Creating a data and map file
The data and map file that are used in the direct import method must be a text file. You can use any text editor that creates plain text files, or develop a conversion utility that automatically formats your raw data.
You can direct the data in the file to target controls on more than one CRF; however, you must use separate files for each itemset into which you are importing rows of data, and data that you import into CRF itemsets must be in a separate file from data that you import into regular CRF items.
The import file must have the following characteristics.
- Each import row must include either of the following:
- A field that specifies the subject number and initials in the following format:
subject_number (subject_initials)
If it is possible that more than one subject could have the same subject number and initials, you must also include a field for the site mnemonic of the subject.
- The database ID of the subject.
- A field that specifies the subject number and initials in the following format:
- All import fields must be separated by a pipe character ( | ).
- Do not include double quotation marks (") in the data file.
Additionally, some types of data must be presented in specific ways. The following sections describe how to set up the following fields and controls for import: