Adding Project Devices/Tasks Using Import

Adding Project Devices/Tasks Using Import

The typical method of adding Devices and Tasks to a Plan is to drag and drop each item to the Plan and update its details. This approach can be fast and easy, especially when using Favorites for consistent and accurate results. However, there may be scenarios in which you want to add Devices/Tasks based on data from another system, for example. In such cases, you can use SiteOwl’s Import capability to add multiple new items to a Plan using a Comma Separated Values (CSV) file that you've created. This article provides the steps to import Devices and Tasks, including Secondaries, using a CSV file.
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For steps to create Favorites using import, go to: Adding Favorite Devices/Tasks Using Import

Step 1: Create a Template CSV File

Begin with a template CSV file that includes all the required fields as well as any additional data elements you wish to include in the import. A template CSV can be created in the following ways:

  1. Generate your own template (recommended): Follow the steps in this article to generate your own template.
  2. Download the SiteOwl sample template: A link to download this sample template is available in the dialog box shown when you click the Import button on the Project Devices screen.
  3. Use Excel to create the CSV import file from scratch.

Generating you own template:

  1. Navigate to the Project Plan where Devices/Tasks will be added.
  2. At least one Device/Task must exist on the Plan. Edit the Plan and add any type of Device.
  3. Save your changes.
  4. Click the Information icon at the bottom right of the plan to view the Count list,
  5. Click the Device Total number (1).
  6. This will take you to the Project Devices screen which will look similar to this:
  7. Click the Configure Columns option at the top right. Here you'll prepare for exporting the CSV file that you'll use as a template to import add new Device Pins. Each column you select will be included in the CSV file.
  8. Ensure the following required columns are selected: 
    1. Primary Device/Task (required if including Secondary Devices/Tasks)
    2. Name
    3. System Type
    4. Device/Task Type
    5. Select any additional columns of data you want to include in the import. For example, if you want IP Address or Manufacturer data, select those columns.
    6. Other required data will be automatically included (Project ID, Plan ID, and Device ID).

  9. After your columns are configured, click Update to save your configuration changes. To see which columns can be updated using Import, refer to the document here.
  10. Click Export at the top right to create the CSV template file and save it in an easy to find location.


Step 2: Update the CSV Template with Data to Import

  1. Open the CSV file in Excel and examine the row(s) below the header row. These rows contain any Devices/Tasks that were already on the Plan. These can remain in the file since the import process will only update these existing Devices/Tasks, not add new ones. 


    Required Columns
    The following columns must be included when importing Project Devices. A complete list of columns can be found here.
    1. Project ID: Copy the value from an existing Device/Task that was included in the CSV template
    2. Plan ID: Copy the value from an existing Device/Task that was included in the CSV template
    3. Device ID: The value you enter here will depend upon whether you intend to also import Secondary Devices for this Device/Task:
      1. Primary Device/Tasks:
        1. For each Device/Task that will not include Secondaries, enter a value of New.
        2. For each Device/Task that will include Secondaries, enter a unique value containing at least one letter (ex. New 1, New 2, Cam 1, Cam 2).
      2. Secondary Device/Tasks
        1. For each Secondary Device/Task, enter a value of New. 
    4. Primary Device/Task ID: For each new Secondary Device/Task, enter the Device ID of its Primary Device/Task.
    5. Name: Enter a name for this Device/Task. 
    6. System Type: Enter the SiteOwl System Type. A complete list can be found here.
    7. Device/Task Type: Enter the SiteOwl Device/Task Type. A complete can be found here.
  2. You will create one row in the CSV for each Primary Device/Task you want to add to the Plan. Columns can be Required or Optional. Please refer to the rules and allowed values for each column here.
    Note: When creating Secondary Devices/Tasks using import, the Primary Device row must be placed above the row that will create the Secondary Device.
  3. After you add data to the columns for each new row, your CSV should now look something like the example below. When imported, this CSV will add four Devices to the Plan.

Step 3: Importing

With all the data added to your CSV, you’re ready to add the new Devices/Tasks by importing them. At this point, ensure that you have saved your changes in Excel. 
  1. On the Project Devices screen, click the Import button at the top right. You’ll be prompted to select the CSV you’ve been editing. After you select it, a Device Import Preview will appear similar to the one below. This one states that there are no issues with the data in the CSV and that 6 devices will be imported. Two of these are the existing Devices, and the other four are the new Devices.


  2. If you have issues that need to be addressed, click Cancel, edit your CSV and then try to import again. When the import has completed, you’ll receive a message like the one below:


  3. The Project Devices screen will update automatically to show the new items.


  4. And when you view the Plan, you’ll see your new Devices/Tasks at the top left of the Plan.


    You can now edit the Plan and position the new Devices/Tasks to their correct locations.

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If you have any questions, please contact us at support@siteowl.com


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