It is highly advisable to backup the Dimensions database before running the import utility. If the import utility has not been installed it can be installed from the Dimensions installation media. It is very important to install the same version of the utility to the Dimensions database. Once installed the utility can be run from the Windows Start menu under Access Applications.
Initial setup of the import utility
A few minor general options should be enabled before using the utility to avoid potential issues later on:
On loading up the utility logon to the correct database by selecting the correct ODBC and database details and using the SA username and password.
Once logged in click on the database name in the menu bar, to the right of Edit.
Select Import and the main importer window will show.
Click on the Options button and select Import File.
Ensure the selected File Type is Delimited (tabs).
Tick the option for Validate Before Update if not already ticked.
Tick the option for Ignore First Line if not already ticked.
Click the OK button to save changes.
Creating the file format template
These steps will create a text file template with the header row populated to assist in creating a new file with nominal codes and budgets in the correct place.
On entering the utility click on Select Module
Click Nominal Ledger in the list provided
Click the Options button
Click on Import File Templates.
Click on Nominal Budgets.
Click the OK button.
This will have created a tab delimited file called NLBUDGET.TXT in the installation folder of the import utility (Commonly C:\Program Files (x86)\Access Applications\Dimensions\Importer\<Version Number>)
Creating the import file
Edit the NLBUDGET.TXT file in Excel or other program putting one row per nominal code.
When it is time to import the file please note there are two options, either to overwrite/update budgets or add/accumulate budgets, so bear this in mind.
Save the file as a tab delimited text file, leaving the file called NLBUDGET.TXT as the importer will only import a file with this file name.
Importing the file
It is highly advisable to backup the Dimensions database before importing the file.
This will be a two stage process, first validating the file for errors, then importing the records.
On entering the utility click on Select Module
Click Nominal Ledger in the list provided
Untick Accounts and Categories
Tick Nominal Budgets
Tick Accumulate Budgets if the budget values should be added to existing values in the database, or leave unticked to overwrite them.
Stage 1 - Validation
Click the OK button
Click Yes to the question Have you taken a backup of your data?
Click Yes to the question The import routine may take a long time! Are you sure you wish to continue?
Click Yes to the question Do you wish to validate Nominal Account Budgets?
Click Yes to the question Are you sure you wish to validate Nominal Account Budgets using Delimited (tabs) file type?
If everything is ok with the file click OK on the dialog box Validation completed successfully. Please now rerun all Validations as Live Imports
Stage 2 - Import
Click the OK button
Click Yes to the question Have you taken a backup of your data?
Click Yes to the question The import routine may take a long time! Are you sure you wish to continue?
Click No to the question Do you wish to validate Nominal Account Budgets?
Click Yes to the question Are you sure you wish to import Nominal Account Budgets using Delimited (tabs) file type?
Click OK on the Live import completed successfully dialog box.
The import is now complete and the import utility can be closed. Open Dimensions and check the budgets have been correctly imported.