Import options

As an example, assume that you already have an active encyclopedia, and that you are importing data element information in CSV format to overlay the existing data. Assume also that the Property Configuration Set names ten properties for data elements, but that the header line in your CSV file only mentions seven of the ten. Assume further that data for the seven is sometimes present and sometimes missing. For example, aaa,bbb,,ddd... has no data for the ccc field.

For disposition of the three Property Configuration Set fields not referenced, you can specify that in the existing encyclopedia the values of these three Properties are to be left as is, or you might specify that they should be deleted. You might delete the three properties without values to recover encyclopedia space. To delete fields not referenced, select Delete all fields then add new data. In those cases where data is missing from the seven fields, you can specify that the old field is to be left as is or that it is to be cleared. To leave existing data as is, select Update single fields when data supplied. To clear fields when data is missing, select Update single fields - clear field if no data.

Note When you export definitions with key properties as CSV, then change that definition and import it back into the encyclopedia, the original definition that you exported is not updated. Instead, a new definition is created. This is how it works even if you use the Delete all fields then add new data or Update single fields when data supplied options. You can use the export/import CSV method to modify existing definitions that do not have key properties.