How To: Import Brand New Item Data
Admin/End user · Yellow Dog Inventory 2026
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
Yellow Dog Inventory lets you import items directly into the database from a spreadsheet, so you can add new items in bulk instead of creating them one at a time. Use this feature with care: if mistakes are made during the import and development work is required to correct them, a labor charge will apply to clean them up. Take time to prepare and review your data before you import.
Note: Import Data is typically granted only to users with admin permissions. If you do not see Import Data, contact your onsite admin to request the additional permission. |
PREREQUISITES
Before you begin, confirm the following:
• Unique identifier: Every item has a unique identifier assigned in the spreadsheet. The identifier does not have to be relevant to Yellow Dog (for example, YDTest001, YDTest002, YDTest003).
• Your file is saved in CSV format, not as an Excel file.
• The levels/departments you want your items to be in have already been created in Yellow Dog Inventory.
• The vendors you will assign to your items have already been created in Yellow Dog Inventory. Spelling and upper/lowercase must match verbatim between your import sheet and Yellow Dog.
• You have reviewed your data. Take time to review the data you want to import and address anything that seems incorrect before importing.
STEP BY STEP
Choose Code or Description for level and vendor fields
When mapping the vendor/manufacturer and level fields, you have the option of using the name/description of the level or vendor, or the code that has been assigned. Make sure the option you choose (Description or Code (Identifier)) matches the values in your spreadsheet.
Import the items
1. Go to System Setup and select Import Data.
2. Select the three dots (…) to the right of Import File to browse to the file on your computer that you are importing.
Note: The file will not populate if it is open on your computer while you are trying to import it. |
3. Confirm the store(s) the items will be imported for.
4. The data in your file will now populate.
5. Right-click in the column headers to map your columns to the corresponding fields in Yellow Dog Inventory. See the attached import field key for a full list of all the fields that can be imported.
6. Map all columns that you want to import.
7. Select Import.
8. Confirm that you have checked all your column mapping.
9. Wait for your items to import.
Note: The larger the file, and the more fields you are importing, the longer it will take to process the data. |
10. Once the import is complete, select Update Item SKUs in the bottom right.
Note: Update Item SKUs is an additional permission to Import Data. |
11. Confirm your items are appearing in Yellow Dog Inventory with SKUs. You may have to select Refresh Data to see SKUs populate.
Note: In some cases, maintenance will have to run overnight for SKUs to populate. |
RELATED ARTICLES
• How To: Import Item Updates.
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Applies to: Yellow Dog Inventory 2026
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