The Item Import function in STACK allows you to mass update and/or mass add items directly into your STACK Item Library from our CSV template.
More on Items and Assemblies
How to Customize or Create an Assembly
Working with Assembly Formulas
Topics
Requirements
For successful importing
Provide all Required information
Do not skip rows
Do not hide columns
Only use the values listed in the 'Accepted Values' column
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).
Getting Started
Download the STACK item import template below (once the sheet opens, click on the File menu, then Save As, then Download a Copy)
Using the STACK Item Import Template guide, add an Acceptable Value in the corresponding column. Refer to the 'Instructions' column and Item and Folder Creation Visual Guides for further direction.
Send the populated template to your STACK Account Manager in an email.
Your Account 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 Account Manager will queue it up for import. Imports are usually completed in about 3 business days.
NOTE: Directions to open the STACK Item Import Template in Google Sheets here.
STACK Item Import Template Guide
Field/Column | Instructions | Example |
A. Item Name | Required, Text (max 120 characters) Name of Item | Shingles (Metal) |
B. Item Description | Optional, Text, (max 255 characters) This description will appear in item edit screens only | 24 Gauge Aluminum |
C. Purchase Unit | Required, Text (max 50 characters) Unit of measure that will appear on reports. Can be same as Unit of Measure column below. | Squares |
D. Unit of Measure | Required, Listed Values only:
Unit of measure that will be used during takeoff. Must be one of the comma separated values listed at left | sq ft |
E. Accounting Code | Optional, Text (max 30 characters) Use this to store any item information that you want output into your reports or estimate. | 5409-07 |
F. Coverage Rate Purchase | Required, Numeric (defaults to 1) Factor to convert from Unit of Measure (ex, Sq Ft) to Purchase Unit (ex, GALLONS). | 1 (when 1 Squares = 100 sq ft) |
G. Coverage Rate Measured | Required, Numeric How many Units of Measure to equal the listed Purchase Unit | 100 (when 1 Squares = 100 sq ft) |
H. Cost Type | Required, Text Setup any custom cost types prior to the import. | Material |
I. Unit Cost | Optional, Numeric.(do not input a currency symbol here) Example: 100.00 | 10 |
J. Folder Level 1 | Optional, Text (max 50 characters, defaults to Items if not provided) 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 |
K. Folder Level 2 | Optional, Text (max 50 characters) Subfolder to 1 | Shingle |
L. Folder Level 3 | Optional, Text (max 50 characters) Subfolder to 2 | Shingle (Metal) |
M. Folder Level 4 | Optional, Text (max 50 characters) Subfolder to 3 | Shingle Metal (Aluminum) |
N. Folder Level 5 | Optional, Text (max 50 characters) Subfolder to 4 |
Item Creation Visual Guide (Columns A-I)
Folder Creation Visual Guide (Columns J-N)
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 them back into your account to quickly update item prices. Contact your Account 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.
Using the STACK Import Template with Google Sheets
If you do not have access to Excel you can still complete an item import by using Google Sheets.
Download the STACK Item Import Template above
Log into Google Drive at drive.google.com
Select 'New' then choose 'File Upload'
Locate and Select the STACK Item Import Template file
Choose 'Open' to add the file to Google Drive
Select the file in Google Drive to open it
Choose ' Open with' from the top of the screen then 'Google Sheets
Follow the directions above to fill in the STACK Item Import Template
Select the 'File' option at the top of the screen
Choose 'Download' then select 'Comma-separated values (.csv, current sheet)'