The Import CSV File function in TimeTonic allows you to integrate external data sets directly into your tables while preserving the integrity of your database. This feature offers precise column mapping, advanced duplicate management via a unique key, and control over the import scope (entire table or active view).
CSV import now includes two options for handling duplicates:
- Use the unique key defined in TimeTonic (if your table has one)
- Declare a one-time unique key directly in the import window
1. Before You Start
Before starting an import, ensure your file meets the following three prerequisites. These prevent encoding errors, facilitate mapping, and enable duplicate management.
File Format
File with .csv extension encoded in UTF-8. This avoids “�” characters and misinterpreted accents.
Properly Named Columns
A clear header line in the first row. This facilitates mapping to TimeTonic fields.
Unique Key (optional but highly recommended)
A field that reliably identifies each row (Customer number, item code, business identifier, etc.). It allows you to update your records instead of recreating everything.
2. Starting the Import from Your Table
The import is triggered from the options menu of the target table, in three clicks.
Go to the book and then to the table where you want to import your data.
Click on the ⋮ Table Options icon in the top bar, then on Import.
In the menu that appears, select the CSV import option to open the loading window.
3. Select and Configure Your CSV File
The loading window lets you choose your file and configure its reading before field association.
Details of Loading Options
, · Semicolon ; · Tab.
4. Field Association (CSV → TimeTonic Mapping)
This screen associates each column of your CSV file with a field in the TimeTonic table. This step ensures your data will arrive in the correct columns.
Details of the Preparation Screen
Association Commands
Three commands allow you to quickly manage your mappings, especially for recurring imports.
1. Clear Associations
Resets all mappings already made between CSV columns and table fields. Useful if you want to start over.
2. Save Associations
Saves the current mapping locally to reapply it during a future import.
3. Load Associations
Retrieves a previously saved mapping to save time on recurring imports.
5. Managing Duplicates: Two Options to Distinguish
TimeTonic offers two ways to identify existing rows to update them instead of recreating. The choice depends on your table structure and the desired import scope.
Option 1: Use the Unique Key Defined in TimeTonic
This is the recommended option when your table already has a field declared as a unique key (customer code, item identifier, business reference, etc.).
· if it exists → the row is updated
· otherwise → a new row is created
· When the table already contains its business identifier (customer number, item code, etc.)
Concrete Example
"Clients" Table: the field code_client is declared as a unique key. The CSV file contains the code_client column and new prices.
- Check Use the unique key defined in TimeTonic.
- Leave Use table data checked to update all clients.
- Mapping:
code_client↔code_client,prix↔tarif. - On import: existing clients are updated, unknown codes are added.
Option 2: Declare a Manual Unique Key at Import
If your table does not have a permanent unique key, you can declare one temporarily directly in the mapping window by checking the Unique Key box next to a CSV column.
The Sub-option "Use Table Data"
When you check a manual unique key, a sub-option appears to control the scope of duplicate search: over the entire table or only the active view.
Concrete Example
Daily import with the column intervention_id · you want to affect only interventions visible in the "In Progress" view.
- On the
intervention_idline, check Unique Key. - Then uncheck Use table data.
- Result:
- The
intervention_ids present in the view are updated. - The same identifiers hidden by the filter, if present in the CSV, will be created as new rows (since they are invisible to the check).
- The
6. Do the Mapping
Once your duplicate options are set, associate each CSV column with the corresponding TimeTonic field.
Use the dropdown list to associate the column with its target field.
On the column that serves as an identifier for duplicate management.
To validate the entire mapping and proceed to the confirmation step.
7. Validate and Launch the Import
A summary is displayed to verify the correspondences before launching the final import.
Start the Import
Click Start Import to begin processing.
Pause / Resume
You can interrupt the import at any time via Pause Import, then restart it via Resume Import.
Track Progress in Real Time
A progress bar shows the processing status throughout the loading cycle.
At the End of the Import
Detailed Import Status
TimeTonic displays a summary: number of rows created, updated, and any errors encountered.
Downloadable Log Report
A complete log file is available for download to analyze the import details, especially in case of errors.
Recommendations Before a Large Import
Backup the Table
Keep a copy of the table before any large import to be able to revert changes.
Check the Unique Key
Whether permanent or temporary, it must contain no duplicates or empty cells.
Test on a Filtered View
Prefer a reduced view for your tests to avoid surprises at large scale.
Monitor Required Columns
Ensure all columns required by your table are properly filled in the CSV.
Consult the Import Report
It lists created rows, updated rows, and any errors to correct.
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