My import failed or looks wrong

My Import Failed or Looks Wrong

If your data import into CaterCloud didn't complete or the results look off, this article will help you identify and fix the most common causes. It's aimed at anyone importing clients, bookings, or other records from a spreadsheet or CSV file.

Check the Error Summary

After an import runs, CaterCloud typically displays a results screen showing how many records were imported, skipped, or flagged. Review this summary before making any changes — it often tells you exactly which rows failed and why.

Common Causes and Fixes

Column Mapping Issues

• If fields landed in the wrong place (e.g., phone numbers appearing in the email column), your column headers likely didn't match what CaterCloud expected.
• Re-open the import and review the column mapping step. Manually match each column in your file to the correct field before confirming.
• Rename your spreadsheet headers to clearly reflect the data they contain, then re-upload.

Formatting Problems

• Dates, phone numbers, and currency values often cause import failures if they're in an unexpected format.
• Use a consistent date format (e.g., DD/MM/YYYY or YYYY-MM-DD) throughout your file.
• Remove special characters, currency symbols, or extra spaces from numeric fields.

Duplicate Records

• CaterCloud may flag or skip rows that match an existing record (usually by email address or a unique ID).
• Check your import settings for a duplicate-handling option — you may be able to choose whether to skip, update, or create new records.
• Clean your file by removing rows that already exist in the system before re-importing.

Partial Imports

• If only some rows imported, scroll through the error log to find skipped rows.
• Fix the flagged rows in your spreadsheet, then re-import only those corrected records to avoid creating duplicates.

Re-Running the Import

Once you've corrected your file:

1. Return to the Import section.
2. Upload your revised file.
3. Re-confirm your column mapping before submitting.

> Tip: Before importing a large file, test with a small sample (5–10 rows) to confirm your formatting and mapping are correct before committing your full dataset.