I have data on Excel that I want to Import

You may have already a CRM process in place that you want to be more seamless or you might have come from another CRM system and you might be wondering how to upload your data to iCRM.

The iCRM application supports Import from back-end data sources specifically, Salesforce.com, MS Dynamics and QuickBooks, SugarCRM, Outlook.com and Google.  You may import directly from this sources.

However, in certain cases your data might be in a spreadsheet or an export from other source.  Below is a simple guide on how to upload your data from a text file to iCRM.

Step 1. Prepare you data

If you already have your .CSV file, iCRM checks for specific columns that are required for the data upload.  I will discuss the 3 major module in iCRM.  Please check your file and make sure the column/s discussed below exist.

Accounts - there must be a column with the Account or Customer Name and Account Owner*.

Contacts - there must be columns for Account or Customer Name (to be used to associate the contact) and Last name.

Leads - there must be columns for Account or Customer Name,  Last name and Lead Owner*.  The Account/Customer name is used at the time when the Lead is converted to a Contact.

*Account Owner and Lead Owner must be in email address format.  You may leave this column blank if there is only 1 licensed user at the time of your import or you have not setup your Users yet.  Owner field will default to the user running the import,

Step 2. Prepare you iCRM form

Automatic mapping of fields is supported.  However, there may be some details on your .CSV file that do not have a target field on the iCRM forms.  You will have to add or create those fields.

Customize your Form - iCRM default form is simple and basic, however, it is easy to customize to suit your needs.  You may choose to add fields that may not have a target placeholder during import or totally just do this later.

Add System Fields - these are fields that are included in the basic installation. Some are by default hidden but easily added if needed. You may use and rename the label as needed. Checking if the field you need already has a corresponding iCRM field will save you some time.

Add Custom Fields - if the fields you need are not in any of the system fields, add custom fields.  You can add 50 fields per each field type.

Add Keywords - keywords are added on the fields level. Drag/drop to reorder.

Step 3. Import your Data

You may have customized your form to add target fields, as discussed in Step 2 OR you have skipped that step and decided to add fields on the fly OR just import and update the fields later.

Click here for details on How to Import a .CSV file.

Step 4. Check your Data

Once your data has been uploaded via Import, iCRM gives you different ways to view them.

On the Account Module, for example;

1.  From the Details pane, click on the View drop down.
2.  Select the different default views such as All Accounts, Recently Viewed Accounts or My Accounts.
    See your records presented with the default fields as columns.
3.  Create a new view by selecting New at the bottom of the list.

Click here for more details on How to Manage iCRM Views

Now, you have successfully imported your Excel/CSV records.