Importing Spreadsheets - Advanced

Objective: To get an in-depth analysis of column mapping when importing components into Duro via spreadsheet files.

Difficulty: Advanced

In this article:

1. Use cases and templates
2. Mapping column headers
   • Mapping options
3. Required fields
   • For creating new components
   • For updating existing components
   • For creating or updating assemblies
4. Review page
5. Importing images and documents

If you were previously managing BOM spreadsheets, you can quickly import all your data in one streamlined process through the importing spreadsheets feature.

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Use cases and templates

Duro has three templates for you to choose from when importing your component from a file:

1. Creating new components: used when the component does not already exist in your Duro library. This is for first-time components only.
2. Update existing components: used for components that have already been integrated into your Duro library but you want to make changes.
3. Creating or updating assemblies: used when you're creating new components or adding to existing components as children of an assembly or subassembly.

You are not required to use one of our templates; you are welcome to create your own as long as you match the required column headers as described below. If you prefer to use one of our spreadsheets, download the appropriate template and follow the embedded instructions. 

Mapping column headers

With Duro's column mapping wizard, users can map any field in their spreadsheet to a Duro field. Once mapped, Duro automatically saves the mapping for all future imports, so you only have to map it once. 

Mapping options

These categories sort all mapping options: Summary, Specifications, Sources, Quotes, and Assembly. If you use the templates provided in the Import from File module (and also linked above in Use cases and templates), each column header in the spreadsheet will have an exact match in the dropdown menu of the import wizard. Please see the following table for a complete list of options you can select your spreadsheet columns to map to in Duro. 

SUMMARY	SPECIFICATIONS	SOURCES	QUOTES	ASSEMBLY
Category Name Mass CPN EID Description Status Revision Documents Images*	Specs Procurement Unit of Measure	MPN Manufacturer Mfr Description Datasheet DPN Distributor Dist Description Package Package Quantity	Min Quantity Price Quote Lead Time Quote Lead Time Unit	Quantity Item Number Notes Ref Des

 Note: For importing images, please refer to the Importing images section of this article.

After selecting your local spreadsheet file to import, Duro scans the file and identifies the header row to display the column labels. Any known column labels will automatically be mapped to the best match Duro field label. During the import review stage, Duro will analyze the spreadsheet contents and highlight any mistakes or potential manufacturing risks. If a column label is not recognized, it must be mapped manually to one of the Duro field labels listed in the drop-down menu. You can disable any columns that you do not want to import using the respective toggle switch or correct any columns that the system did not accept. 

Required fields

Depending on whether you're creating new components, updating existing components, or creating assemblies, there are a handful of required fields to fill out. The import wizard will let you know if any information does not translate correctly, and you can toggle on/off which columns should be imported into the system as shown above. Please see the below summary of required fields based on import action:

For creating new components:

• Category
• Name

For updating existing components:

• CPN

For creating or updating assemblies:

• CPN
• Quantity

Review page

Once you have downloaded, filled out, and uploaded your spreadsheet, you'll be asked to review your content before it's integrated into your Duro component library. Common errors made include having data on duplicate parts (pictured below) or having incompatible specifications. The import wizard will signal an error message if something is not imported properly. If your content is flagged, simply make the correction in your spreadsheet, save it, and upload it again to Duro. Once all issues are rectified, you will be allowed to complete importing your component into Duro. 

For a more detailed explanation of importing from a spreadsheet file, you can watch the below video.

See the below links for other ways to integrate components into Duro:

• Import from Vendor
• Create Components Manually
• FAQ: Importing Specs in Bulk

Importing images and documents

To bulk import via spreadsheet, each document and photo must be linked to a unique URL that grants direct access to them. Similar to the way APIs function, Duro must be able to retrieve these specified URLs. Therefore, the image or document link inserted into your BOM must not be located within personal file storage, including your desktop or Google Drive. Images and documents must be publicly accessible or publicly hosted. For example, this could include a product image or user manual on a manufacturer's website. 

The general process for importing images and/or documents via file into Duro is as follows: prepping your BOM, inserting URL links to images and documents into your BOM, importing the BOM in Duro, mapping the fields, and finishing the import.

To import images or documents into Duro via URL, follow the steps below:

1. Open your existing Bill of Materials file in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or a similar program that allows for the organization of product components in a tabular format.
2. In your BOM spreadsheet, create a new column where you will be adding your images or documents
   • Position your cursor on the column header right where you want the new column to be inserted. 
   • Right-click and select "Insert Column" or use the software's feature to add a new column. 
   • Title this new column as “Images" or "Documents."
3. Copy the URL of the image for each corresponding component in your BOM. Paste each URL into the “Images” or "Documents" column against the respective item.
4. Save your changes in your BOM.
5. Login to Duro.
6. Navigate to your Components Library. 
7. Click on the Import from File button.

In the example provided below, along with the accompanying .xls file, it's demonstrated that utilizing a publicly accessible URL allows for successful image integration.

Should the image or documents you wish to import be unavailable for public access, open a support ticket. Our team of developers will assist with importing the files to your Duro library on your behalf.