How to Create Scheduled Imports from List Bulk Import 3.0 for SharePoint 2013

How to Create Scheduled Imports from List Bulk Import 3.0 for SharePoint 2013

by | Apr 2, 2013 | SharePoint 2013

List Bulk Import not only lets users migrate documents, pictures, and list data into SharePoint from a broad range of sources; it also allows users to create scheduled, routine imports. This is extremely helpful as oftentimes, the source of your import is not just a static, one-time import, but a dynamic, living document that updates on a regular basis. To assist in keeping SharePoint up-to-date, List Bulk Import provides the ability to automatically import a source to the specified target in the background without requiring user intervention.

The process to accomplish a scheduled, unattended routine import is divided into two main parts:

1.    Create a template file that defines the source and the target

2.    Create a Windows Scheduled Task

Part One: Create a template file

To begin, we will first demonstrate how to create a template file importing an Excel file to a SharePoint site:

Step 1: Open List Bulk Import and connect to the Target SharePoint site:

  • Enter Target Site URL
  • Select SharePoint version
  • Enter account name and password

Step 2: Select either the Create Import Job menu or the Create Import Job hyperlink (it will have the same effect no matter which one you choose):

Step 3: Select the Excel or delimited text file (txt, csv or xls/xlsx) radio button:

Step 4: Select the Excel file which contains the data which you intend to import:

Step 5: Select a Target List on your SharePoint Site:

Step 6: Map the columns between Source columns and Target columns:

Step 7: Click Edit Mapping if you want to map the values for them:

From here, you’re able to easily map or unmap values to the Source Column and Target Column:

Step 8: If desired, review the record and check for any duplicates:

Step 9: Provide a File Name for the template file and click the Save button to save this import configuration as a template file.  When saving, you are given the following two options:

  • Save to Application Path – By default, the template file is saved in C:Program FilesBamboo Solutions CorporationBamboo Bulk Import Application (x64)
  • Save to Custom Path – You can browse to any location on your computer

Step 10: You can test your import clicking the Import button.  This will run a manual import based on the previous steps:

Step 11: Once the import has completed, click the View Log button to view the results of your import:

Once completed and verified, you can go to the SharePoint target list to see the result of your import:

Create a Windows Scheduled Task

With its latest release, List Bulk Import provides a more streamlined process for creating a new Windows Scheduled Task.

Step 1: Go to the Import Scheduler menu and select Schedule a New Import:

Step 2: Complete the form to create a new, unattended import:

  • Select the Search button next to the Import Template field to select the Template file we created in the previous section.
  • Enter the Task Name. This will be used for the name of the Windows Schedule Task when you need to modify or delete the task.
  • Enter a Description. This is also used for the description of the Windows Scheduled Task.
  • Select the frequency and timing for when the task should run.

Select Apply and List Bulk Import will create the new Windows Scheduled Task.

Modify or Delete a Scheduled Import:

To modify or delete the scheduled task, go to the Import Scheduler menu and select Modify Scheduled Import:

You will see the following information window:

Select OK to open the Windows Task Scheduler:

Select the Task Scheduler Library node and locate the scheduled task that you want to modify. Double click on the task’s name:

It is recommended that you only modify the Triggers tab, as the other tabs have been optimized for List Bulk Import to function properly.

To review the resulting automated imports, open List Bulk Import, select File and then View Log Files:

Select the Search icon.  This will open the Log folder.  Locate the appropriate log file and open it. This will display Success and Failure information pertaining to the import session:

 

As with all Bamboo products, we invite you to download a 30-day free trial of List Bulk Import. As always, our product enhancements are driven listening to our loyal customers, and we welcome you feedback in the List Bulk Import forum.

For more how-tos, use cases, helpful hints, and best practices for List Bulk Import 3.0 for SharePoint 2013, check out our entire series:

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