Best Practices

Using the correct import format and validating data is essential to a successful import. Use the sample Import template available from the Import/Export options in most Ordway Modules.

Example: Import Chart of Accounts (Menu > Finance > Chart of Accounts > More > Import Chart of Accounts).

The following screen displays. Click Download a sample template.

Import Tips

• Use the Overwrite existing records with same IDs checkbox when you are updating records for IDs that already exist in Ordway. 
• Verify the Date Format selected above matches the date format in the import file.
• Do not edit the Header Row of the template file. 
• Ensure the column headers align with respective column data.
• To retain leading zeros for data such as Zip Codes, format the column as text.
• Check for and remove additional line returns within rows. 

Example: Row 1 reflects an added line return for the Customer which will cause the import to fail. Delete the line return by placing your cursor after the first word and press Delete. This ensures the cell utilizes only one row. 

When converting a CSV file:

• Verify that all delimiters appropriately separated the data into the correct columns.
• Ensure that leading zeros are retained.
• Confirm dates appear in the correct format to match the template.