TIM can preview inventory records from CSV files and Excel workbooks before creating or changing anything. Imports are available only to approved users with edit and import permission.
Before importing #
- Download the Item template or Wishlist template from Inventory Settings when starting a new file.
- Keep one header row and one inventory record per row.
- Include a clear Item Name.
- Use consistent categories, statuses, scales, dates, and numbers.
- Do not use an inventory-item import merely to attach photos to existing records.
- Export a current backup before a large import.
Previewing a file #
- Open Inventory Settings.
- Under Inventory item data and backups, choose Import inventory workbook for XLSX or Import inventory-items CSV for CSV.
- Select the file.
- Choose Preview new inventory items.
- Review the detected column mapping, summary, and every row.
TIM recognizes common headings including Description, Article Number, Manufacturer, Quantity, and Type, as well as TIM’s own template headings. If a mapping is wrong, correct the source column heading and preview the file again.
Reviewing matches #
TIM uses inventory numbers and natural identifying fields to locate possible matches. It does not silently merge them. Depending on the match, a row can offer actions such as:
- Create item.
- Skip and keep existing.
- Update matched item.
- Add imported quantity.
- Attach image or manual links only.
- Skip row.
Choose the action for every possible match, then select Apply reviewed import actions.
After import #
Review the completed run and spot-check new or updated records. Recent import runs remain in Inventory Settings. A completed run can be rolled back: newly created records are moved to TIM Trash and supported changes to matched records are restored. Pre-existing unrelated items are not deleted.
If a file intended for catalog/reference photo matching creates inventory records, use the prominent import-recovery control immediately and verify the rollback result.
