WARNING:

The Import module is a legacy solution. You should use Automation with Data Transformations instead.
For more information, see:

Non-standard import operations

Sometimes to complete an import import successfully, it requires performing non-standard operations.

Mapping

Mapping is a term that describes the process of matching the imported data with the data available in the application of the same kind but in a different format. Your file is represented on the dashboard and to map the data, you need to connect fields from the list in the import wizard to the appropriate columns in the file you want to import.

There are some standard, required and optional fields you may use when you want to import data. However, you may want to import non-standard data which you will not be able to find on the list of default fields.

The field, available while mapping the data, lets you add non-standard fields that you want to import. Some types of import (profiles, transactions, and custom events) require a specific name pattern.

Mapping profile attributes

Attributes are pieces of information that describe a customer.

To add a new field, you must use a prefix: attributes. (the full stop is necessary) before the actual name of the field (example: attributes.newCustomerAttribute).

Important: Don’t create attributes which are already available on the list.

Mapping transactions

You can describe your transactions with data not described by default fields in the application. This kind of data is called metadata.

To add a new field, you need to use a prefix: metadata. (the full stop is necessary) before the actual name of the field (example: metadata.newPromotion).

Important: Don’t create metadata that is already available on the list.

Mapping custom event parameters

You can import your own events to the application and for that need you can create new fields to describe parameters of the event that will satisfy your needs in terms of data exchange.

To add a new field, you need to use a prefix: events. (the full stop is necessary) before the actual name of the field (example: events.newPromotion).

Important: Don’t create parameters that are already available on the list.

Exporting mapping

This option allows you to export the mapping of existing imports or do it while mapping a file before a new import.

Exporting mapping from imports

Go to Settings > Imports > New import.
On the list of imports, choose the import whose mapping you want to export by clicking it.
On the right side of the screen, click Export mapping.
Result: A file is downloaded to your computer.

Exporting mapping from a new import

Go to Settings > Imports.
Select the type of the import.
Select the method of the import.
Fill the name of the import.
In the Sample file section, click Define.
In the Manual mapping section, upload the sample file. If necessary, fill in other information required before proceeding to mapping the sample file.
Map the columns from the sample file (example below).

Mapping process
When mapping is done, click Export mapping.
Result: A j.son file is downloaded to your computer. It contains the sample file as well.

Reusing exported mapping

While preparing a new import, you can reuse exported mapping from existing imports if the data structure of a mapping is consistent with the structure of the new import.

Go to Settings > Imports > New import.
Select the type of the import.
Select the method of the import.

WARNING: Importing mappings from a file is unavailable when using the ‘File Upload’ import method.”
Fill the name of the import.
In the Import mapping section, upload the mapping.

Important: The reused mapping includes the sample file as well.
To proceed, click Next.
Result: The mapping view is displayed. The columns from a sample file are mapped.

Reusing existing mapping

You can reuse mappings of files imported to the Synerise application. The structure of the new import file (names of the columns, number of the columns, data format) must be the same as the structure of the file for which the mapping was originally prepared. To reuse a mapping of an import, follow this procedure:

Go to Settings > Import.
On the list of imports, click the import whose mapping you want to reuse.
Click the Import data from CSV button.
Tip: You can download the original file and open it locally for reference.
Click the Upload CSV button.
To be able to match the column names, unselect the First row is a column name checkbox.
By using the dropdown list above each column, match the column names.
To complete the process, click the Import button.
Result: The import process is queued or begins immediately, depending on server load.

Transformations

If you map the columns with fields, you can adjust the format of data in the columns so the application can accept them. When the column is mapped, under its original name (the one you entered when you created the file), you can see the name of the field the column was mapped with.

Important: This option is available only for some fields

Under the original name of the column, click the field name the column was mapped with.
Choose the transformation type you need:
- Maths - If you want to multiply, deduct, divide, or add a specific amount to every value in a particular column.
- Text - If you want to add a string of characters before or after the values in a particular column.
- Time - You should use this transformation every time when you are not certain if your time format (date and hour) agrees with the Synerise time format. Choose the format of your data, either from the list of the most common formats or you can use strftime reference to provide the pattern of your format.
- Catalog map - Use it when you want to use the values from a catalog.

Depending on the type of transformation you chose, perform the following steps:

Math

Enter the value next to the mathematical symbol that signifies the mathematical operation you want to perform on the data in the column.
On the right side of the pop-up, check the preview of results.
Confirm the settings by clicking the Apply button.

Text

Enter the string of characters you want to add to values in the chosen column.
Select whether you want to add it before or after the values.
Confirm the settings by clicking the Apply button.

Time

Select the Other pattern option.
Click the hyperlinked strftime option.
On the external website, follow the instructions and define the date format you used in the file you want to import.
Copy the date format pattern.
Go back to the Synerise application and paste the pattern into the field in the pop-up.
To see whether the code you generated on the external website returns the date format you used in the imported file, click the Test button.
To continue, click the Save button.