This feature is currently in an open beta. If you run into any issues or have feedback, reach out to support with the blue chat bubble in your Hauler Hero account or support@haulerhero.com.
Want to learn more? Check out our Beta Inventory documentation.
Importing Container Data
For new users or those migrating from another system, this guided process allows you to bulk-upload your existing container data from a spreadsheet (CSV) file, saving significant time on manual entry and ensuring data integrity from the start. It’s an efficient way to add or update large numbers of containers at once.
The Process at a glance:
Upload and Map: Begin by uploading your prepared CSV file with your container data. You will then map the columns from your file to the corresponding container fields in the system, such as Serial Number, Size / Measure, and Location Type.
Match and Validate: The system intelligently matches your imported data against existing records to prevent duplicates. It flags full matches, partial matches that require review, and new records that will be created.
Review and Finalize: After reviewing the matches and resolving any issues, you can preview the data and finalize the import. The system provides a detailed log of all created and linked containers.
How to Bulk Import Containers via CSV File:
From the Inventory tab, select the Import containers button at the top right of your screen.
You can now either drag and drop your CSV file, or click Select File to browse and choose from your computer. IMPORTANT NOTE: Ensure that your file has headers in the first row.
Click the blue Continue button.
You now need to map your columns from your CSV file to actual container fields in Hauler Hero (e.g. you’re choosing the relevant column from your CSV to align with one of the Hauler Hero container fields).
Required fields are: Account Number, Container Type, and Size/Measure.
For Container Name, you can use the serial name as the container name, if not already provided.
Map any remaining optional fields from your CSV file to the appropriate container fields.
For any columns in your spreadsheet that do not have a direct correlated field in the system, you can map them to the Notes field to preserve all historical data. You’ll see this option under the “Mapping Progress” bar on the right.
Click the blue Continue button to move on to matching.
The system will now validate your data, flagging any issues and pointing out additional potential matches found in your existing inventory. (Note: matches are paginated, so be sure to review all pages of your results).
Review any warnings at the top, such as notifications for duplicate serial numbers or skipped rows. Example issues might include: “account number not found in system”, “duplicate serial number found within the same container type”, etc.
You’ll see results listed as either: full matches, partial, or no matches. You can choose to Create a new container or Skip (if there are some you just want to ignore).
Full Match: Account + location + service + container all resolve. These will be auto-linked for you.
Partial match: This means the account matched, but location or service needs selection. You must manually link them to the correct service by clicking Select location & service link for that record.
No Match: This means an account number was not found. Will create new container.
You can choose to Merge, Create new, or Skip the container.
After resolving all partial matches, click Continue and follow the flow through the Preview and final Import views.
Click Start Import on the final screen. It will show you that your import is complete, and you can either:
Choose the green Done button or
if you’d rather review the import, click the blue View Recently Added button.
From the All containers page, you can see all the results from the import. See any that you don’t want there? No problem. Follow these steps to bulk delete.
Select the records you no longer want using the checkbox to the left.
Click the vertical three dots icon in the top right.
Choose Bulk Delete.
Best Practices and Troubleshooting
Before starting an import, review your CSV file to ensure column headers are clear and data is clean.
For any columns in your spreadsheet that do not have a direct field in the system, map them to the Notes field to preserve all historical data.
If a row is marked as a Duplicate, it means a container with the same serial number already exists for that container type. These rows will be skipped automatically to prevent duplicate entries.
If rows are skipped due to a “missing serial number,” ensure that every serialized container type in your CSV file has a value in the serial number column.
Summary
This process allows you to efficiently populate your inventory by importing container data from a CSV file. The workflow includes steps for mapping your file’s columns to system fields, matching imported data with existing customer accounts and services, and reviewing the data before final import. This ensures that new and existing container data is accurately integrated into the inventory management system.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I imported bad data? Can I remove it?
Yes, you can remove bad data or records you don’t need by using the Bulk Delete option. After your import, when you click “View Recently Added”, you’ll be able to select one or more records, click the vertical three dots icon, and choose Bulk Delete.
How does the matching logic work?
Hauler Hero uses fuzzy matching across six specific fields: container type, serial number, size, customer, account, and service location. (What’s fuzzy matching? It means it finds records that are similar, as opposed to identical). Meaning, even if values aren’t 100% identical, the system will do its best to link the appropriate intended items together. For example, if you have a field for Equipment Category, that may “match” up with Container Type in our system.
Full Match: Account + location + service + container all resolve. Auto-linked.
Partial match: Account matched, but location or service needs selection.
No Match: Account number not found. Will create new container.
Do you provide any sort of CSV template for us to work with?
Yes, you can download our import template from the All containers page. You’ll see a download button to the left of the Import containers button. This template CSV file is set up with the Hauler Hero container fields as the headings, so your import process can go even faster.