Tips and Tricks for Working with CSVs in Inventory Optimizer

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files are a data format used to import and export product and supplier information in Inventory Optimizer. By utilizing them correctly, you can reduce the time when you modify data and enhance your workflow and data management efficiency.

Here are some tips and tricks for working with CSVs.

Tip 1: Always Create a Backup Before Uploading

Why is this important? Uploading new data can sometimes lead to unexpected errors or data loss. To protect yourself from such issues, always create a backup of your current data before making any changes.

How to create a backup:

1. Download a CSV: Go to Suppliers, Purchase Orders, or Items, ..., depending on what you're about to upload.
2. Click Bulk Management > Download data: This will create a CSV file containing all your current data.
3. Save the file: Give the file a descriptive name (e.g., "Items Backup - 2023-10-15"). This will help you remember when the backup was created and what data it contains.

*Note: Once you upload new data, there's no going back. However, Inventory Optimizer allows you to undo your most recent file upload within 24 hours, giving you a chance to revert to the previous version of your data.

Tip 2: How to Open CSV Files in Excel to Preserve Leading Zeros

When working with CSV files, especially those containing product data with SKUs or other coded fields that start with leading zeros, it's crucial to preserve these zeros to ensure data integrity. Excel's default behavior can sometimes strip away leading zeros, causing errors and inconsistencies. By following these steps, you can prevent this issue and maintain the accuracy of your data.

1. Download the CSV File from Inventory Optimizer using the usual method.
2. Open a new Excel spreadsheet.
3. Import the CSV Data:
   • Go to Data > From Text.
   • Select the downloaded CSV file.

4. Configure the file import:

1. • Select Comma in the delimiter. Then click Load.

Once you've finished editing or viewing the CSV file in Excel, save it as a CSV file to maintain its compatibility with Inventory Optimizer.

If you are still experiencing problems with onboarding or have additional questions, contact our support team at Inventory Optimizer Support.

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