About Import Mappings

What is an Import Mapping?

The user can import data from an Excel file created by the user into Business Central by using the Import Mapping functionality. A mapping allows a user to connect Excel columns real fields on a page. Multiple mapping can be created for a page to handle different Excel column layouts.

How to use the Import Mapping:  

Open Business Central >> Administration >> Import Mapping. 

>> The Import Mapping List will open. >> Click on the + New Button to create a new Import Mapping. 

>> For example, the image below is an import Mapping for Purchase Journal. Check the description of the fields below: 

General: 

- Code:  Specifies a code used to identify a mapping to import data, for example, PURCHASEJNL. 

- Name: Gives a name that will be used to identify a mapping to import data, for example, Purchase Journal.

-Layout Code: Choose a system-defined layout to determine the table to be used. The layout also defines the order in which fields are processed during the import regardless of the order in the import document. For example, GENJOURNAL. Most journals in Business Central are maintained in the Gen. Journal Line table, hence the use of GENJOURNAL in this scenario.

-Layout Name: This field will get auto-populated once the Layout code is selected. 

-Has Header: Specifies whether the import file contains a header row, if yes turn the toggle on if not keep it off. 

-Header Row No.: Insert the no. of row where there is a header row. If the worksheet has multiple header rows, then enter the last row number containing header text.

- First Data Row No.: Insert the no. of which row is the first data row if there is a header. Should typically be the next number after the Header Row No.

-Column Identification No.: If a header row is specified then Column Name should be selected. This will force the import to look for column names and use those to find data values.

-Worksheet Name: If there are multiple worksheets in Excel, the user can specify one. When running an import, users will be prompted to choose a worksheet if  needed.

Column to Field Mapping: 

>> Insert the names of the columns that are there in the Excel sheet >> Insert the No of the Columns and the Field's name which needs to be mapped with that column. 

How does Import Mapping work? 

>> Process > Excel import on the Column to Fields Mapping section.

Select your Excel book and sheet and the App will fill in columns from the sheet and attempt to match all column names which match field names in Business Central.

The Field Name Assist Edit can be used to select a Business Central field from the list presented from the related Import Layout.

>> You can see this YouTube video for more information. 

LINK: Excel Imports with Fundamentals for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central