the source column and import this new value instead.

The following calculation methods are available:

  • Addition (+)

  • Subtraction (-)

  • Multiplication (*)

  • Division (/)

  • Adding a percentage value (positive +)

  • Subtracting a percentage value (negative -)

Importing values using mathematical operations:

  1. In the Map fields menu, click on Add mapping and select Mathematical operation.
    → A new mapping of the type Mathematical operation is added.

  2. Select a source column in your file.

  3. Select the operator you want to use.

  4. In the field Value, enter a numerical value.

  5. Select the target field into which the newly calculated value should be imported.

When the import is run, the values from the source column are modified by the set mathematical operation before they are imported into the target fields.

Example: Increase prices by 5%

Source column: [Select the column containing the price]
Operator: positive %
Value: 5
Target field: [Select the sales price]

Result: The prices in the specified column are increased by 5% during the import. This higher price is saved as the price in PlentyONE.
Most PlentyONE data fields only support specific types of values. For example, you can usually only enter a numerical value in the “sales price” field of a variation. The supported value type of a target field is displayed as an icon once it is selected. Take care to only map source columns to target fields that support the value types from those source columns.

Running the import

If you followed every step in the import preparation process described so far, then your import should now be ready for use. You can run the import manually as follows:

Running the import:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on the import that you have created.
    → The detail view of the import opens.

  3. Click START IMPORT in the upper right-hand corner of the header.
    → The import is run.

If the import run could be started successfully, then you should next check the run history to ensure that your data was imported correctly. To do so, proceed as follows:

Checking the run history:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on the import that you have created.
    → The detail view of the import opens.

  3. Switch to the Status tab.

  4. In the run history section, navigate to the import run you just started.

  5. Click on the arrow (arrow_right) next to the import run to display the process notifications of the import run.

If an error occurred during the import run, then it will be displayed here. If the import run was finished without any errors, then you have set up the import correctly.

You may now run the import manually as needed or set up a schedule if it should run automatically at regular intervals.

2. The import user interface

Chapter 1 briefly touched on the basic functions of the import tool’s user interface in order to guide you through the import creation process. This chapter will elaborate on the different areas user interface in more detail.

2.1. The navigation bar

Similarly to other areas of your PlentyONE system, the import user interface includes a navigation bar. This navigation bar is visible at the left-hand border in all areas of the import user interface. You can use it to switch back to the import overview (manage_search) or create a new import (add) at any time.
Any imports whose detail view you opened during your current browser session will be listed here as well, allowing you to quickly access and switch between them.

2.2. The import overview

When you navigate to Data » Import you arrive in the Import overview. All imports created in your system are available in this overview. It is divided into different sections. The following chapters explain each of these sections in more detail.

A diagram highlighting the different sections of the import overview
Figure 4. The sections of the import overview

2.2.1. The overview toolbar

The overview toolbar offers a number of tools for managing your imports. You can search for specific imports (search), create new imports (add) and adjust the behaviour of the import list (settings).

2.2.2. The import list

The import list is the centerpiece of the import overview. Here you can view a variety of information regarding the imports that have been saved in your system. Table 4 contains a detailed explanation of each column in the import list.

Table 4. Columns in the import list
Column header Content

Name

The name of the import.

Type

The type of the import.

Schedule

If a schedule has been set for the import, then that schedule is outlined in this column.

Data source

The type of the data source used for the import

File name

The name of the file that is imported when the import is run.

Latest run status

If the import was run at least once, then this column displays the status of the latest import run.

Last run

If the import was run at least once, then this column displays the time and date of the last import run.

Start import

Click on the Start import button (play_circle) in the row of an import in order to start a run of that import.

More

Clicking on More in the row of an import displays the following additional options for that import:

undoReset global cache

This option deletes the cache of the import. If the cache of an import is deleted, then the next run of that import will use all data in the file to update the target fields in the system, regardless of whether the data has been imported already.

copyDuplicate

Creates a copy of the import in the overview.

delete Delete

Deletes the import. This action cannot be undone.

2.3. The detail view

In the Detail view you can check a variety of information pertaining to your import as well as adjust its settings.

The left side of the header of the detail view displays the import name and import ID of the currently viewed import, as well as at what point in time it was created and last run.
The right side of the header contains the START IMPORT button (play_circle). You can use this button to manually start a run of the import. Clicking on More (more_vert) next to this button reveals options for starting special types of import runs:

  • A test run only imports the first five rows of your file. If you are uncertain whether you chose the correct settings for the import you may use this option to import a smaller selection of data from your file and then check whether that data was imported as intended.

  • A live import is run immediately. Do not close the current browser session while a live import is running, otherwise the import will be interrupted.

The section underneath the header is divided into three tabs. The content of these tabs is explained further in the following chapters.

2.3.1. The Status tab

A diagram highlighting the different sections of the status tab
Figure 5. The sections of the Status tab

The status tab contains all relevant information regarding the currently viewed import.

The Import Infobox in the first section lists the basic properties of the import, i.e. its import type, whether a schedule has been set for it, the type of data source and the file name.

The next section contains the run history. Here you can check the following details for every past run of the import:

Table 5. Columns of the run history
Column header Content

chevron_right

Click on the arrow symbol in the first column of an import in order to expand the process notifications for that import. If any errors occurred during the import run, then these errors will be listed here along with the data row that caused the error. You can also use the Raw data preview to show the content of the row that caused the error.
If the Show all rows toggle is activated, then the process notifications for all rows of the file will be shown.
You can use the Search (search) and Filter (tune) functions to find the information you need in the process notifications more easily.

Run ID

Every run of an import is assigned a unique ID. This ID is displayed in this column.

Status

The status of the import run. Every import can have one of several statuses:

  • Processing: The import is currently running. Hovering over the status symbol will display a tooltip that contains the current progress of the import run.

  • Completed: The import run was completed without any errors.

  • Completed with errors: The import run could be completed, but one or more errors occurred. Check the process notifications of the import run to find the cause of the error(s).

  • Failed: The import could not be completed because at least one basic setting of the import is faulty. Check the process notifications of the import run to find the cause of the error(s).

Type

The type of the import run. Here is a selection of the supported import types:

  • Background import: The import was run in the background. This is the import type used via START IMPORT and for automatic import runs.

  • Live: The import was run live.

  • Test run: Only the first five rows of the file were imported.

  • Validation: A validation run of the import.

Imported rows

The amount of imported rows.

Skipped rows

The amount of skipped rows. Whether and which rows are skipped during an import run is determined by the settings of the import and can be checked in the process notifications.

Errors

The amount of errors that occurred during the import. You can find more information on these errors in the process notifications of the import run.

Duration

The duration of the import run.

Start date

The date and time at which the import run started.

End time

The date and time at which the import run finished.

2.3.2. The Mapping tab

Mappings determine which columns in your file are imported into which PlentyONE data fields. They are saved in so-called mapping sets, which you can manage in this tab.

A diagram highlighting the different sections of the Mapping tab
Figure 6. The areas of the Mapping tab
2.3.2.1. The toolbar for mapping sets

The mapping set features its own distinct toolbar. It contains a number of different tools for managing your mapping sets. The first line of the toolbar contains the Search bar. You can use the Search bar to find a specific mapping set or group of mapping sets in your system. To do so, proceed as follows:

Performing a search:

  1. In the toolbar, click on the Search field.

  2. Enter a search term.

  3. Click Search (search).
    → The results for your search will be displayed.
    *Tip:*You can also use filters (tune) in order to limit your search.

The contents of the second row of the toolbar are context-sensitive:

  • In its default state this row contains the Create mapping set button which allows you to create a new mapping set.

  • When a mapping set is selected in the overview, then the Copy and Delete options are displayed instead.

  • If the edit mode is active, then the edit mode options are displayed instead.

On the right-hand side of the toolbar you can adjust the display of the overview table. The following options are available:

  • You can adjust how many results per page are displayed.

  • You can navigate between the different pages of the overview by using the arrow buttons.

  • You can customize which columns are displayed in the overview by adjusting the Table settings (settings).

2.3.2.2. The mapping set overview

The overview is the centerpiece of the Mapping tab. In this overview you can view and manage the mapping sets saved for the currently viewed import.

The overview consists of the following columns:

Table 6. Columns of the mapping set overview
Column Content

check_box_outline_blank

You can select multiple mapping sets here in order to duplicate or delete them at once.

Name

The name of the mapping set.

Has active filters

If a mapping set contains active filters that limit which rows in your file it applies to, then the filter_alt symbol is displayed here.
If a mapping set does not contain any active filters, then the filter_alt_off symbol is displayed instead.

Run order

The position of the mapping set in the run order.

Active

You can activate or deactivate mapping set via the toggles in this column. Only active mapping sets are applied in import runs. At least one mapping set must be active in order to start an import run.

more

Clicking on More(more_vert) in the row of a mapping set displays the options for duplicating (content_copy) and deleting (delete) that mapping set.
2.3.2.3. The edit mode

The mapping set overview features an edit mode that allows you edit the names and run order of your mapping set directly in the overview.
You can enable the edit mode by clicking on Enable edit mode (edit) in the header of the columns you want to edit. While the edit mode is enabled the available actions in the toolbar are replaced by actions specific to the edit mode:

Table 7. Toolbar options in the edit mode
Option Explanation

Save (save)

Saves the current configuration.

Undo (undo)

Reverts the last change made in the edit mode.

Redo (redo)

Restores the last change that was reverted by using the Undo button.

Switch on edit mode for all columns (app_registration)

Enables the edit mode for all columns that support it. The edit mode can also be enabled for individual columns by clicking on Enable edit mode (edit) in their header.

Switch off edit mode for all columns (playlist_remove)

Disables the edit mode for all columns. The edit mode can also be disabled for individual columns by clicking on Disable edit mode (edit_off) in their header.

keyboard

Hovering over this icon displays the keyboard controls for the edit mode.
2.3.2.4. (De)activating mapping sets

Only active mapping sets are applied in import runs. Before you start a run of an import or set a schedule for it you should activate all mapping sets you want to use in runs of that import, as well as deactivate any mapping sets you do not want to use. To do so, proceed as follows:

(De)activating mapping sets:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on a created import and switch to the Mapping tab.

  3. Activate the mapping sets you want to use by activating the toggle in the Active column, and deactivate said toggle for any mapping sets you don’t want to use.

2.3.2.5. The run order of mapping sets

When multiple active mapping sets for an import contain conflicting mappings for the same column in your file, then only the mapping in the set with the lowest number in the run order is applied. You can change the run order as follows:

Changing the run order of mapping sets:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on the import whose mapping sets you want to adjust.

  3. Switch to the Mapping tab.

  4. In the Run order column, click Enable edit mode (edit) in the header row.
    → The edit mode is activated.

  5. Enter the desired number in the run order for each mapping set.

  6. Save (save) your settings.
    → The new run order is saved.

  7. Click Disable edit mode (*).

Choose a distinct run order!

Take care not to assign the same number in the run order to multiple mapping sets! Doing so may lead to mapping conflicts being resolved in unpredictable and undesirable ways.
2.3.2.6. Duplicating mapping sets

The Duplicate option in the Mapping tab allows you to create duplicates of existing mapping sets. This can save time in cases where you may want to create mapping sets that are similar to existing ones. To duplicate mapping sets, proceed as follows:

Duplicating mapping sets:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on a created import and switch to the Mapping tab.

  3. Select (check_box_outline_blank) all mapping sets you want to duplicate.

  4. Click on the Duplicate button (content_copy) in the toolbar.
    → Duplicates of the selected mapping sets are created.

2.3.2.7. Deleting mapping sets

If you no longer require certain mapping sets you have the option to delete them.

This action cannot be undone.

To delete mapping sets, proceed as follows:

Deleting mapping sets:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on a created import and switch to the Mapping tab.

  3. Select (check_box_outline_blank) all mapping sets you want to delete.

  4. Click on the Delete button (delete) in the toolbar.

  5. Confirm your decision by clicking DELETE.
    → The selected mapping sets are deleted.

2.3.2.8. The mapping menu

When you open a mapping set in the Mapping tab the mapping menu of that mapping set opens. Here you can manage and edit the mappings that are saved in the mapping set.

A diagram highlighting the different sections of the mapping menu
Figure 7. The sections of the mapping menu
Active mappings

In order to edit a mapping you need to activate it first. Additionally, only active mappings in active mapping sets are applied during import runs.

The mapping menu consists of the following elements:

Table 8. Elements of the mapping menu
Element Function

check_box_outline_blank

You can select multiple mappings here in order to duplicate or delete them at once.

In your file

Here you can select which data is imported from your file. The options displayed here depend on the mapping type. You can find an overview of the different mapping types in [table-mapping-types].

Import

Mappings can be activated or deactivated individually here.

In PlentyONE

Select the target field in PlentyONE for the data selected in In your file.
Note: Every PlentyONE data field can only be selected once in each mapping set.

delete

You can delete individual mappings by clicking on Delete (delete). Keep in mind that this action cannot be undone.

Save (save) your changes once you are satisfied with your mappings.

2.3.2.8.1. (De)activating multiple mapping sets at once.

Only active mappings are applied in import runs. Before you start a run of an import or set a schedule for it you should activate all mappings you want to use in runs of that import, as well as deactivate any mappings you do not want to use. You can do so for multiple mappings at once by proceeding as follows:

(De)activating multiple mapping sets at once:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on the import you want to edit and switch to the Mapping tab.

  3. Click on the mapping set whose mappings you want to edit.
    → The Map fields menu opens.

  4. Select (check_box_outline_blank) all mappings you want to activate or deactivate.

  5. Click on Activate or deactivate mappings in the toolbar.

  6. Select Activate mappings.
    → All selected mappings are activated.
    OR: Select Deactivate mappings.
    → All selected mappings are deactivated.

2.3.2.8.2. Deleting multiple mappings at once

If you no longer need multiple mappings in a set you can delete them at once.

This action cannot be undone.

To delete multiple mappings, proceed as follows:

Deleting multiple mappings at once:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on the import you want to edit and switch to the Mapping tab.

  3. Click on the mapping set in which you want to delete mappings.
    → The Map fields menu opens.

  4. Select all mappings you want to delete.

  5. Click on Delete selected mappings in the toolbar.

  6. Confirm your decision by clicking DELETE.
    → The selected mappings are deleted.

2.3.2.8.3. Using filters in mapping sets

You can apply a filter to a mapping set in order to limit which rows in your file are imported using the mappings in the set. To do so, proceed as follows:

Applying filters to a mapping set:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on the import you want to edit and switch to the Mapping tab.

  3. Click on the mapping set to which you want to apply a filter.
    → The Map fields menu opens.

  4. Click on the filter icon (filter_alt).

  5. Click ADD CONDITION.

  6. Select a source column, a condition and a value. The available conditions are explained in Table 9.

  7. Optional: Add further conditions with ADD CONDITION. Select a Logic operator in the first column for every condition after the first one.

  8. Click SAVE.
    → The filters are applied.

Logic operators for filters

If you added multiple filter conditions you need to specify the connection between them by using the logic operators AND or OR.

  • If two or more conditions are connected by the AND operator, then only rows that match all of these conditions are imported using the mapping set.

  • If two conditions are connected by the OR operator, then only rows that match either of these conditions (and any conditions connected to them by AND) are imported using the mapping set.

If multiple conditions are connected using different operators, then the operators are applied in order from top to bottom.
Table 9. Filter conditions for mapping sets
Condition Explanation

Contains

Filters all rows where the specified source column does not contain the specified value.

Equal

Filters all rows where the specified source column contains a value that is not equal to the specified value.

Greater than

Filters all rows where the specified source column contains a numerical value that is smaller than or equal to the specified value.

Is empty

Filters all rows where the specified column is not empty.

Not empty

Filters all rows where the specified column is empty.

Less than

Filters all rows where the specified source column contains a numerical value that is greater than or equal to the specified value.

Not equal

Filters all rows where the specified column contains a value that is equal to the specified value.

2.3.3. The Settings tab

In the Settings tab you can adjust the basic settings of the import, most of which you set during the creation process. This tab also contains a number of settings that were not part of the creation process.

A picture of the Settings tab
Figure 8. The Settings tab

This tab is divided into multiple sections that are explained in Table 10.

Table 10. Sections of the Settings tab
Section Content

General settings

In this section you can change the import name and file format you entered during Step 1 of the creation process.
Note: The Import type option is only displayed here for the sake of completion and cannot be changed.
Additionally, you can select whether you want to use caching for the import.

What is caching?

PlentyONE can optionally save a cache of the latest run of an import for up to 24 hours after it was completed. If the import is run again within these 24 hours, then the import tool uses the cache as a reference to quickly determine which rows in the file have been changed and only import those rows. This can noticeably speed up runs of imports with especially large data sources.

Data source

In this section you can select a different data source for the import, as well as adjust the settings from step 2 of the import creation process by clicking on Preview and file settings.

Schedule

If you want the import to automatically run in regular intervals, then you can set up a Schedule for it here.

Import options

In this section you can adjust the settings from step 3 of the import creation process.
2.3.3.1. Setting a schedule for an import

In addition to running an import manually you can also have it run automatically at set intervals by setting a schedule for it. To do so, proceed as follows:

Setting a schedule for an import:

  1. Go to Data » Import.
    → The import overview opens.

  2. Click on the import that you have created.
    → The detail view of the import opens.

  3. Switch to the Settings tab.

  4. Navigate to the Scheduler section.

  5. Activate the Run on scheduler option.

  6. Select an interval for carrying out imports. There are a number of different intervals to choose from, all of which are explained in Table 11.

  7. Click on Save (save).
    → The import is automatically run at the set intervals.

Table 11. Available import intervals
Interval Options

Regularly

This tab contains the shortest intervals supported in PlentyONE. Select one of the options in this tab if the data in your system should be kept as up-to-date as possible using the data from the import file.
The following intervals are available in this tab:

  • Every 20 minutes

  • Hourly

Daily

Select any number of times of day in the Pick a time drop-down menu. The import will then be run daily at the selected times.

Weekly

Select all days in a week on which the import should be run. You can also select the times of day during which the import should be run, similarly to the Daily option.