A video overview can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mp7ZUbZz3I47fRJiulxhaBmA3YXzleCJ/view?usp=sharing
Import Tools in StartProto provide an efficient way to onboard large amounts of data during initial setup or ongoing operations. These tools allow bulk creation and updating of companies (customers and vendors), bills of materials (BOMs)/assemblies, purchased items, and manufactured (make) items, significantly reducing manual entry time.
Access the Import Tools by navigating to Settings → Business Setup → Import Tools (the last icon in the navigation menu).
StartProto currently supports four primary import types:
Import Companies
Import Bill of Materials (BOM)
Import Purchased Items
Import Make Items
Each tool follows a similar workflow: add or paste rows directly in the table, edit in bulk, optionally export/import a CSV template for greater control, validate data, and perform the bulk import.
1. Import Companies (Customers & Vendors)
Purpose
Quickly add multiple customers or vendors to the system.
Key Features
Add blank rows directly in the table and edit inline.
Perform bulk updates (e.g., select multiple rows → change Company Type to “Vendor” or “Customer”).
Export the provided template for detailed entry of addresses, contacts, etc.
Re-import the completed CSV files.
Supports 100–200 companies per import.
Workflow
Click + Add Row or paste data directly.
Edit fields (Company Name, Company Type, etc.).
(Optional) Export → fill → re-import CSV for complex data.
Click Bulk Import Companies → Confirm.
Successfully imported rows are removed; any rows with errors remain highlighted for correction.
2. Import Bill of Materials (BOM) / Assemblies
Purpose
Import complete multi-level assemblies or BOMs in a single operation.
Supported Methods
Download and use the StartProto CSV template (follows standard BOM hierarchy conventions).
Direct import from Onshape (integration partner).
Key Features
Preserves parent-child hierarchy when the template format is followed.
Option to attach existing routing templates during import.
Ability to create new items on-the-fly if they do not already exist.
Can reference existing routings for new items.
Workflow
Choose Download Template or Import from Onshape.
Populate the CSV according to the required hierarchy standard.
Upload the completed file.
Review and adjust routing assignments if needed.
Execute the import.
3. Import Purchased Items
Purpose
Rapidly add or update items that are purchased rather than manufactured.
Key Features
Inline editing and bulk vendor assignment (select rows → choose vendor → confirm).
Paste values directly into the table.
Error highlighting on required fields (e.g., missing Item Name).
Failed rows remain in the table after import for easy correction.
Workflow
Add rows or paste data.
Bulk-assign vendors or edit other columns as needed.
Click Bulk Import.
Confirm the action.
Correct any highlighted errors and re-import.
4. Import Make Items (Manufactured Items without Routing)
Purpose
Create manufactured items in bulk when routing details are not yet available (common when responding to large RFQs).
Key Features
Items are imported with Draft status and no routing attached.
Editable fields include Name, Description, SKU, Notes, Sell Price, Restock Quantity, Min Stock, Storage Location, etc.
Routing can be added later via the normal item editor.
Ideal for quickly populating 100–200+ line items for quotations.
Workflow
Export the Make Items template or add rows directly.
Fill required and optional columns.
Perform bulk updates (e.g., set the same Storage Location or Sell Price for all rows).
Click Bulk Import → Confirm.
Items appear as Draft Make Items; add routings afterward as needed.
General Best Practices for All Import Tools
Always review required fields; the system highlights empty or invalid cells before import.
Use Export Template → Edit Offline → Re-import CSV for large or complex datasets.
Failed rows stay in the table after import attempts, making corrections straightforward.
Test with a small dataset (5–10 rows) on your first import to become familiar with the process.
Support
If you encounter issues or need clarification:
Refer to the “How to use this table” link directly on each Import Tools page.
Email [email protected] for assistance.
Using these Import Tools effectively can reduce onboarding and data-entry time from days to minutes, allowing you to focus on manufacturing rather than administrative tasks.