What is it?
To populate or update a roadmap fast with data that you have already in your ITONICS system, you can use an xls-import template. You can also add connections between the elements on the roadmap via the import.
How does it work?
First, you need to download the roadmap import template. Navigate to the Settings Wheel > Export/Import Data and select Roadmap Import.
Download the Roadmap Import Template by clicking on the “Generate Import Template” button on the right-hand side.
The generated import template consists of a number of columns that you need to fill.
Please note that every row in the xls-templates represents a content element from your system. The number of rows filled thus represents the number of content elements added or updated on your roadmap(s).
The first columns in the xls-template refer to data from your roadmap(s). You must provide the
- Roadmap Name*: The roadmap name column expects a string value, i.e., text. It serves as a unique identifier. This column is mandatory.
- Roadmap Start Year*: The Roadmap Start Year column expects a valid date format (yyyy) and sets the start date accordingly. This column is mandatory.
- Roadmap End Year*: The Roadmap End Year column expects a valid date format (yyyy) and sets the end date accordingly. This column is mandatory.
If you only want to add the content elements to one roadmap, the information should be the same for all rows. If you want to add data to multiple roadmaps, the roadmap information thus needs to be different.
In the next columns, you need to add the information for the content elements. You must provide the
- Element Type*: The Element Type column expects an existing element type (entity) as a string value, i.e., text. It defines which type of element will be added to the roadmap. This column is mandatory.
- Element Title*: The element title column expects a string value, i.e., text. It defines which element will be added to the roadmap. This column is mandatory.
- Roadmap Layer*: The Roadmap Layer column is a mandatory field and expects a string value, i.e., text. If an element should be added to a sub-layer, the main and sub-layer names need to be added and separated by a semicolon. If you want to create a fresh layer, simply name it with a non-existing layer name. It will result in the creation of a new layer.
- Start Date: The Start Date column expects a valid date format (yyyy-mm-dd) and sets the start date of the added element on the roadmap.
- End Date: The End Date column expects a valid date format (yyyy-mm-dd) and sets the end date of the added element on the roadmap.
- Milestone: The Milestone column expects a JSON-Code snippet as a string value. The snippet is built in the following format:
[{
"milestone_date": "yyyy-mm-dd",
"milestone_description": "description",
"milestone_title": "title",
"milestone_type": "type"
}]
If you want to add multiple milestones to an element they must be separated by a comma in the cell.
[{
"milestone_date": "yyyy-mm-dd",
"milestone_description": "description",
"milestone_title": "title",
"milestone_type": "type"
},
{
"milestone_date": "yyyy-mm-dd",
"milestone_description": "description",
"milestone_title": "title",
"milestone_type": "type"
}]
- Relation: The Relation column expects a JSON-Code snippet as a string value. The snippet is built in the following format: {"element type":["element title"]}
After filling the sheet, save the excel file and upload the file to the box where you have also downloaded the import template. Click the Choose file button and select the excel file.
After finishing all the steps above, upload the excel file to the platform by clicking the Import button.
A success message lets you know the number of created and/or updated roadmaps.
Please note that the roadmap import works in an additive manner. Elements that are not yet on the Roadmap are added with the added information. Elements that are already on the roadmap will be updated with the new layer information, start date, end date, as well as milestone data.
Please also note the following limitations:
- You can add new connections to existing elements on the Roadmap but you cannot remove existing connections. Removal can only be done manually on the roadmap tab of the respective element.
- You can add new milestones to existing elements on the Roadmap but you cannot remove existing milestones. Removal can only be done manually on the roadmap tab of the respective element.
- You can add new elements to the Roadmap but you cannot remove elements from the Roadmap. Removal can only be done manually on the roadmap tab of the respective element.