Import Application Data

Owned by Eleanor Brodie
Last updated: Sept 17, 2024 by Zoe Baldwin

Overview

Use the Import Data window to load table data that has been exported from a different PhixFlow instance. For example, when you import a new application to your production instance, you may want to populate it with the latest data from a different application.

Before importing data, you must ensure:

  • the table(s) already exist in the target PhixFlow instance

  • the tables are empty. PhixFlow cannot import data into a table that already contains some data. 

    In this case, we recommend using Configuration Export to export the tables themselves and then import them into the target instance; see Export Configuration.

How to Import Data

To import a zip file of table data that has been exported from another PhixFlow instance:

  1. Click the  Administration icon, in the top right of the PhixFlow header bar
  2. Select  Import then Data
  3. PhixFlow opens the Import Data window and a file manager window, where you can browse for the zip file
    1. To choose a different file, click Select to reopen the file manager window
  4. If you exported the file using a password to encrypt the data, the password must be entered
  5. Click Import Data and PhixFlow imports the data and populates the tables

Troubleshooting Data Import

Data Import Failing Immediately

Check the System Console for error messages related to problems writing to the temp or upload directories.

Resolution

  1. Click the  Administration icon, in the top right of the PhixFlow header bar.
  2. Select System → Configuration.
  3. In the System Directories section, add directories to: 
    • Temporary File Location
    • File Upload Directory 

If locations for these directories are already set, contact your administrator and ask for PhixFlow to have permission to write to them.

Data Not Appearing in the Tables

Check the System Console for error messages related to tables that already contain data. PhixFlow skips these as it can only import into empty tables.

Resolution

  • Either remove data from the affected tables then run the import again.
  • Or use Export Configuration to export the tables themselves and then import these.

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