1. Implementing Applications
  2. Use Excel Integration Templates to Generate Data Files

Use Excel Integration Templates to Generate Data Files

The File Based Data Import guides in the Oracle Help Center (http://docs.oracle.com) include integration templates to help you prepare external data for loading and importing.

Each template includes table-specific instructions, guidelines, formatted spreadsheets, and best practices for preparing the data file for upload. Use the templates to ensure that your data conforms to the structure and format of the target application tables.

Template Structure

The integration templates include the following characteristics:

  • Each interface table is represented by a separate worksheet.

  • Each interface table field is represented by a worksheet column with a header in the first row.

  • Each column header contains bubble text or comments that include details about the column, such as the expected data type, length, and, in some cases, other instructional text.

  • Columns are formatted, where applicable, to match the target field data type to eliminate data entry errors.

    The worksheet columns appear in the order that the control file processes the data file.

For more information on the template structure, see the Instructions and CSV Generation worksheet in the template.

Template Requirements

To minimize the risks of an unsuccessful data load, ensure the following:

  • Unused columns can be hidden, but not reordered or deleted.

    Caution:

    Deleting or reordering columns causes the load process to fail and results in an unsuccessful data load.

  • External data must conform to the data type accepted by the control file and process for the associated database column.

  • Date column values must appear in the YYYY/MM/DD format.

  • Amount column values can't have separators other than a period (.) as the decimal separator.

  • Negative values must be preceded by the minus (-) sign.

  • Column values that require whole numbers include data validation to allow whole numbers only.

  • For columns that require internal ID values, refer to the bubble text for additional guidance about finding these values.

After you finish preparing the data in the sheet, click the Generate CSV File button to generate a ZIP file containing one or more CSV files.

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