Data imports use an auto import process — files must match the data spec exactly, use the .auto extension, and be uploaded via SFTP for the system to detect and process them automatically.
💡Quick answers
- What is the auto import process? An automated system that detects new files on the SFTP server and imports their data into Community Engagement based on the file name and format.
- What format must files follow? Tab-delimited, with exact headers matching the data spec, and the .auto file extension — any variation from the spec requires additional manual work.
- What is DataLink? A Finalsite-provided tool that extracts and formats data from supported SIS systems into correctly structured import files automatically.
- How do I verify data was imported correctly? Log into the client use portal after uploading and confirm the imported data matches your file; re-upload to correct any missing data.
What do you need to do?
- Schedule Kick off call with one of our Product Specialists, and Data Integration Specialist (DIS).
-
Install DataLink on supported systems.
DataLink contains standard queries that provide the data and headers correctly formatted for each file.
-
Use the data spec to create queries for non-supported systems.
- File data must be in a predefined standard format with exact headers.
- File data shouldn't require pre-processing or parse functions.
- Files should be named using the datasource type all lowercase, and the extension .auto.
- Files should uses existing format (Flex Format) specified in the data spec.
-
Use the Data Validation guide to verify the data.
You can verify that your files were imported correctly by logging into the client use portal. Check to make sure everything you provided in the file matches up with what you see in the web pages. If data is missing, double check that all required fields are in the files, and that all IDs match up correctly. Re-upload the file for the missing data.
- Assist in correcting data to meet the districts needs.
- Attend training, if required by district project sponsor.