CSV importer tool -- can I create my own unique identifier?

Google Sheets
1

I’d like to be able to import csvs via this tool but want to add my own unique identifier so I don’t have to be worried about duplicate line items from overlapping imports Docs: Import CSV Line Items

Can I inject my own data into the metadata column? And what format?

1 Like
2

Great question.

Tiller references the Metadata column for some scripted workflows. We write data in a stringified JSON format. The contents vary by workflow and you can see some examples by using the Tiller Community Solutions CSV importer workflow.

If you’re using it for your own purposes though:

  • I wouldn’t feel beholden to the JSON format
  • I’d consider using a different, personalized, custom column altogether just to avoid confusion

Hope this helps.
Randy

2 Likes
3

Is the CSV importer workflow the same as the one I’ve linked?

Are these the examples you’re talking about? Simple CSV Import Workflow (for Unsupported Data Sources)

4

No. I was referring to this one, though the one you linked to might be better if your data source is not one of the dozen supported by the add-on workflow.

2 Likes
5

I have the same (similar) question: I added a Transaction ID column to my Basic Bank Import Template. Can I use Import CSV Line Items to import those values to the Transaction ID column of my Transactions sheet?

6

Hi @jack.bates for the Import CSV Line Items the Basic Bank Import template will only import Date, Description, Amount, Institution, Account #, Account and ignore other columns. Perhaps give Simple CSV Import Workflow (for Unsupported Data Sources) a try.

7

@randy Is there anywhere I can see the source code for “Import CSV Line Items” Docs: Import CSV Line Items ? I’d like to see the logic you use for not importing duplicates to reuse it for my own.

8

What is your data source, @jeek ? Amazon?

9

It would be great to see the source code for the Amazon workflow in the csv importer. But it that’s not possible, I’m sure I can figure it out. Just let me know!

1 Like
10

I can’t share the source code but I can tell you how the unique identification works… The importer stores miscellaneous order info in the Metadata column as JSON object. The importer concatenates several fields from this metadata to create a unique ID:

  • id
  • isbn
  • quantity
  • tracking

If the newly imported unique ID matches an ID already in the sheet, it is skipped.
Make sense?

3 Likes