Most applications export data in an ASCII-delimited format. Sage Timeslips supports these import formats.
- Tab delimited: Fields separated by tabs, ASCII 9.
- Comma delimited: Fields separated by commas, ASCII 44.
- Custom delimited: Fields separated by delimiters you define.
- Single field: One field per record, with other fields assigned during import.
- Fixed length: Each field uses a consistent character length across records.
- From DLL: Uses a custom template that defines the data structure.
Rules for delimited file imports
Delimited files must follow strict formatting rules to import correctly.
- End each record with a carriage return (ASCII 13) or carriage return and line feed (ASCII 10).
- Enclose fields in quotes (ASCII 34), when fields contain delimiters or line breaks.
- Place quotes as the first and last characters of the field.
- Use consecutive delimiters to indicate missing field data.
- Include a delimiter and carriage return when the last field is empty.
- Remove leading and trailing spaces from dates and numeric fields.
- Match supported Timeslips data types and available fields.
Sage Timeslips removes enclosing quotes during import but preserves embedded quotes.
Types of data Timeslips can import
TSImport runs as a separate application and transfers data into your Timeslips database.
You typically use TSImport during first-time setup, system conversion, or data migration.
Supported data types include:
- Time and Expense Slips
- Client Information
- User Information
- Time Activity Information
- Expense Activity Information
- Client References
Use the TSImport Journal for troubleshooting
TSImport records all import activity in journal.txt.
You can view this file in two ways.
- Click Journal from the End of Import dialog.
- Select Special, Show Journal in TSImport.
Common causes of failure during import include:
- Improperly formatted files
- File corruption or unreadable characters
- Other validation or mapping errors
Review the journal details and Timeslips Import Help to identify the cause.
TIP:
Open the import file in Notepad to inspect the formatting. Create a backup copy before editing the file.
[BCB:167:Chat Timeslips US:ECB]