Use a user-defined delimited file to create new asset records in Connect for assets that already exist in a third-party asset management application. Delimited files use characters such as commas (,) or semicolons (;) to separate fields within each record.

Importing assets from a user-defined delimited file

1. Open Connect Asset Management > Assets > Import Assets.

2. Select the User-defined Delimited as the Import File Type.

An import file stores data from Asset Management as a file that can be opened in a non-Caselle application. The import file type identifies the method in which the data is stored in the file.

3. Enter the Delimiter.

A delimiter is a character that marks the beginning or end of a unit of data. A delimited file is a variable-length field where the field length is based on the field's contents. Commonly used delimiters in export files include the comma (,), semicolon (;), and colon (:).  

Which delimiter does this import file use to separate field values?

• Use the Delimiter field to enter a character.  

The import filename is the filename and file location of the import file.

What is the import filename and where is the import file located?

• The import file is located in the Connect directory. All of the Connect applications are located in the default d:\Connect directory, where you replace d:\ with the appropriate drive letter. If the import file was created and saved to the Connect default directory, then you only need to enter the import filename and extension. For example, ImportFileName.txt

• The import file is located in a local or network directory. If you are importing a file that is stored on a disk or hard drive, type in the drive letter and path followed by the import filename and extension. Example: d:\my documents\ImportFileName.txt

A line is a single row in a spreadsheet. When a row contains the names of column headings, you may prefer not to create a record for the column headings. Use Lines to Skip not to  import the column headings, or other unnecessary data.

Does the import file contain column headers or extra information that you do not want to import?

• Yes, the import file contains headers or extra information. Click on the Lines to Skip field, and then enter the number of rows to omit from the import file.

• No, the import file does not contain headers or extra information. Enter 0 (zero) in the Lines to Skip field.  

All of the following options will process the import file. The report prints the import properties and lists any processing errors.

What do you want to do with the imported transactions?

• I want to create transactions. Select No Report as the Print option.

• I want to create transactions AND print a report. Select Report as the Print option.

• I want to print a report. Select Report Only as the Print option.  

A classification sorts assets into groups based on other assets that have similar characteristics. Common examples of classifications include Land, Buildings, and Equipment. Use this field to assign a classification to the imported assets. Remember, you can use Assets > Modify Existing Assets to change the asset classification later.   

Does the import file include the asset's classification?

• Yes, I want to use the classification in the import file. Select the [blank] from the Classification drop-down list.

• No, I want or need to assign the imported assets to a classification. Use the Classification drop-down list to choose a classification. The system will use the classification that is selected in this field to fill in the Classification field in the new asset records.  

Asset Management uses Departments to track which department within an organization is responsible for which inventory. Use this field to assign a department to the imported assets. Remember, you can use Assets > Modify Existing Assets to change the asset department later.

Does the import file include the asset's department?

• Yes, I want to use the department in the import file. Select the [blank] from the Department drop-down list.

• No, I want or need to assign the imported assets to a department. Use the Department drop-down list to choose a department. The system will use the department that is selected in this field to fill in the Department field in the new asset records.  

This field is available when the Import File Type is User-Defined Delimited. It displays a list of the fields in the import file. To learn more, see the Asset Fields List.

You can use the drop-down list to assign the field title from the application that matches the information contained in the import file.

 Use (skip) Do Not Import to import the asset information without importing the contents of the skipped field.

10. Click GO (CTRL+G).  

The routine will import the assets from the import as pending assets in Connect. The next step is to finish setting up the pending assets, see the help topic titled How do I manage pending assets?