Preparing Files for Import

To be loaded into Vision, a file must be either a text file (with the extension .txt or .csv) or an ODBC DSN file (with a FoxPro file, Access table, or another SQL Server database).

Contents of Rows of Data

Data entry tables contain rows of data.

• Each row contains a single line item.
• The rows are composed of data fields.
• Each data field has a specific length.
• Data fields are in a specific order.

For example, a Vision journal entry table contains rows of entries. Each row begins with up to 12 characters (based on system settings) and includes a 7-character reference number, an 8-character transaction date, and a 40-character master description.

You create files using fields that are less than or equal to the required length, separated from each other by delimiters (for example, by tabs).

Guidelines for Preparing Text Files

You must follow these rules when you prepare a file to be imported:

• The file must contain rows.
• Each row must represent a transaction.
• Field order must match the order of selected fields on the Import form.
• Text fields can begin and end with valid text qualifiers.
• Fields must be separated by valid delimiters. Valid delimiters are:

  TAB	^
  @	|
  #	;
  $	,