Flat File import and variables

[DarrenSpink]

Hi,

Can anyone clear up for me if it is or not possible to use custom variables when using a flat file. Found a few threads like this: http://community.actinic.com/showthr...file+variables that mention it is.

I have created a RRP variable and what to map it, but its not appearing in the 'Map import Field'

TIA

[leehack]

It is not possible to update a custom variable via flat file import as far as i know or at least i've never seen it happen. Be good to see if it could though, but if you can't see a place to map with, i don't see how you can update.

[DarrenSpink]

Well no,

I don't understand where the fields come from that you can map to. And can't understand why its not possible really.

[leehack]

Perhaps the fiddle is to do a hierajdhvashgvasfas export, note the field names and then add those to a flat file import, that could be a nifty trick if it worked.

[Chunkford]

hierajdhvashgvasfas export

Never heard that one before

[leehack]

That word really annoys me typing it out, so i refuse to from now on .

[AndyBorrett]

You need to create a heiracheal (can never spell that word) import file.

The easiest way to do it is to using the 'Flat File Converter' that you will find in your Actinic directory.

Create a CSV spreadsheet with the info you want.
Load that file into the Flat File Converter
Generate a heiracheal file
Import that into Actinic

Make sure you have your custom variables set up in Actinic first or the file will not import.

Let me know if you need more detailed information

[Chunkford]

LOL, i know where your coming from.

With importing custom variables you can only use higherthingymabob imports.
You could get away with a basic one tho, and only use the product header if your updating, or if they are new products, list them and wrap then in a 'dump' section so you can just drag and drop then within Actinic. Remember to add the section header if you do this.

[Mark H]

What we do is to dynamically link to an external spreadsheet, so all product changes are made to the spreadsheet (when Actinic is closed) which is much quicker for us. Custom variable columns are added to the spreadsheet and then defined in Actinic, following which they appear as fields to be mapped to - see image.

[DarrenSpink]

Mark,

that sounds like a better idea than the Hirefjsshjkasd import job. Is that only available in business though?

cheers for the other replies.

cant still believe that actinic still haven't got rrp as standard.

[Mark H]

It's a brilliant feature, and one of the main reasons we are with Actinic, but you're right (I wasn't aware of this as have always used Business):

"Linking To An External File
Note: This feature is only available in Actinic Business and Actinic Designer

It is possible to link products in Actinic to an external database with a permanent dynamic link. This means that any change you make to products in the external file (whether that be a spreadsheet or a table in a database) will be immediately brought into Actinic. It is also possible to have product changes in Actinic be transferred into the external file."