Compatible Import Formats

Before you begin importing information, you need to export the data from its current software and save it in a format compatible with your company file. You can only import data from tab-delimited and comma-separated files into AccountEdge.

Tab-delimited files contain fields that are separated by tab characters. For example, if a tab character appears between Brewster and Roundhill in a file of customer information, the file counts Brewster and Roundhill as two separate fields in a record. Tab-delimited files are a common export format in spreadsheet programs.

Comma-separated files contain records that are separated by commas. For example, if a comma appears between Brewster and Roundhill in a file of customer information, the file counts Brewster and Roundhill as two separate fields in a record. Comma-separated files are often used by popular database programs. Some programs save Comma-Separated files with the extension ".csv". If you have a .csv file you can rename it to make the extension .txt.

Header and Data Records

Before you begin the process to import, you’ll choose whether the first record in the import file is a header record or a data record.

Header records are usually used as titles in import files; for example, some header records of customers might be titled “Customer Name," “Address” and “Telephone Number." Header records don’t contain actual data. If you choose Header Record, it is assumed that the first record in the import file doesn’t contain any valid data, and won’t attempt to import this information.

Data records are actual information that you want to include in your company file. If you choose Data Record, it is assumed that the first record in the import file contains valid data (regardless of whether it does or doesn't), and will attempt to import this information.

Identifying the records you want to import

When you import Cards, Sales, Purchases, Activity Slips, Timesheets, Disbursements and Receipts, you can identify the records you want to import by using the Identify xxx by field.

You have three choices; you can select by Card Co./Last Name, Card ID or Record ID.

• If you choose Identify xxx by Card Co./Last Name, every record must have a customer card with a Co./Last Name assigned to it in order for you to begin the import process.
• If you choose Identify xxx by Card ID, every record must have a customer card with a Card ID assigned to it in order for you to begin the import process.
• If you choose Identify xxx by Record ID, every record must have a Record ID assigned to it. When you import Reminder Logs, you have two choices: by Card or by Reminder Log Record ID.