Import is available from the Utilities menu. The import utility allows you to view or examine your data so that selecting the field list is easy. You can run a preliminary check on the ASCII file to see if the import will result in errors. Error files can be edited and re-imported into your document database. Before performing this procedure (or any major change like this to your database) it is always a good idea to back up your database.

How to Import an ASCII Delimited File into A Database

Open the case to whose database you want to import the data. Be sure the correct form is selected. Then go to 'Options' --> 'Utilities' and select 'Import Summaries'. When the Import Summaries dialog appears, on the ASCII File to Import line, enter the filename of the ASCII file you want to import or select it using the Browse option.

When you import your file, you will need to make sure that the field in you current form match the way the fields are laid out in the ASCII file you are importing. You can do this one of two ways (or, if you exported from another Summation database and exported with column headings, you just need to click on 'Setup' and then have the "Start Import at Row" equal 2 and make sure that 'First Row Contains Column Definition' is selected.):

• Use the Field Selection box. Here the field list is already displayed. To select a field, first click on it in the Available list to highlight it. Then click on the arrow pointing to the right to add it to the Selected List. Do this for all fields in the ASCII file, making sure to select them in the order in which they appear in the ASCII file. If you are unsure as to the order of the data in the ASCII file, click the View… button.
  
  
• Use the grid provided. This grid functions just like the one in column display in the document database. Click on the Fields box to bring up the list of fields in your current form. Select them one at a time by clicking on them and then dragging them out to the appropriate heading. Make sure that the order in which they appear in the columns is the same as the order in which they appear in the ASCII file. If you are unsure as to the order of the data in the ASCII file, click the View… button.

Click on Full Check and Summation will look at both the source and the destination to try and foresee any potential problems. If you do not get any errors when doing the 'Full Check' then go ahead and click on 'Import File' to import your summaries.

If you have an idea for Summation's Tip of the Week, or would like clarification on specific procedures contact us, we welcome your suggestions. Should you require assistance with an issue, contact our Technical Support Staff.