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Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 23 Aug 07 9:12 AM
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Is there a correct way to import multiple Contacts for same Account from CSV file using Import Wizard? No matter what I try, it still creates an account for every contact.
If I have one account and one Contact per row - no problem.
Thanks in advance |
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Re: Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 23 Aug 07 9:34 AM
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Yes this should work. In cases where the accounts and contacts are in the same file you need to make sure that the field that you select to identify the account is the account name and that is is exactly the same in each record.
Also since the account and contacts are in the same file the import wizard does a self join so there are 2 record stream references to the source (one at account level and one at contact level) you select the source contact fields make sure that you select the fields from the contact record stream not the account record stream, and make sure the account source is the account-record stream. If this is messed up the import wizard will behave that way you describe.
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Re: Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 24 Aug 07 12:16 AM
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Originally posted by Konstantin Vishnevsky
Is there a correct way to import multiple Contacts for same Account from CSV file using Import Wizard? No matter what I try, it still creates an account for every contact.
If I have one account and one Contact per row - no problem.
Thanks in advance |
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If you are on v7.0.x (or 7.2) the IW lets you script things and skip dups.
It's in the help files.
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rjl |
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Re: Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 24 Aug 07 2:04 PM
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Originally posted by Frank Chaffin
Yes this should work. In cases where the accounts and contacts are in the same file you need to make sure that the field that you select to identify the account is the account name and that is is exactly the same in each record.
Also since the account and contacts are in the same file the import wizard does a self join so there are 2 record stream references to the source (one at account level and one at contact level) you select the source contact fields make sure that you select the fields from the contact record stream not the account record stream, and make sure the account source is the account-record stream. If this is messed up the import wizard will behave that way you describe.
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Okay, this worked perfectly for new accounts with multiple contacts. Thank you Frank.
But I'm still in trouble importing multiple contacts for EXISTING accounts  |
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Re: Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 24 Aug 07 3:02 PM
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Note: prior to V7 the ImportWiz was an insert only tool. V7 includes new duplicate checking. You will need to set this up for your import. I have not used it in a while, but, as I recall the dup options are on the last screen...
I believe your choices are:
don't check for dups (ie create dups)
ignore dups (ie don't insert the record)
prompt for action (which allows you to pick a merge to record)
My impression was that it would work for small imports but not for large imports. I use the ImportWiz for small insert only imports. For everything else I use DTSes or write a custom Import program.
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Re: Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 25 Aug 07 11:25 AM
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Originally posted by Frank Chaffin
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My impression was that it would work for small imports but not for large imports. I use the ImportWiz for small insert only imports. For everything else I use DTSes or write a custom Import program.
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Size has nothing to do with it.. proper vbscripting in the new IW will take care of everything.
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rjl |
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Re: Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 27 Aug 07 5:08 PM
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RJL,
Are you claiming to have used the import wizard scripting functionality to append new contacts to existing accounts? Do you have examples?
My understanding is that once you start scripting everything within the IW you are no longer benefiting from using it to begin with. Am I overlooking the value it has? I discontinued using it long ago because of its limitations and I am not familiar with the latest revision/enhancements.
Thank you, sir!
Timmus
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Re: Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 27 Aug 07 5:45 PM
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Originally posted by Konstantin Vishnevsky
Okay, this worked perfectly for new accounts with multiple contacts. Thank you Frank.
But I'm still in trouble importing multiple contacts for EXISTING accounts |
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Make sure every contact has the same identical account name, and that the source records are sorted by account then contact. |
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Re: Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 03 Sep 07 8:18 AM
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Originally posted by Timmus Agersea
RJL,
Are you claiming to have used the import wizard scripting functionality to append new contacts to existing accounts? Do you have examples?
My understanding is that once you start scripting everything within the IW you are no longer benefiting from using it to begin with. Am I overlooking the value it has? I discontinued using it long ago because of its limitations and I am not familiar with the latest revision/enhancements.
Thank you, sir!
Timmus
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Timmus,
There's really two "kinds" of dup checking capabilities in the new IW:
a - Dup checking as defined by "Skip if duplicate" to prevent duplicate records in the import source from creating duplicated in the SalesLogix db
b - The ability to extend the capabilities of the IW via VBScripting and taking advantage of exposed properties/methods of the IW "object". Specifically the "OnInsert(TableName)". at this point one could do a quick check for duplicate(s) based on specific business rule(s) and do either:
1 - Return 0 to allow Post
2 - Return 1 to Skip just this record
3 - Return 2 to skip this record and all child records.
So as you can see, there's several ways to deal with potential duplicates in the new IW (v7.0 and up).
PLEASE done' call me "sir".. I work for a living.
(old military joke.. 
The really unfortunate situation with the IW is that there is very little info on it short of the "help file". In fact, there's always been very little info available on the IW. Prior to v7 I'd agree w/100% of the community saying it was (almost) worthless. However, there's really a lot of capability there now that's been hardly touched. I'd also add.. . don't expect it to be "lightning fast".. the IW has not been known for speed and certainly extending it via VBScript did not add any speed.
Oh yes.. I have to give BIG credit to Todd's work on using the (new) IW. It helped me to better understand how the pieces go together.
Maybe what's needed is a good article on the "Ins and Outs of the IW - Past and Present" . Ryan.. what do you think?.. Interested in posting one if I wrote it?
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rjl |
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Re: Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 15 Oct 07 11:21 AM
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Originally posted by Konstantin Vishnevsky
Bob
Do you mind posting a small sample of the code used in Import Wizard please? |
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It's stuff I make $$$ with and would prefer to not make it public. It took me some time to develop it and unfortunately I've not gotten all of my investment back yet. Once I have I'll consider doing an article on the IW along w/example code.
The info is in the IW help file
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rjl |
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Re: Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 11 Nov 07 10:59 PM
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Hi RJ
I've just reread Timmus' post and your answer - and noticed that you have not directly answered his first question regarding the creation of contacts for existing accounts. So ... yes or no? If yes, how did you set up the matching between the source data and the ACCOUNT table?
Cheers, PP |
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Re: Using Import Wizard to import multiple Contacts for same Account
Posted: 13 Nov 07 6:03 PM
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Originally posted by Phil Parkin
That's enough for me RJ, I'm sure that I can work it out, thanks.
PP |
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I'm not meaning to ba "flip" about it... The one big thing I hate about posting is that sometimes (maybe a LOT!) stuff comes off dry.. ..... not so good...
What I am trying to say is that for folks that have worked around SalesLogix for a while should be able to work thru the "dup" check and other really neat things that the new IW has to offer. It just takes some time to discover the really useful nuggets that have ben added to it.
Many of us forget the help files.. a lot!....
In an unrelated situation, I was trying to do something in the new web (I've been hacking on it since pre-beta.. and have taken the classroom course.. fully certified, etc) and was totally stuck.. well, as a last resort (all of us have been there).. I looked at the help files for the new web and found some very interresting info.. stuff I had no idea that was there and was NOT talked about in the on-line or classroom courses..
Sorry to go a bit off-track.. but you get the idea - there really is some good stuff right at our fingertips and we tend to miss it very easily.
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rjl |
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