prim30099:How to format date fields in Contract Manager export files (.xls or .csv) in order to be imported back into Contract Manager

1. Open the import file using MS Excel. 
    


2. Highlight the entire date column.
    


3. Right click the column header and select Format Cell
    


4. Select the Number tab.
    


5. Choose Custom from the category list.
    


6. Use the following format for the date on the right hand side under TYPE: YYYY-MM-DD
   
   Example: 2008-05-10
   


7. Repeat these steps for all date columns.
    


8. Once all date columns are corrected, select File, Exit
   


9. When prompted “Do you want to save the changes you made to ‘xxxxx.csv’?” (where xxxxx is the import file name), select Yes.
   
   
    


10. A Save As window will then appear.  Ensure Save as type is set to CSV (comma delimited).
    
    
     


11. Microsoft Excel will likely prompt to overwrite the existing file.  Select Yes.
    
    
     


12. 
    

    A compatibility warning may then appear.  Select Yes.
    
    
    
    NOTE:  If for any reason the file needs to be re-edited after it has been saved and closed, all dates must be reformatted as the structure for the date columns will be set incorrectly each time the file is opened in Microsoft Excel.

NOTE: The export template shipped with Expedition 10.x is not formatted correctly for import. 

To correct this:

1. Download the attached R_CUSTOM1.PBL
    


2. 
   

   Copy the report r_export_packages_submittals_corrected from R_CUSTOM1.pbl to the PBL used for Submittals (by default, R_SUBMTL.PBL)
   For instructions on how to copy a report from one pbl to another see solution 2003819165040:  “How to: Copy a Report from one PBL to another PBL - Infomaker 7.0″
   



3. 
   

   Log into Expedition Administration and Import Reports & Forms
   
   



4. When selecting an export template, use this new one, r_export_packages_submittals_corrected, instead of r_export_packages_submittals.
   

NOTE: The default export template has been corrected in version 11.0 and later, so no changes are necessary for new installations from that point forward.