Recommendation

The import functionality allows you to add, update or remove assets from a Collibra instance. It determines what should be done specifically for each resource that has been defined based on the content of the provided input file.

Impact

• Ensures that your imports provide the right data for your purpose.

Recommended action

1. Users can choose between a CSV or an Excel file format using the import functionality in the UI. Excel is the preferred method, as it is easier to use a spreadsheet for data entry.

2. Users should create a view in the Collibra UI with proper column headings and then use the export functionality to create an Excel sheet which will serve as an import template. Working this way ensures that the names of attributes and relations are correct and it is easier to fill in a template rather than building one from scratch.

3. The asset ID column can be left empty when importing new assets, as a new ID will be created automatically upon creation of new assets.

4. The asset ID column or the combination of the asset full name, domain name and community name must be provided when updating existing assets.

   Note You must provide both the asset ID column and the new asset information when you update the full name, domain or community of an existing asset.

5. Any columns that users do not want to upload or are irrelevant should be removed from the Excel file to limit the number of possible mistakes and make it easier to debug if any errors occur. For example, when inserting or updating assets in an existing domain, the domain type column is irrelevant and can be removed from the Excel file.

6. Even though assets are imported in the domain that is mentioned in the Excel sheet, and not where the user is triggering the import functionality, it makes sense to trigger the functionality in the target domain to ensure that the list of available characteristics in the mapping dialog is complete.

Validation criteria

Always run the simulation report when importing a file, as it shows what changes are being made by the import operation.

Limitations

Excel has a limit of 32,000 characters per cell. If one of the cells exceeds that limit, the import operation throws an error.

Additional Information

For more information see the product documentation.