Common Problems when Importing Data or Item Codes into IFP

Overview

This topic provides you with the cause and solution for common problems found when Importing Data or Item Codes into IFP:

• Field Mappings Reset
• Data Appears without Columns or Headings
• Unable to Determine Table Names for Data Source
• Data Import - File is Locked
• Import Summary Shows Records with Errors
• Other Problems

Field Mappings Reset

When importing an Excel file, a message is shown saying that field mappings were reset, similar to the example below:

Cause

The Excel file has been saved with column names which do not match the original template.

Solution

Change the name of  the column headers in line with your country-specific template and file type.

Data Appears without Columns or Headings

The data sample on the Field Mappings page may appear in a single column and/or without proper headings, similar to the example below:

If you press Next, you will see a further error message, similar to the following:

Cause

This is due to one of the following:

• saving a text file with an incorrect name - this must be exactly as specified in your importing documentation and must match the entry in the schema.ini file
• saving a text file in the wrong folder
• the folder is missing a schema.ini file

Solution

Save the source text file with the correct name (refer to your country-specific topics) in the same folder as the schema.ini file. Your source data folder should look similar to the following:

Unable to Determine Table Names for Data Source

When importing you are shown an error that IFP has been unable to determine a value or a data source.

Cause

A column has been incorrectly formatted in the source file or data has been entered which disagrees with the current formatting in that column (e.g. text instead of numbers).

Solution

Open the Source File in Excel and correctly format each column.

To change columns from text to a number format, in a new column:

1. Add the formula =VALUE(relative cell) e.g. =VALUE(J2)
2. Drag the formula to cover all required text to number cells.
3. Copy the created cells and Paste Values in the required column.

To change columns from Number to Text format, especially if alphanumeric. In a new column:

1. Add the formula =TEXT(relative cell,format_text) e.g. =TEXT(J2,”????????”). N.B. Wildcards (?) should match the number of characters required.
2. Drag the formula to cover all required number to text cells.
3. Copy the created cells and Paste Values in the required column.

To ensure all data values for months or days are correctly formatted as number:

1. Add the number 1 to a spare cell and copy it.
2. Highlight all cells where data values are or could be.
3. Right-click and select Paste Special.
4. Under Operation select Multiply and press OK.

Make sure that each heading is exactly the same as in the original template. If unsure, copy the template headings and paste them into the current document.

Data Import - File is Locked

When clicking Next on Data Import Options, an error message appears informing you the file is locked.

Cause

You have tried to import into a period that is currently locked for the file.

Solution

Please follow the Lock Actual Data File topic in order to unlock the file for the selected period.

Import Summary Shows Records with Errors

After importing codes or data, errors are shown in the import summary.

Cause

This is due to one of the following:

• Item Codes have not been imported correctly
• The error codes are calculated totals

Solution

Re-import the data in relation to your country-specific topic and ensure there are no errors. Those that are calculated totals can be ignored as they will be re-calculated by IFP. 

Other Problems

Other potential problems which may be encountered are:

• First row contains anything other than column headers.
  Solution: Delete any rows which are not column headers at the top of the Excel Worksheet.

• Sheet names containing disallowed characters such as / or \.
  Solution: Rename the Excel worksheet using standard characters e.g. name it "IFP".