Importing Assets to Shelf: CSV Guide

Introduction

Shelf allows you to import assets using CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files. This guide will help you create and import your asset data correctly.

Quick Start

1. Download our pre-formatted CSV template
2. Fill in your asset data
3. In Shelf, click Assets > Import
4. Select your filled CSV file
5. Confirm the import

IMPORTANT: Do not use data exported from asset backup for imports. This will result in corrupted data. Always use the provided template.

CSV File Requirements

• Use comma (,) or semicolon (;) as delimiters
• Include all required columns (see below)
• The first row (header) will be ignored during import

Required Columns

• title
• description
• kit
• category
• tags
• location
• valuation
• custodian

Detailed Rules and Considerations

Basic Fields

• kit, category, location, custodian: Enter the name of the related entry. If it doesn't exist, it will be created.
• tags: For multiple tags, separate with commas. New tags will be created if they don't exist.
• valuation: Enter numeric values without currency symbols or commas.

Custom Fields

To add custom fields, use this format in the header row:

"cf: Field Name, type:data_type"

Available data types:

• text (default if no type is specified)
• boolean (use "yes" or "no")
• option
• multiline text
• date (use mm/dd/yyyy format)

Example custom field headers:

• "cf: Serial Number,type:text"
• "cf: Purchase Date, type:date"
• "cf: Is Portable, type:boolean"

Importing with QR Codes

You can link existing Shelf QR codes to imported assets. To do this:

• Add a "qrId" column to your CSV
• The QR code must already exist in Shelf
• Each qrId must be unique and not linked to any asset or kit
• The QR code must be unclaimed or belong to your organization

If no "qrId" is provided, a new QR code will be generated automatically.

Important Notes

• Each row creates a new asset; existing assets are not updated
• If any data is invalid, the entire import will fail
• Remove any empty rows at the end of your CSV file
• The content you are importing will NOT be merged with existing assets

Example CSV Structure

title,description,kit,category,tags,location,valuation,custodian,"cf: Serial Number,type:text","cf: Purchase Date, type:date"
"Laptop Model X","High-performance laptop",Office Equipment,Computers,"Laptop, High-Performance",Main Office,1500,John Doe,LPX12345,05/15/2023

Troubleshooting

• Ensure your CSV is saved with UTF-8 encoding
• Double-check that all required columns are present
• Verify that date fields use the mm/dd/yyyy format

For additional help, contact our support team at support@shelf.nu or get in touch with your account manager.

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