Batch import routines are a time saving mechanism that enables you to add multiple products/attributes in a single routine. This is useful if you are migrating from another cart or have a large product inventory. Maian Cart uses standard CSV structure for importing, along with field mapping for easier uploads.

Files must be standard CSV format. Text files are also fine providing the structure is the same. CSV file MUST have a header row at the top of the file for the field mapping routine. This is a reference for the column names. For example, your product name column might be 'name', 'product' or 'product name' etc. Names are not that important, so long as you know what each column is.

It doesn`t matter if columns in your CSV are not going to be used by Maian Cart. Nor does it matter what order the columns are in.

After you have uploaded your file you will be presented with field mapping options. This will be a list of your header column names along with the database fields from the cart system. You need to select the correct field in the database with the corresponding column in your CSV. Data will be taken from that row and inserted into the correct field. If there are any fields in your CSV that are not going to be used, simply leave the corresponding field selection blank.

It is important that the field you select matches the data type used by Maian Cart. For example, if you specify a string field for a DATE column this will revert to the default setting for that field. In the case of DATE fields its 0000-00-00. If the data type doesn`t match, the import should still run but you may have to make product edits after to correct some data.

Data types are as follows:

[Boolean] = True or false, 0 or 1, Yes or No.
[Integer] = Numeric value only. Default 0.
[Decimal] = Decimal value or integer. ie: 34.76 or 34
[String] = For text field values.
[Date] = Valid US date. Due to restrictions in PHP/MySQL, date must be a US formatted date. If cannot be converted to timestamp will revert to 0000-00-00. Examples: YYYY/MM/DD or YYYY-MM-DD or MM/DD/YYYY or MM-DD-YYYY
[Monetary Value] = 0.00 default.

If your columns don`t match the data type entry, the default will be imposed and you`ll have to re-edit after. Try some small test imports first.

Your import file can have the column data in any order as the field mapping routine will map the relevant position to the database. The product import file will map the following database fields:

Product Name (String)
Product Short Description (String)
Product Full Description (String)
Product Meta Keywords (String)
Product Meta Description (String)
Product Tags (String)
Product Rewrite Slug (String)
Downloadable Product (Boolean)
Local/HTTP/FTP Path to File (String)
Product Download Limit (Integer)
Product Video (String)
Product Stock (Integer)
Product Min Purchase Qty (Integer)
Product Max Purchase Qty (Integer)
Product Low Stock Notify (Integer)
Product Hit Counter (Integer)
Product Code (String)
Product Weight (Integer)
Product Price (Monetary Value)
Product Offer Price (Monetary Value)
Product Offer Expiry Date (Date)

Not all columns are required in your import file. Ideally a product name and a price should be enough to import the product. Give it a few test runs first. Descriptions of data that should be in the csv relates to the same as the 'Add Product' info. Use the 'Field Information' link for more information.

Your import file can have the column data in any order as the field mapping routine will map the relevant position to the database. The attribute import file will map the following database fields:

Attribute Name (String)
Attribute Weight (Integer)
Attribute Stock (Integer)
Attribute Price (Monetary Value)

Not all columns are required in your import file. Give it a few test runs first. Use the 'Field Information' link for more information.

Once you have imported attributes you can go to the relevant product page and batch copy attributes to other products in your store.

If you prefer, you can specify a new value to be imported. This will ignore the value in your CSV file and apply to ALL products or attributes. Note that this option ONLY appears when you select a database field.

Enter new value in box. For example, if you selected the product price column and entered 11.99 in the box, this would apply 11.99 to all products.

Same options as on the product add page. Use the help tips for further information.

The same or additional information may be provided by hovering your cursor over the image next to each heading in the admin area if applicable.