How to create Excel import files
βWhat kind of information can be added to tasks
βHow is parsed data shown in GSMtasks
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Creating Excel Import Files in GSMtasks π
GSMtasks enables you to import tasks to the system from Excel files.
Though importing makes life a lot easier, there are some things to keep in mind when creating an Excel document.
Right-click on the image below and choose "open image in a new tab" to have a closer look at what an import file should look like.
Each column has a name | Use our example column names shown in the sample file or create your own |
Each line represents one task | - |
Each cell should contain only one type of information | For example, the driver's name, contact number, email, etc. |
The only mandatory information is the destination/address | Providing all the information shown in the example file is not necessary.
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What kind of information can I add to tasks? π
Here's a list of the information fields in GSMtasks and what the representing column names in the import file could be.
Note: When creating the import file, you can choose whatever column names you wish (we have just written down examples).
TASK
Category -> | Task type: | Pick-up and Drop-off assignments can be connected to each other by providing them with the same Reference number |
External ID -> | A specific number, related to the task
The number is saved to the GSMtasks system and should only be used one time
The ID can be an order number, reference, etc. | Since GSMtasks saves the External ID, making changes to already uploaded tasks is simple.
For example, if you forgot to add a description to the tasks while uploading them, simply upload the edited Excel file up again and the system will update all the tasks. |
Reference -> | A specific number, related to the task.
The Reference can be an order number or something else | Usually, only one is used (external ID or reference no.) |
Description -> | Additional information provided about the task
| For example, you can write "Bring the car and leave there overnight" |
Scheduled time -> Scheduled time | If the driver has to be in the task's location at a specific time (e.g. the customer has requested the parcel to arrive at 11 a.m.), a scheduled time can be added to the task | The Scheduled time will not be accounted for when optimizing tasks |
Duration -> | The time an employee has on-site
This will be accounted for when optimizing tasks
You can set different durations for different tasks | The format of the field should be HH:MM:SS
For deliveries, this is usually 2-3 minutes
For Assignments like repair work, office cleaning, etc., the duration of the task should be set longer. |
Complete Before -> | The time before the task must be completed |
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Complete After -> | The time after which the task must be completed |
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Auto-assign -> | Value has to be true or the field has to be empty
If the Auto-assign field is true for a task, it will be automatically assigned to a driver by GSMtasks
If no value has been given, it will go to the unassigned tasks list | Auto-assign has to be enabled in the settings area
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Size -> | Unit of volume
Must be a full number (decimal places are not allowed) | This field is mostly used when the size of the goods can be precisely determined - pallets, cubic meters, etc. (e.g. the transport vehicle can hold up to 20 pallets) |
ADDRESS
Full Address -> | Contains a street name, building no., and apartment no. |
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Location -> | Full coordinates (latitude and longitude) | In GSMtasks, you can either use the full coordinates or add the latitude and longitude separately |
Latitude -> | The latitude "number" of a full coordinate
Usually appears before the longitude, except in Google Maps! |
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Longitude -> | The latitude "number" of a full coordinate
Usually appears after the latitude, except in Google Maps! | In Google Maps, the latitude appears after the longitude!
Make sure you copy the coordinates in the right order! |
Point of interest -> | Point of interest on the map (e.g. a landmark) | For example Central Park |
Street -> | Street name | For example 5th Avenue |
House number -> | Building number | For example 32 |
Apartment number -> Apartment number | No. of an apartment | For example 156 |
City -> | Name of the city | For example New York |
State -> | Name of the state | For example California |
Postal code -> | Zipcode associated with the address | For example 10011 |
Country -> | Name of the country | For example the United States |
Country code -> | Country codes are short alphabetic or numeric geographical codes (geocodes) developed to represent countries and dependent areas |
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RECEIVER
Name -> | Name of the receiver (e.g. if it differs from the person who made the order) |
ORDERER
Name -> | Name of the person/company who made the order |
METAFIELDS, CUSTOM FIELDS
π Custom fields (metafields) can be added and deleted in the Settings area.
For example:
Price -> | Allows you to add a price to the task (e.g. if the customer pays your employee on-site) |
Parsed data in GSMtasks
Click on the image and open it in a new tab to view it.