The Inventory Import feature allows Lab Managers or those with Lab Management permissions to easily import multiple Inventory items at one time using the Inventory Import Template. This is a preferred method for labs that are already tracking their inventory in a Excel spreadsheet or have the ability to export details out of another electronic inventory management system. With one single upload, thousands of items can be quickly added to your Inventory Lab. If you need to edit existing items instead, the Bulk Update template should be used.
To download the template and import items, from the Lab Management gear icon, select Import Items and Download Template. Alternatively, visit the main Inventory page and select Import Items next to the search menu and Next.
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Via the Gear Icon |
Via the Gear Icon |
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Via the Inventory Page |
Via the Inventory Page |
Working with the Import Template
Once the Import Template has been downloaded, it will contain a tab for each Inventory Type, and within each tab will be a column representing each field supported in the Inventory Type (default fields, fields specific to each Type, and any custom fields that may have been added). It is important that you first customize the Inventory Types prior to downloading the template so that the template will always reflect your most recent changes to the Inventory Types.
If you wish to also add the Location details into the template, you’ll only need to specify the top-level and bottom-level storage locations, plus an optional cell position. The system will automatically map the sub-locations in between the top and bottom levels. Storage locations should be added to the Location tab within Lab Management prior to using the Import Template.
Enter your data into the appropriate columns without changing the structure of the template—do not add, delete, or rename columns or tabs. Leave any unused fields blank. By default, the Item Name field is required and any other fields that may have been configured per Inventory Type. Required fields will be have their column header highlighted in red. Item
If you leave the Quantity cell blank, it will default to 1. If you add a Vendor to the template that is not yet in the Lab Management Vendors menu, it will be added to the list of Vendors after the import.
Once you have the template populated with your item details, save a copy of the template, and return to the Import Inventory Items page to drag/drop the document onto the page or browse to upload the file. If there are any errors, they will be listed during upload and must be resolved before the process can finish.
Once the upload is complete, your items will appear on the main Inventory page where you can use the filters to sort or the search menu to locate items. At this time the items also become visible and usable to the members of your Inventory Lab.