Using the Product Maintenance Import Tool in Barnet Portal Part 1/2

USING THE PRODUCT MAINTENANCE IMPORT TOOL IN BARNET PORTAL

The Import Tool in <Product Maintenance> allows you to make mass updates or additions to your product database using a CSV or Excel file. You can:

Update pricing or discounts in bulk
Create new products, vendors, categories, sizes, countries, and specialties
Build an entire product database for a new store

You can use the provided import template or upload your own file (with or without headers). However, using the template is strongly recommended to ensure data is matched correctly.

How to Access the Import Tool

From <Product Maintenance>, click:

Import or Import/Export → From CSV/XLS

Using the Template (Recommended)

The import template helps automatically map data to the correct fields.

To download the template:

Click the “Download Template” button at the bottom left of the import form.

How the Template Works:

Row 1 (hidden): Tells the system how to map each column to the correct field.
Row 3 (hidden): Enforces character limits and field constraints.

You can delete any unused columns, but keep Rows 1–3 for any columns you’re using.

Examples:

New Products: Include SKU, Description, Price, etc.
Price Changes Only: Use just SKU and Price.
New Attributes Only (e.g., Varietals): Use a single column, no SKU required.

Import Options & Best Practices

Do Data Test (enabled by default)

Simulates the import and highlights what will change.
Use this to confirm that your file is correct before applying changes.

Allow Create New Products

Enable this only if you are adding new SKUs or new attributes (e.g., Vendors, Categories).
Do not enable if you're only modifying existing products.
Prevents accidental creation of incorrect entries due to typos or misaligned columns.

In the example below, the Data Test results show that some Categories were not found in the system and will be created as new entries. If the intention was not to create new Categories, this alert gives the importer a chance to correct the file or adjust the field mappings—especially important if the template was not used.

Importing from Head Office (Multi-Store Portals)

Always import from Head Office when creating products or categories.
On import, you'll be prompted to confirm.
Changes only apply to stores where the product is active, unless you're creating new products (you’ll be able to select which stores to apply them to).

Uploading and Assigning Columns

Click “Choose File” and upload your import file.

If you used the template:

All fields will automatically map.
Fields not present in your file will show as n/a.

If you didn’t use the template:

You must manually assign each column using the drop-down in the File Columns section

Click each column, assign the correct field, or set unused fields to n/a.
Be sure to skip header rows to avoid importing them as products. The system may warn you if headers are detected.