Table of Contents
Introduction
The import tool is a fast and efficient way to transfer large amounts of data to LoanPro's loan management system (LMS). Instead of manually inputting each individual piece of data into the software, the import tool will upload the information for you in bulk. To ensure the accuracy of the data in your account, imports in LoanPro's system use a process of validation steps:
- Data Mapping - Mapping data to ensure all data points end up in the right place
- CSV File Creation - Adding data to import files (comma separated values) to make it ready for import
- Import - Uploading and importing the data into the LoanPro platform
- Data Validation - LoanPro produces reports that show a comparison of the import file with the data that is in the system
LoanPro's support team is available to assist in any data migration.
Why should I import this data instead of using the API or user interface?
LMS’s user interface lets individual users create, manage, and service loans, and the API lets programmers integrate those same options with their own software or custom application. Both the UI and API are great tools for day-to-day loan management, but neither are designed to handle a huge quantity of data as quickly as the import tool. Depending on the amount of information you want to import, trying to do it through the API could take hundreds (if not thousands) of requests, or countless staff hours in the UI. We recommend using the import tool when first moving your data into LMS, and then using the UI or API from there on out. For a little more info, see our article on API vs. Import.
The Overall Process
Importing information into LoanPro involves four steps:
- Fill out and upload your .csv file
- LMS validates the file to make sure all the data is compatible
- LMS ingests your data, integrating it into your existing data in the system
- LMS verifies your data and returns a report detailing the results
The first step in this process requires your manual input, but the following steps are handled automatically by LoanPro. However, if there are any errors within your .csv file, the system will alert you so you can adjust them. In the next section, we list detailed instructions for each step.
Step 1: The CSV File
LMS accepts comma-separated value (.csv) files, which are spreadsheets that can be viewed and edited using programs like Excel, Google Sheets, SPSS, or OpenOffice Calc. While you could prepare a .csv file from scratch, we recommend using one of our templates. You can find them inside the LMS UI by navigating to Settings > Company > Import > Instructions & Samples. From that page, select a specific category, then download the file under 'Instructions'. Some of the most common files are also included in this article below, and we also have downloadable files for all imports in our Import CSV Templates article.
If you are having trouble with your spreadsheet program dropping your leading zeros, read our article that describes how to Keep Your Leading Zeros.
Step 2: Validation
Once you upload the file in LMS, the system will validate your data. Validation completion will depend on whether you choose file or line rejection. If you chose file rejection and there are errors within your .csv file, you'll receive a report of the errors and no information will be ingested into your account. To continue, resolve all errors and import the file again. If you chose line rejection, all valid rows will be imported and ingested, and you'll receive a report of the rejected rows. If there were no errors whatsoever, the whole file will be ingested.
Step 3: Ingestion
If you chose automatic import progression, then this step happens on its own. Just sit back and relax. If you chose manual progression, you'll need to click the database icon to start the ingestion.
At this point, your import is complete; the next step just involves double-checking that the new data in the system matches your import file and giving you a report on the process.
Step 4: Verification and Reports
In our updated import process, LMS offers an additional step where it can compare the data from your file against the data that actually made it into the system.
When your data is fully ingested and verified, LMS will send you a report with four documents:
- Cover Sheet – This .pdf gives an overall breakdown of your import process.
- Verification – A .csv file which compares your import file data against what is now in LMS.
- Rejection – This .csv file shows any rows that were rejected, highlighting the cells with errors.
- Original – A copy of your original .csv import file.
What's Next?
Our article on Import Reports explains how to access these reports and explains their contents.
Written by Andy Morrise
Updated on July 26th, 2024