This article describes how to import items from a CSV spreadsheet into your STACK account.
Steps to perform an item import
Download the STACK item import template below (Once the sheet opens click on the File menu, then Save As, then Download a Copy)
Populate the template. Information on the acceptable values for each field are listed below.
Send the populated template to your STACK account rep or customer service manager. Use the in-app Intercom chat or email to connect with your rep.
Your account rep or customer service manager will review the template and may ask you to make changes to format the data for import into STACK.
Once the data is properly formatted your AR or CSM will queue it up for import. Imports are usually completed within 2 business days.
Import template instructions
For successful importing:
Provide all Required information
Do not skip rows
Do not hide columns
Column No | Field/Column | Acceptable Values | Instructions | Example |
1 | Item Name | Text, max 120 chars | Required. Name of Item | Shingles (Metal) |
2 | Item Description | Text, max 255 chars | Optional. This description will appear in item edit screens only | 24 Gauge Aluminum |
3 | Purchase Unit | Text, max 50 chars | Required. Unit of measure that will appear on reports. Can be same as Unit of Measure column below. | Squares |
4 | Unit of Measure | sq ft, lin ft, cu yd, m, sq m, cu m, each | Required. Unit of measure that will be used during takeoff. Must be one of the comma separated values listed at left | sq ft |
5 | Accounting Code | text, max 30 chars | Optional. Use this to store any item information that you want output into your reports or estimate. | |
6 | Coverage Rate Purchase | number (1 is default) | Optional. Defaults to 1. Factor to convert from Unit of Measure (ex, Sq Ft) to Purchase Unit (ex, GALLONS). If you are not sure what to input, leave blank. | 1 |
7 | Coverage Rate Measured | number | Optional. Defaults to 1. Example: Purchase Unit=GALLONS Unit of Measure=Sq Ft Coverage Rate Measured=100 Sq Ft Coverage Rate Purchase=1 GALLON Translated: 1 GALLON = 100 Sq Ft | 100 |
8 | Cost Type | Must be a standard cost type or custom type defined on your account | Required. Setup any custom cost types prior to the import. | Material |
9 | Unit Cost | numeric, optional | Optional. (do not input a currency symbol here) Example: 100.00 | 10 |
10 | Folder Level 1 | text, max 50 chars. optional, will default to Items if not provided | Optional. This will be the root folder. Folders 1 - 5 are used to organize your items so that you can find them easily. Folder information is not output in your estimates or reports. | Roofing |
11 | Folder Level 2 | Optional. Subfolder to 1 | Shingle | |
12 | Folder Level 3 | Optional. Subfolder to 2 | Shingle (Metal) | |
13 | Folder Level 4 | Optional. Subfolder to 3 | Shingle Metal (Aluminum) | |
14 | Folder Level 5 | Optional. Subfolder to 4 |
How the import template columns map to fields on the item edit screen
Things to consider before importing
If you are using any custom Cost Types, ensure that those Cost Types are created in your Account Settings section prior to the import.
Do you already have items in your account? The import will update any items that already exist. See Updating Items section below for details.
Are you confident of the folder structure and naming convention you want to use for your database? It is difficult to move items once created.
Right now we cannot import information into the STACK-provided catalogs (The STACK Items section of your database). We can only import into your own catalog (The My Items section).
Updating Items
Any items that already exist in your account with the same item name and folder structure as an item in your import spreadsheet will be updated. Since the Item Name and Folders are used to match an import row with an existing item these fields cannot be changed via import. The fields that may be updated are:
Description
Purchase Unit
Unit of Measure
Coverage Rates
Cost Type
Unit Cost
Accounting Code
You can export items from your account, perform price updates in Excel, and then import back into your account to quickly update item prices. Contact your customer success manager to request an export.
The import will never delete items from your account. It also cannot move items from one folder to another. These operations must be performed via the STACK web application.