Importing files from Excel into Shapes can be beneficial for 2 main reasons, including:
Time-saving: Importing data from Excel can save time and effort compared to manually entering the data into the platform. This is especially true for large datasets.
Accuracy: Manually entering data into a platform can result in errors, which can be costly and time-consuming to correct. Importing data from Excel can help ensure that the data is accurate and complete.
Please find 3 sample spreadsheets attached to the bottom of this article:
Employee Data
Compensation History
Role History
How to import your employee file from Spreadsheets
Step 1: In the employee directory, next to "Add Employee" are 3 dots, with the option to "Import File"
Step 2: Drag the file into the box, or search for the file on your desktop
Step 3: Choose import type
Choose if you would like to upload new employees into Shapes, or update existing employees.
If you'd like to upload new employees, there are 3 important columns to map: First Name, Last Name, Email Address. Without these columns, you will not be able to upload new employees to the platform.
If you'd like to update the data of existing employees, only the Email Address field is required.
Step 4: Mapping the data
Mapping the data between your spreadsheet and Shapes is super simple, but super important. Here you choose which column in the spreadsheet will be associated with which fields in Shapes.
Step 5: Click Import
And that's it! The data will start syncing. Within minutes, all of your employee data will be in Shapes.
What happens to employees with missing data?
If you are creating new employees - any employee without the 3 required fields will not be imported. If you are updating data of existing employees - any employee without an email address will not have their data updated.
Importing Salary and Job History
You can upload historical compensation and role data in the employee CSV import.
Add one extra column called Effective Date.
Each row is a snapshot of the employee for that date, so you can create multiple rows per person, but with one row per effective date.
If no effective date is put in the spreadsheet, today will be the effective date.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to support@shapes.co