The Item Import tool is used to import one or more Items from an external file. Item Import can be used to create new Items. Item Import can also update existing Items in the Item Bank. The reasons for importing Items are:

• More rapid development of Items, either for creating or updating. The user does not have to navigate through multiple Item entry pages to set all values.
• Limiting exposure of your Item Banks to external users. By using Import files, external users to CE such as subject matter experts (SME) or contract authors do not have to be trained to use CE or be exposed to the system at all.

Item Import is reached from the Main Menu, Item Writing → Item Tools → Item Import

Item Import supports importing Items from Microsoft® Excel (.xlsx) and Microsoft® Word (.docx) formats. The user can download the import templates using the template hyperlinks. Note: Microsoft® Excel or Microsoft® Word must be installed to open or maintain these files.

To upload an Item Import file, click the Select button.

This will open a file dialog. Select the file and click Open button.

The import file will be uploaded but not Imported yet. To import the Items to the database click the Import button.

This will navigate you to a progress page. As the Items are imported and processed, this page will indicate the progress.

When complete, a message area will appear indicating how many records were processed and any validation issues that occurred. If successful, a green message are will indicate success and the new Item IDs that were created. If there were validation issues a yellow message are will appear. The user can navigate back to the Item Import page via the hyperlink.

For more on Item Import field types, validation, requirements, see Item Import Notes.