Enhancements to CSV Import Functionality
A
Andrew Kozlowitz
Enhance the CSV import functionality to provide better control, safeguards, and customization options, reducing the risk of unintended changes to data, especially in scenarios where duplicate or repeating keys might cause issues.
Requested Enhancements:
- Option to Disable or Restrict Override/Replace Functionality:
Add a configuration option to disable the "Override" or "Replace" functionality during CSV imports.
Allow administrators to enable/disable this feature on a per-table or workspace basis to ensure data integrity.
- Autonumber as the Default Key:
Provide the option to set the Autonumber field as the default key for identifying records during imports, rather than relying on fields like "Title," which may have duplicates.
Allow administrators to define default key fields for CSV imports.
- Improved Warnings for Override/Replace:
Introduce clearer, more prominent warnings when users select the "Override" or "Replace" option during imports, emphasizing potential data loss or unintended changes.
Include a confirmation dialog that highlights the number of records potentially affected and allows users to review changes.
- Restrict CSV Import Access for General Users:
Provide an option to restrict the CSV import functionality to specific user roles (e.g., Administrators or Managers) to prevent unintended bulk updates or changes by general users.
Include granular permission settings for who can perform imports and use override/replace functions.
Benefits:
Prevents data integrity issues caused by duplicate or unsuitable key fields.
Reduces the risk of unintended bulk updates or data overwrites during imports.
Ensures better control and safeguards over data management processes.
Improves user experience and confidence in performing imports without unintended consequences.
Example Scenarios:
When importing records into a table with hundreds of repeating titles, the Autonumber field can act as a unique identifier to avoid overwriting data mistakenly.
General users are restricted from performing imports, limiting bulk changes to data only to authorized personnel.
A warning prevents a user from accidentally using the "Replace" function and overwriting thousands of records.
Peter G.
- Ability to save "import profiles" to allow repeated imports for the same table. It's absurd to have to recreate the same import over and over again.
- Better error handling. Currently sometimes imports fail and there is no error message indicating what went wrong nor is there a message that the import failed.
- After clicking "Import" SS should display a progress bar and/or counter to let the user know something is happening and where things stand.
- SS should be smarter regarding imports. SS should allow you to upload the import file and save it. Then the user could convert the data toa SS table whenever. This is what Nocodb does, which is actually very cool. If the conversion fails for some reason, you don't have to upload the file again.
Using Windows 11 and Brave (Chromium) Browser:
- When mapping field the vertical scrollbar does not appear unless you use the mouse wheel first.
- When adding a new field, selecting Add New (field type) the progressive lookup does not work. There's over 40 field types and it's a pain to have to scroll all the way down.